Burned out - thinking about jobbing out at LPN

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

So, the title pretty much says it all. I went to go see my Doc and was diagnosed w/ MDD and given Zoloft. I am so done and burned out with school right now and I don't know how I will ever get through the rest of this semester, let alone the next two.
I guess I am thinking about just getting a clinic job and applying at a more local tech college for the LPN - ADN program and finish, but it will be about two years before I would get back in. If I stay in my current program I will finish with the ADN-RN program in December 2009. I just don't know how to get my energy and motivation back for school.
I am just feeling like a failure for wanting out right now, and I keep thinking that I have dedicated so much of my life to get to this point. I just don't know what to do. Some of the irritation comes with the fact that I will make less as an LPN in clinic than I could as a CNA working full time NOCs in the hospital that I already have about three years of seniority in. I cannot fathom another two years of being a CNA, and then another year of school after that. I am sorry, but I am overwhelmed right now and am hoping for some perspective. Anything would be great. Thank you.

So sorry you are feeling this way. Nursing school is tough, but you have come so far with an end in sight. If it were me I would start the zoloft and give it some time to work. You will probably start feeling better in a couple of weeks.

I felt this way the last year of my LPN program. I had to push myself through each and every day. But I did it and now I have been accepted to the LPN to RN bridge. So the insanity starts again:wink2:.

Just keep trudging forward!! Thats what I would do if it was me.

The best of luck with your decision.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

Give the Zoloft time to reach a therapeutic level before you make any decisions you may regret. Hope everything works out well in the end.

missjennmb · Nov 10, 2008

I concur w/ the previous posters. Give your zoloft some time to work and don't make any rash decisions. You will be SO PROUD of yourself once you get to the other end of this journey! I know it seems tough, and I am going through some similar issues in debating if I want to continue to my RN after my LPN, so I completely understand. There are those in my life whom I respect, and one such individual who really knows her stuff medically urged me strongly not to give up on this, because of the increased amount of opportunities and rewards of being an RN compared to an LPN (not that being an LPN is bad, but if you can get it all out of the way NOW you won't ever have to look back). You don't want 10 years to go by, or 5, and think "what if" ya know? Another point too, is that once you get your ADN, you don't ever have to walk back into a brick and mortar school building for the rest of your life if you don't want to, and you'll still be set. You can even continue your education and take it as far as you want to go without ever taking brick and mortar classes, depending on what route you chose to take. So think of it this way... not only are you setting yourself up for a better life NOW, if you get through, but you're also opening a door WIDE OPEN for any opportunities you may want to take as time goes on. If you chose not to stay with bedside nursing after a time, you could always go back and get your MSN in Healthcare Administration or Nurse Educator and you would have those options. Stopping and going to work as an LPN for less money than you make now seems more like going backwards than forward.

Big hugs to you. I know nursing school is really tough and I wish you all the best in this. You are SO close!! Count the days remaining if you have to. Get a hobby outside of school or plan some really fun time this upcoming holiday. Thankfully you'll get a couple of breaks from it in the next two months w/ Thanksgiving and Xmas, so maybe it will all seem a little less frustrating after that. Just don't do anything rash! That you have made it this far is a testament to you, and many have not come so far. Be proud of yourself and be kind to yourself. You can do this!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

I would stay.

I can tell you that, as someone who worked as an LPN while completing the RN via distance learning, you will be quite burned from the realities of being an LPN. A lot of responsibility, no authority, not a lot more pay than the CNA's, who also work too hard for too little.

Hang in there at least through the end of the semester and then take some "me" time. Regenerate. And as others have said, allow the SSRI time to work.

And good luck. I'm another xanax-taking, SSRI-lovin' testament to their efficacy.

:)

chevyv, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

I felt the same way around 3rd semester. I just wanted to be done and couldn't find any motivation to go on. I agree with getting the Zoloft into your system. What worked for me was to take it one class at a time and when that got to feel overwhelming, I took it one day at a time.

After that semester ended, I felt a bit better. I will graduate May 2009 (and I'm a part timer) and only have my last clinical and preceptorship to go as of Jan 2009. There is a light and the end of the road is in sight. I'm very happy I didn't stop and work as a LPN. I was so burnt out that I did take my pn boards, never worked as a LPN, and just continued on. I guess I wanted something to fall back on if I really couldn't make it. I had to rethink my goals and why I was in the nursing program. I decided to keep my eyes on the prize and do it.

Find something that can motivate you. I used to tell myself "Just keep your eyes on the prize and this class will be done". It worked of me because it helped my stay grounded. Nursing school is so difficult, but you're here and there is so much support. I'm getting through it, but I can so relate to how your feeling now. If you can tie an knot and hang on, please do it. Good luck

NoviceRN10 · Nov 10, 2008

What about your program is burning you out? Do you allow yourself time to just veg? Being a stressed out nursing student is normal, ask anyone around you! You are almost halfway done, I wouldn't stop now :nono: . I applaud you for going to your doctor and addressing your feelings/needs with him. I would definately let the Zoloft kick in (which can take a couple-four weeks) and then reevaluate your feelings.