I am in my 2nd year (RN year) of a 2 year nursing program. With pre-reqs, I started in Summer 2011, then started my nursing program in January 2013. So far I have had good grades and I have been enjoying school (even with all of the stress!), but right now I feel like I am so done with studying, and I don't know how to "get my groove back!"
I was really tired of school by the time Christmas Break rolled around in 2013, and then when it started up again in January 2014 I felt like I had not recovered from the burnout. I limped along until Spring Break (last week), during which I allowed myself to be lazy, cleaned my house, and had a visit from my darling sister and niece, all of which were good things. I felt better starting classes again on Monday, but now all of the work I did NOT do during Spring Break is looming over me, and even though I have TONS to do, I just want to curl up on the couch with my husband and cats and watch TV!
Some details - I am 40 y/o, married, 2nd career nursing student. I have no kids, 4 cats, a house... so life is pretty good. I am not looking for pity, but some suggestions on how to re-energize my attitude toward school. I know it amounts to a need for self discipline, but do any of you have any advice for me? What do you do when you just don't want to study anymore (but have to)?
I've been feeling the very same lately! We started a new session this week and I have been so lazy! Spring break is next week and I hope to get some things done!
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
I'm dealing with this burn out now as I am completing my final semester of prereqs for the RN program. I also dealt with burn out about 3/4 through LVN school. Things I did/do to deal with burnout:
1. Wrote a study schedule of what needs to be done
2. Bought new study materials-- pretty pens, new binders, new notebooks
3. Made a graphic of my vision for the future incl pics of nurses, my GPA goals, my financial goals, etc so I could easily be reminded of the reasons "why" I am doing this. I posted one on my bedroom wall and another on my cover of my school binder
4. Changed up my studying. Incorporated new methods of studying into my study routines.
vintagemother - I love your suggestions! This may sound dorky, but I LOVE office supplies (highlighters, paper clips, binders, etc.). They just appeal to my desire to bring order to the universe. How did I not think of that? My hubby makes fun of me about how much I love going into a Staples store. I will definitely be making a trip there soon.
I also like the idea of making a graphic reminder of my goals! I have a large cork board up on the wall above the desk where I usually study, and I quickly filled it with things, some more inspirational than others... maybe a visible reminder of what I would like to be doing when I am an RN will help get me motivated!
Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN
314 Posts
I've been feeling the very same lately! We started a new session this week and I have been so lazy! Spring break is next week and I hope to get some things done!