Cold feet?

[steph07]

Hi all!

I'm in need for some guidance.. Has anyone gotten cold feet or have you contemplated if nursing is for you while going through the program? I'm feeling a little discouraged at this point and I feel so alone. I'm on the edge of throwing in the towel. I figured I could find some people who have or could relate to me...

This is my story..

I am a single mom of 3 so going to school alone is a challenging road. They are my motivation because I want to give them the best life I can. For the past 5 years I have worked on my pre reqs to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse. I've definitely had some bumps in the road. I've had been in an emotionally abusive relationship that was hard to break free from since we had 3 children together but I finally got away from it. I had failed the TEAS at my first school of choice TWICE by one question each time. In the middle of transferring schools I had developed epilepsy. One day I just dropped and had a grand mal seizure then another a half hour later. After lots of tests that took a long time and several other episodes of seizures they finally diagnosed me with Adult Onset Epilepsy. Fortunately I have found a medication that has worked great and I have been seizure free for 3 years now! Yay!! After I felt healed enough I transferred and took the HESI and passed first time with good scores. I was admitted a year and a half later into their nursing program! It was one of the happiest moments I've had. I felt really proud of myself ������ I had a rough transition. The exams are very different then what I was used to so that was adjustment alone. I had failed my math calc exam by one question (you need a 90 to pass) but then got every question right the second time. I had to redo my catheter insertion check off because I broke sterile field but did good the second try and passed. I did the best I could despite having some bad personal issues that had happened half way through. After my final I had found out I failed the class by 0.4% (you must pass with an 80%) was completely devastated because of how close I was. I was readmitted and am about to restart my whole first semester which means I also have to repeat my clinicals and lab check offs as well. I'm trying SO hard to remain positive but I'm so exhausted and unmotivated because I have to redo the semester. I'm losing my confidence because the first time was very difficult for me. I completely understand that nursing is a very hard field to pursue. After all of the failures I've had so far I'm starting to question if nursing is for me. Am I getting cold feet? Or am I maybe thinking of giving up too easy? Am I focusing too much on the negative challenges I've had? I would love to hear some stories like mine to gain some encouragement and help me think positively about giving it a second shot or maybe find something to help me feel better with whatever decision I make. I'm very confused ������

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You need to discuss this with your academic advisor. Your second attempt should be much easier.

As you are a little weak in the math area, get a tutor to buff that up.

EVERYBODY messes up on their female catheter insertion attempt, some instructors know this.. and will still pass you. It is freaking impossible to maintain sterile technique in real life.

(Future posters. please spare me on your thoughts on that).

I encourage you try one more time. I think you have what it takes.

[OscarTheOwl]

Did I question if nursing was for me in school? Only almost every single day.

I took the long road through pre reqs also, my kids were infants and it was HARD. The feelings you're having are totally normal. I agree that the second time around should be much easier.

I broke sterile field on clinical check offs in skills lab. I was mortified, but I got a sitter for an extra hour three times a week and practiced that skill until I could do it blind folded. You can do it, trust me.

So glad to hear your illness is in check, what a scary thing to deal with during such a stressful time in your life. Be proud of where you are, everyone has bumps in the road.

Good luck!