Death and Nursing

[Crew2Nursing]

Last week my sister died unexpectedly in a horrific accident and now I am having the hardest time finding the motivation to study.

Has anyone else gone though this during Nursing school and how did you overcome the immense pressure of school with guilt, depression, etc....

My teachers gave me a break and I am thankful but, I am having to take care of my parents while working full time and attending school full time. I am so burnt out emotionally, physically, and spirituality.

My grades have slipped from my 4.0 to a 3.2..... I am so numb still and just kind find the motivation I once had?.... Any tips/help from others who have lost someone?

[smf0903]

((((Hugs)))) I am so sorry for your loss

My dad fell ill at the end of my second and into the third semester of nursing school. He had pneumonia and while in the hospital he had a dissected AAA. He was in and out of the hospital and nursing home for 2 months before he passed away. It's tough, trying to balance not only your time but also dealing with the emotional aspect of it all. Guilt was a big one...when I was at school/clinical I felt like I should be with my dad, when I was with my dad I knew I should be studying...I guess I ended up just riding it out more than anything. I CAN tell you that my grades took a hit during that time, and when I got toward the end of the semester and studying for finals I seriously remembered almost NONE of the material from that time period.

I don't really know what to tell you, but I wanted you to know that there are others who have been through similar and made it. Since this was something unexpected and very recent I would imagine it's going to take some time to adjust to the reality of it all. I wish I had some grand words of wisdom, but I don't. I will keep you and my family in my thoughts and prayers (((Hugs)))

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Well.. you need to make a decision. First would your sister want you to quit? Would it matter? You..as well as almost everyone..will have situations that will cause us sadness and despair. What you control is how you react to it. You must decide how you will tackle challenging situations. Do not use anything as an excuse to not do well in school. If you want to quit then quit. You have that right. You also have the right to be sad and have no motivation. However I bet if you ask people in your class if any of them have had tough situations most have. My parents abandoned me as a kid and I literally grew up dead broke. It was horrible in ways I cannot describe, however I used it as motivation to excel. I am not saying I am right and anyone else is wrong. I am saying we must learn to navigate challenging times if we choose to be a nurse. If you decide not to that is your right and only you can decide.