Depressed 1st semester student

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I am half way through my 1st semester. Doing well. All A's thus far. Have been working my behind off to get those grades. Just started my first clinical rotation. And now I am depressed. I am a non traditional 41 year old returning to college for a second career student. I have a family 2 kids and husband. I am exhausted. I am starting to second guess my desire to do this. Just had my first clinical experience last week. I did fine, but now am anxious and nervous to return for the next three days. I need someone to tell me it will be worth it in the end. Right now I am considering quitting....because if I am this anxious with 1st semester stuff how am I going to make it through 4 semesters!?

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It's going to be a long-haul, but if you want it bad enough, you'll do it. You can get through it, just remind yourself of all the reasons why you wanted to be a nurse to begin with! Also use your husband and children as part of your motivation. Where do you go to school at?

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Thanks for the kind words. I am in an ADN program in Wisconsin.

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BTW, my husband has been very supportive. Kids think I am nuts for going back to school. They are teenagers though, and can't wait to be done with school. I just want to do well and make all of them proud. I sometimes I feel as though I am failing as a wife and mother just trying to balance everything has been an adjustment.

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I understand. I am a single 20 year old mother of a 1 year old trying to do it all on my own, and guess what, I AM! Your kids will be so proud of you when you're done, of course your husband will be too, but most importantly you will be SO proud if yourself! Keep your head high. It's adjustment, but you'll figure out how to work with it, just like everything else that gets thrown at you in life you just learn to deal with it and keep going. In my opinion, I think you'll be more upset if you quit especially if you truly wanted to be a nurse! You can do it!! Breathe, and trust yourself.

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And failing as a mother/wife? Absolutely not! As I can image, your family is your life, and by improving your life/career, you are also improving theirs! Don't be so hard on yourself!

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You are a rock star in my eyes. You are valiant for taking on this enormous task of becoming a professional nurse ... ON TOP of being a mother. You're cognizant of your feelings and your limitations as a first semester student, you are aware of the work it's going to take. I can tell you're grounded and your head isn't in the clouds.

Will this be tough? Heck yeah!

Will you cry in the utility closet sometimes? Of course!

Will you miss out on some family time? Possibly!

But you know what? There's nothing some good organization, time management, time for yourself, and encouragement can't get you through.

I say this with all sincerity... you've got support here! Also, reach out to your fellow student nurses. Reach out to your family.

Give yourself "me time". Do what you enjoy. Crochet, woodwork, fishing, reading, gardening.

Eating Chinese food? (My guilty stress relief ... lol).

(((((HuGS)))))

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If you don't mind me asking, I'm just curious how come you think your failing as a wife & or a mother? My program has at least 10 or 15 moms in it alone & honestly I wish I could relate but I can't because I'm a guy but I give tons of respect to all the mothers out & people who work throughout nursing school, especially to support there family.

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It's worth it! I am a 36 year old non-traditional student, wife and mom to 8 kids. It's really hard, some days you'll want to quit. Some days you'll cry. You just have to focus on the short term, next test, next project due. The time will pass and you will make it! I graduate in 37 days and I am so thrilled that I didn't quit or give up. You can do it!

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I know how you feel...I'm a father to 2 children, 5 and 3. My wife is a stay at home mom so in addition to doing school full time I work full time and try and find time for my family. It's HARD but well worth it in my opinion, you just have to push through. By the way, where in WI are you taking classes...I'm in WI myself.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Ugh, mom guilt! Yes, been there! My son was 5 when I graduated from nursing school. I felt like I missed EVERYTHING (though I really didn't), I was always gone, or absent even if I was home. I totally neglected my very understanding husband. I had my share of breakdowns, at least one per semester. You are not alone! Was it all worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The value is a very individual feeling, and of course, we can't determine that for you, but if you really want this, you can do it. You've made it this far! I have known for a very long time I wanted to be a nurse, but first semester totally made me doubt my own capabilities. First semester is truly a beating. It is SO overwhelming, you're realizing the gravity of everything to come, and it can really take its toll. Be patient, know that everyone in your class is likely feeling the same way, regardless of their home situation, and take it one day at a time.

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Oh and OP if it makes a difference I don't know of anyone who didn't question their motives during the first (or first 10! !) Clinical. In my experience it takes quite some time before you feel like you belong there and maybe it doesn't happen ever in certain places. But it becomes more natural. As for your kids I bet all they see is their mom kicking ass and being a good example.

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