Do you ever get so overwhelmed?

[Idiosyncratic]

That you think about quitting? My AP instructor is also my Micro instructor. She is the epitome of frustrating. But I'm not going to sit here and blame her.

I'm doing OK this semester, hanging on to my A-, but I'm starting to have a change or some thing. The nature of how cut throat it is to get into the nursing program is terrifying. I'm not a very competitive person academically, and I study a good...50 hours or more a week. And it's insane the amount that I study. I know this way works for me, because normally I'm a B student - always have been. And I have A- in both classes.

I'm just wondering if I'm alone? If anyone else gets terrified of how perfect we have to be just to get in? I frequently cry/freak out/get upset, etc. it is extremely overwhelming and sometimes I wonder if it IS worth it for the amount of stress.

I also have two small children(3 and 1.5), am getting divorced, but he takes care of the kids all the time so I can study. I rarely ever have time to just sit and play with my kids.

Sorry I guess this is a bit more of a vent than anything...

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

Don't be sorry! You have to let it out, this is a good place to do it. What works best for me is to just allow myself to feel whatever it is I want to feel, express it out loud or in some physical way, then pick myself up and keep trying. Today I am really struggling with my math work and I can't take A&P and Stats if I don't get past the math I'm in now (everything is timed accordingly so I can apply next fall, one mistake and I have to wait another year to apply). I've hit a mental wall, I can not understand the work and I feel so *bleeping* stupid. I spent a good hour crying about it. Spent some time on here and now I'm about to try again. I also won't be getting much of a winter break, I'll be taking a 3 week course. You're instructor sounds like a real piece of work but honestly I think you should block her out. What she's doing and saying is not helpful and if it's causing this much stress you have to ignore her. Roll your eyes if that's what it will take to block her words. While it's true that admissions are competitive worrying about it won't change it. Concern your mind with doing your best work and achieving the grade you want. You should also take a beat and give yourself a treat. Something, anything, because you can't keep going until you de-stress and recompose your self. I know you are in a scary position but all you can do is keep truckin' and do your best, control what you can and let everything else fall into line based on your accomplishments.

You make a good point. I've been ignoring her lately. I'll bring my tablet in to watch the powerpoints while she talks, since she only uses them for the exams. But I'm not doing as well as I wish. I guess if I get out with an A- I'll be happy. As of now though, I'm also in her class for Micro, which is a 48 page study guide. I'm on page 26 and have 439 flash cards so far. No hints on how to make it shorter either.. Oi vey! lol. I'm just tired, overwhelmed, sad, irritated, and just generally exhausted with life. BUT, the semester is almost over. Thank goodness!

[PapaBearRN, BSN]

Hate to scare you even more but nursing school is a lot harder than any of the pre reqs. What is your escape? How do you relieve your stress?

[DadStudentPerhaps]

Yes... I have definitely felt overwhelmed. For me, taking a break from what Im doing, then coming back to it later has helped. You just need to keep your ultimate goal in mind and push yourself when you are feeling like there is not enough hours in the day.

[MissCris]

I totally understand how you feel, I have a 3 year old daughter and I feel like I never see her! I'm home with her in the mornings but for most of that time I'm trying to read or study in between playing. Then it's off to work at noon and then to school until 8 pm. I feel sad that she's at such a tender and sweet age and I'm not able to "soak it all in" so to speak, but I also think about my parents and how they struggled financially. They weren't able to follow their dreams. My mom likes her job, but she sacrificed a lot of time that could have been spent further educating herself and instead stayed home with my brother and I. Being in school and the idea of being a nurse gives me a strong sense of purpose, and I want my daughter to see a woman who works hard and is passionate about what she does. That's what keeps me going. Being a role model for her and giving her the financially stability I didn't have growing up.

Oh, and yes, I do feel overwhelmed. I read the "stats" on this board of other students who have gotten into the program I want, and wonder if I'll be able to compete. I cried after an A&P quiz I took last week, because I felt like I worked so hard but knew I did not perform as well as I thought I would. I had a complete mental breakdown one day in the middle of my chemistry class over the summer. It's all worth it though, as others have said, when you look at the big picture.