Don't know what's going on...

Anothertry · Sep 5, 2011

Congratulations on passing the cpne!! :yeah: :yeah::yeah:I'd gladly change places with you!;)Sounds like you're still in shock. You could be mentally/physically exhausted from all the studying you did prior to the cpne. :twocents:

dslpninla · Sep 5, 2011

I felt the same way... I passed aug 26-28. I think we are feeling burnt out and over stressed. I thought i would cry and have a huge release of happiness but i was like thanks for the congrats paper, i just want to get out of here and get home. I still feel like i should be studying, but i think we are just so worn out honestly. I know how you are feeling bc i feel it to and i think its common. Just know you did it and get ready for boards!! Congrats!!

dslpninla · Sep 5, 2011

Btw- i love that you said debbie downer... Its a favorite SNL skit of mine.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 5, 2011

It's actually pretty common for people to feel a bit of a let down after a major accomplishment. All your mental energy and focus was invested in "doing the thing" and when that goal/focus is suddenly removed (because you are done with it), there is a "hole" in your life. It takes a while to recover from the expenditure of effort that you put into the accomplishment -- and to start looking forward again.

There may also be some let down in the realization that your experience of life on a moment-to-moment basis doesn't change dramatically when you reach your goal. The skies did not open up and shower confetti on you: you still have you bills to pay: etc. It may take a while for you to actually experience the benefits of your accomplishment -- which will help you more fully feel it and appreciate it.

Congratulations -- and good luck to you in your career ahead.

CRudlerRN · Sep 5, 2011

Thanks everyone for the comments...

dslpninla: I've got to say it's good to hear that I'm not the only one feeling like this...but it still sucks, ya know.

llg: Thank you for the explanation, hopefully I'll get out of this slump ASAP!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 5, 2011

PTSD + burnout. It's very much like hitting a brick wall at 100 mph -- you are zooming along, and suddenly you STOP! because you're done. How much of yourself did you invest in your CPNE studies? Now there is a void. It'll fill back up ... probably with NCLEX test questions. This all gets better in the rearview mirror, I promise! Congrats again. *hugs* (P.S. Sign up for your BSN! LOL)

LoopsRN2 · Sep 5, 2011

I can absolutely understand how a person would feel seriously anticlimactic after such a monumental exam, and then we still have NCLEX to worry about (I am really obsessing about not remembering all of those lab values from the LS exams, UGH!)...I really wonder what kind of shape I am going to be in by the time this is all done and what will be left of the old Annie :lol2: I have to say, the excitement and happiness I feel when I read the posts/journals from those that pass really help get me through day.

CRudlerRN · Sep 5, 2011

PTSD + burnout. It's very much like hitting a brick wall at 100 mph -- you are zooming along, and suddenly you STOP! because you're done. How much of yourself did you invest in your CPNE studies? Now there is a void. It'll fill back up ... probably with NCLEX test questions. This all gets better in the rearview mirror, I promise! Congrats again. *hugs* (P.S. Sign up for your BSN! LOL)

Lunah, everything you wrote makes sense! On my days off I would devote the first half of my day studying...now on my days off I just throw myself in front of the television. And I must say I miss studying...it was something that I knew I would/have to do. Hopefully within the next couple weeks I can get on the NCLEX bandwagon. Oh and about the BSN....next May I'm going to sign up for the RN to MSN program.

CRudlerRN · Sep 5, 2011

I can absolutely understand how a person would feel seriously anticlimactic after such a monumental exam, and then we still have NCLEX to worry about (I am really obsessing about not remembering all of those lab values from the LS exams, UGH!)...I really wonder what kind of shape I am going to be in by the time this is all done and what will be left of the old Annie I have to say, the excitement and happiness I feel when I read the posts/journals from those that pass really help get me through day.

Loops, It was such a relief when CPNE was over and I was excited on that Sunday, but in so much shock and I guess that shock has just carried along the last couple weeks...I do feel lost not having the studying routine that I had. You will get through it and it is totally worth is!

t-lo · Sep 5, 2011

crudler...are you telling me you actually miss the "red ink"?:)

and haven't you jumped onto the next challange of nclex?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 5, 2011

Oh and about the BSN....next May I'm going to sign up for the RN to MSN program.

Awesome!!! Good plan. :)