Exhausted... lost all momentum... one more to go...

favthing, APRN · Jul 20, 2011

A nursing instructor during our nursing school orientation gave the story of boiling water needing 212F, that at 211F it's not boiling water...the point of one degree making all the difference, and even if we work to the point of expecting results, its meaningless essentially unless you finish it to standard and completion.

I'm waiting for the state to process my request to take the NCLEX at this time, and I still think of that little story to keep me going.

Also, it helped to think how fortunate I was to have a place in nursing school, as nerdy as that is! But, true.

Keep one day at a time, and count them to the end of the semester if you have to.

Good luck!

pitaya · Jul 20, 2011

I feel the same way! Just less than a month to go here, but I don't want to do anything anymore. I'm tired. So tired.

metroishka · Jul 20, 2011

Lisa1980, I have been watching your posts (stalking maybe?) because I am in the process of applying and enrolling in the same program. I have admired your enthusiasm and followed your progress (hmm, sounds like I AM stalking! lol) Anyway, YOU CAN DO IT! You have to do it, because if you can't then I'm not even gonna start! Go girl!

grpman · Jul 20, 2011

Lol, I've got nothing for ya. No advice at all. But I do hope you make it. Anyways, let us know how you cope b/c I might need to use your techniques later...lol.

Certifiable, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

You are not going crazy. It's a known phenomenon-- it's called "avirat sof kurs-אס"ק"--- it's the end of course feeling- just when you should be going hammer and nails to complete something, you feel the most blas'e (uninterested).

Go out, do some sport, stick a big sheet of paper on the wall infront of your desk that says "I WILL FINISH MY PAPER/ I WILL NOT FAIL THIS PAPER/ ONE PAPER TO BSN!... etc'... then sit down at said desk and get cracking!

Goodluck!

tech1000 · Jul 20, 2011

That happened during my ASN on my 2nd to last semester. I would wake up, study, sleep, study, sleep. Sleep sleep sleep and do nothing else really. I was so exhausted and tired of doing it, but I still had that ASN degree to push me along. You're this close. I doubt anything will rejuvenate you, but just try and keep talking yourself into finishing it, even if you don't care about it right now. One day, it'll matter to you that you have your BSN, so keep that in mind.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

I graduated last year from my BSN, and I had to attend summer school after clinicals to complete a course. The last 2 months I was sooo sick of school, but I literally forced myself. You're almost done so keep going :)

Lisa1980 · Jul 22, 2011

I'm planning on working some tonight on this. Thanks, for all your advice. I know I can do it. I've worked very hard to get to this point; of course I will never give up. Just can't wait for it to be over.

I do plan on going on for my MSN; but I have to take some time off in between.

again thanks all!!

metroishka · Jul 22, 2011

Since WGU is continuous enrollement, how does it work taking time off? Also, did you enroll in RN-MSN or RN-BSN? I'm having a hard time understanding (from my enrollment advisor) the reasons for not enrolling in the BSN initially then switching over to the MSN toward the end, if I want to. Ultimately I want my MSN, but I am leary to commit to the MSN program in case I get burnt out. Which is better- RN-BSN, then switching to MSN if I want, OR enroll in RN-MSN, but possibly stop at the BSN if I get tired? I can't get a clear understanding of this and it seems like a big deal to the enrollment counselor. Thanks

butterfly134 · Jul 22, 2011

Imagine if you didnt get ur BSN after all the hard work,effort and money that you put in. All the hours during clinicals too. Bet you don't feel so great after imagining that! Let that be your motivation to continue and work hard. Its tough, its hard and it really is exhausting but it WILL be worth it and deep down you know that too! best of luck! :)

sandanrnstudent · Jul 22, 2011

A nursing instructor during our nursing school orientation gave the story of boiling water needing 212F, that at 211F it's not boiling water...the point of one degree making all the difference, and even if we work to the point of expecting results, its meaningless essentially unless you finish it to standard and completion. !

I just want to say that I LOVE FINDING LITTLE TREASURES ON ALLNURSES SUCH AS THIS! It's already typed and going to be posted on my bedroom wall (in front of my desk) very soon!

Thank you for letting knowledge like this be shared!

And to the original post, I have a quote that I feel is very important and that is, "Reflect what you wish to see" ~L.Brake It sounds so simple when you put it into words such as this. I know it is beyond simple and the dredge of each day seems bigger than the tank of gas you've got fueling yourself, but I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS! We all KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS! You are not the first who has felt like this, nor will you be the last. But put yourself two months down the road. Do you want to see all your money, efforts, and time go to waste? You've only got one shot. Don't do it for the potential increase in salary. Do it as a stepping stone to your dreams, for yourself!

As a sidenote, its funny that the above quote about boiling water is attached to this situation you are in. Did you know that when water boils (and when it freezes), under the same stimulus (ie stove on the same setting), the water holds the temp of 212*F (and 32F for freezing) for longer than at the other respective temp. changes? Once you get THAT ONE DEGREE you can sit there for longer before increasing temperature (going for your MSN).

Keep the faith and just reflect what you wish to see. If you don't want to see a 4-year degree ATTEMPTED and gone to waste, then find it deep within you to climb this mountain, clean and bandage your wounds, and accomplish what you set out to do! I'm here for you 110%

Please keep us posted!

sandanrn