I just finished with my first semester of nursing school and it was a struggle for me. I barely passed my classes. I am attending an accelerated program and I feel so dumb compared to my classmates. For some reason, I have lost interest in becoming a nurse. I am not sure if it's because of my poor grades but I have been down for a couple of months ago.
I have lost my passion and motivation to move on. Has this happened to anybody?
I have no choice but to finish the program but I know it's only going to become more difficult and I do not know how to move forward.....please help
I am going into my last semester of a two year RN program. The one thing that truly motivated me during this long, sometimes grueling journey, is focusing on the field of nursing that excites me. In my case its pediatrics. Focus on an area that gives you that feeling of "I want to be doing that." There are so many options; hospitals, offices, legal nurse consulting...picture yourself in a place that excites you and hold onto it. I know so many great people, clinically strong students who will make great nurses someday that did not pass this last semester. Receiving a "B" or "C" is not a bad thing at all..be proud you passed, truly!!
It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and unmotivated, I think it is a nursing school requirement...it happens to us all..just keep on keeping on! A year ago I never thought it would end..now just 15 weeks left!!!! That will be you too!!
You have to keep an open mind and your eyes on the goal. Long term goal is to be a nurse. For now it's to complete the next school term. Take it one school term at a time. And when you feel down and under think of (envision) that time in the future when you will be a nurse. You cannot afford to lose this vision. Think about it. Those who have made it thru nursing school didn't do it overnight.
I had problems adjusting at first to the type of questions being asked. I'm not sure if your school has it, but ours has test taking sessions where we go through NCLEX style questions as a group on the current topics being covered in our class. After a few sessions it just clicked. I needed someone to walk me through the rationales and help me adjust. If your school does not offer that kind of extra help I'd suggest trying to knock out those style of questions on your own. You also mentioned books, but not having enough time. You could always try a few questions a day or integrating it into study time. Not saying you should do it as you know yourself best, but if you do there are tons of books to choose from in regards to NCLEX style questions. Ideally you want something that is geared to your level so either get a general book that has fundamentals in it or get a fundamentals book. I personally use ATI modules along with supplementals from my nursing ebooks, but my roomie always went with the "made incredibly easy" books. Whatever you choose to do remember its only worth it if it has rationales on why it is right/wrong.
First of all, I'd like to say congratulations for completing your first semester of nursing school. Even though, you did not pass with the grades you may have wanted, still, you passed. I think you should assess the situation and see what you did wrong that you could do differently in your future classes. I think all nurses classes/schools have the people who want to be the ''center of attention", but that is okay if it seems that they know more answers than you do or understand the topic a little better. Take that as a stepping stone and move forward...start reading the chapters before the lecture or getting in a study group with the classmates who seem smarter or the ones who really understand the material. Nursing school is a team effort. You have to work with your peers in order to successfully pass (in my opinion). They may understand something you don't and vice versa. Do not let anyone or anything discourage you or deter you from your goals. Personally, I don't say much in the lectures but I excel in the clinical area of the class and my test grades are awesome. So, just because someone speaks out more doesn't necessarily mean that they are smarter and because you don't speak out as much doesn't mean that you are dumb. Make an appointment with your instructors and/or academic advisors and see if they have some pointers for you. After all, nursing school takes hard work, dedication, and commitment. Therefore, I don't think you would have started and completed it if you did not feel passionate about it. So, to answer your question, everyone has had those days where they feel like giving up, but take a step back and realize that it is not going to be easy and you have an ultimate goal that you are trying to obtain. Good luck on your future endeavors and I wish you the best!!!
YES! YES! YES! I agree with EVERYTHING you said.
To the OP, I too had a rough first semester. I had a problem with time management. I was a procrastinator, and worked two jobs. However, I was able to get an A+, A-, B, and C. Will I do what I did this semester, next semester? HELL NO. To come that close, 4 points of not passing a class is terrifying. I don't know what your home/personal life is like, but you will be okay next semester. Do just as WaitingonMyMoment has said. I will, lol.
Thank you all for the post. I lost my father to lung cancer just a few months ago. I have been through hell and back and was really close on giving up the nursing program. I took everyone's advice and with counseling, I remained in the program. I complete my semester in a week and I have passed all my classes without taking the final yet. It was very difficult but with determination, I was able to accomplish this. I graduate in July since it's an accelerated program. I am so close to the finish line, I refuse to give up. Once again, thank you for the encouraging posts. If I can make it, anybody can. xoxoxo
java12
37 Posts
I am going into my last semester of a two year RN program. The one thing that truly motivated me during this long, sometimes grueling journey, is focusing on the field of nursing that excites me. In my case its pediatrics. Focus on an area that gives you that feeling of "I want to be doing that." There are so many options; hospitals, offices, legal nurse consulting...picture yourself in a place that excites you and hold onto it. I know so many great people, clinically strong students who will make great nurses someday that did not pass this last semester. Receiving a "B" or "C" is not a bad thing at all..be proud you passed, truly!!
It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and unmotivated, I think it is a nursing school requirement...it happens to us all..just keep on keeping on! A year ago I never thought it would end..now just 15 weeks left!!!! That will be you too!!