Feeling very overwhelmed and scared

OrthoFNP · Feb 10, 2009

Of course it does. It is hard to stay focused all the time. Maybe you are getting a little burned out. Try to take a break for a bit and regroup. I too have been burned out in the past.

monkeykiss · Feb 11, 2009

Hi Rholman,

I started school yesterday and I am taking 18 full credits for spring. It does gets really hard especially with being a single parent. My son is turning 2 soon -terrible two-...but you will get through this phase, just take it one day at a time.

As for the reading/studying, have you tried SQ3R's...It worked well for me, I find reading text over and over again tiring as well, and nothing stays after all.

So I started practicing SQ3R's and it did wonders, especially the reciting part, although my neighbors probably think I am crazy for talking about biology to my 22mo old son...lol..

Good luck.

OrthoFNP · Feb 11, 2009

What does SQ3R's mean??? I need all the help memorizing I can get. :)

monkeykiss · Feb 11, 2009

Hi Ktothek,

It's study, question, read, recite & review.

I usually study the chapter summary, then go over the summary test and see if I can answer most of the questions, if not, then I go over and read just the stuff that it is not clear to me. Then the fun part of reciting it to someone, kindda like telling a story to a friend about what I learn in that particular chapter, this is really helpful because it feels like you are just telling a story so its not taxing on your brain...lol...and then the night before the test, I just review my notes.

If there is one thing I learn from Law school; you don't have to read the entire book to get the concept of what is in it, matter of factly, you are most likely to absorb less information if you study this way, because you are tiring out your brain.

Hope this will help. Good luck.

MrsTLC · Feb 11, 2009

Wow.... I feel EXACTLY the same way you do.

BioMedical Ethics is interesting, but I can't seem to grasp the depth of the philosophy being taught. I always understood ethics to be more "common sense" so all this extra

hoop-la" is overwhelming me.

Then there is my Advanced Composition. It's business based so they are going through a book in economics. SOO boring. I can't seem to focus in this class - and I am keeping a B average in it. Not what I want. I am trying my best to make it interesting, but it's just not working for me.

If you want a "vent" buddy - I am right with you. I have an active 14 year old son, and a 12 year old step son. My mother lives with my husband and I since she is disabled (we take care of her).... so our plate is kinda full too. Plus I work full time.

Ugh! :) I think we both need a hug.

OrthoFNP · Feb 11, 2009

monkeykiss,

Love the advice! Thanks so much! I do that sort of. I took 4 online pre-reqs. It was definately a challenge. I took both A&P's online and had to teach myself. I guess I did a lot of that. I agree with the whole reciting stufff. I always do that and act like I am telling my 4 year old nephew. He LOVES it. When I was taking classes he used to tell everyone he was busy he was studying. He is a hoot. Now he tells everyone he wants to be a doctor. It is nice to have some good study pointers. Thanks so much!

rholman · Feb 11, 2009

thank everyone for the replies.

I feel so stressed, maybe I am a little burned out but it's only my 3rd semester. I only enrolled in 2 classes so I wouldn't be overwhelmed. Tonight I have been working on my math homework. I have 5 days before my psy test, so I will review a chapter a night. I will try the SQ3R's technique. Hopefully I will be prepared.

As I mentioned I recently adopted a puppy and she is taking up so much of my time. So I am feeling extra stressed. What was I thinking! I might have to give her up... :icon_roll

WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2009

I would suggest just trying one class. If you don't want to drop one this semester because of cost issues, then maybe next semester enroll in only 1. You probably just need a little break, and a teeny amount of time for yourself. There is no way that you have that with the load you have now. Pushing yourself to your absolute max will only burn you out. I know you probably want to get through your pre-reqs. as quickly as possible, but you don't want to be burnt out before you get to the hardest part (the actual nursing program!).

Good luck! I'm sure you will figure out what is right and best for you and your family.

rholman · Feb 11, 2009

I would suggest just trying one class. If you don't want to drop one this semester because of cost issues, then maybe next semester enroll in only 1. You probably just need a little break, and a teeny amount of time for yourself. There is no way that you have that with the load you have now. Pushing yourself to your absolute max will only burn you out. I know you probably want to get through your pre-reqs. as quickly as possible, but you don't want to be burnt out before you get to the hardest part (the actual nursing program!).
Good luck! I'm sure you will figure out what is right and best for you and your family.

You are absolutely correct. I don't have any time for myself and I am feeling tired all the time. I was trying to finish my pre-reqs so I can apply to nursing school Spring of 2010. Maybe I should consider 1 class at a time. Ugg!

WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2009

You are absolutely correct. I don't have any time for myself and I am feeling tired all the time. I was trying to finish my pre-reqs so I can apply to nursing school Spring of 2010. Maybe I should consider 1 class at a time. Ugg!

Trust me, "ugg!" is definitely my sentiment about it too, because that's the way I have been taking my pre-reqs for the last 2 1/2 semesters. However, doing it that way keeps me sane. Given my perfectionistic tendencies, I know I would drive myself nuts if I tried to juggle any more than that with the job I have. The way I see it, you have to live life as if there is no guarentee of tomorrow. If you are stressed out and upset all the time in an effort to attain some goal 2, 3, or even 4 years down the line, then you aren't living like that. That isn't to discount the importance of hard work and dedication to achieve future goals, but there is a difference between that and being miserable/borderline miserable, constantly telling yourself, "I'll be happy when..." I came to this realization about a year ago, and it has really changed my life, as clique as that sounds.

Again, good luck to you. I'm glad that you are seeking out support on these boards, but am also hoping that you are making the time to sustain and develop "real life" supports as well. Those relationships are really crutical to your overall well being, but I'm sure you know that.

rholman · Feb 11, 2009

If you are stressed out and upset all the time in an effort to attain some goal 2, 3, or even 4 years down the line, then you aren't living like that. That isn't to discount the importance of hard work and dedication to achieve future goals, but there is a difference between that and being miserable/borderline miserable, constantly telling yourself, "I'll be happy when..." I came to this realization about a year ago, and it has really changed my life, as clique as that sounds.

It's funny you mention that because last weekend I was thinking the same thing. I have been very head strong about completing Nursing School by the age of 45 and so I have been putting pressure to complete these classes along with getting A's to maintain a 4.0 to increase my chances of being accepted. The motivation has been that I will be HAPPY when I leave this miserable job and start my new career. Guess what.. in the mean time life is passing me by every day and there is no guarantee I will be here in the next hour. I didn't think it would be this hard and I haven't even taken my sciences classes yet. I HAD planned on taking Biology and A&P I during the summer and A& P II with Mico for the fall. I might have to revist this strategy. :bugeyes: