First week of Nursing School and I am off to a bad start...Help!

2bNurseCai · Aug 29, 2012

First of all, I am so, so sorry to hear about your brother. I can't even imagine what you must be going through.

As for school, have you considered putting it off a semester to give yourself time to deal with his death? If that is not possible, have you spoken with your professors and let them know the situation? I can't imagine that they wouldn't be understanding in this situation.

Whatever you decide to do, best of luck!

tokebi · Aug 29, 2012

I am very sorry. First of all, if it's been a week since the school started, there's still plenty room to catch up -- no need to panic. But no matter what, please take care of yourself first. Nursing school will always be there. Your sanity and health may not.

amoLucia · Aug 29, 2012

So sorry for your loss. As for school, go to your Dean (or guidance counselor) ASAP if you haven't already. See what they recommend or if they can cut you some slack. Best wishes and good luck to you. :hug:

Jamaicandol · Aug 29, 2012

So, the moment I have been waiting for (Nursing School), started last week and I am already off to a bad start. I need advice to help me get on track fast. Nursing school started last week and the day after it started I had a family tragedy when my brother comitted suicide. So dealing with this and the funeral has gotten me off track and has kept me from getting ANYTHING done. I know we just started but I am panicking because I am already behind. I cannot focus myself at the moment and I am asking for some help to point me in the right direction. Any suggestions?

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My grandma died while I was in school and it tore me apart. I continued with my classes because I knew if I stop attending classes it would be even worst. I didn't want to be left with time on my hands to think endlessly about her passing and it wouldn't be good for me. School was a form of distraction for me. I forced myself to think about something else. My grandma was my world and I could not cope with the reality of losing her. If you can, I would encourage you to hang in there, but if it is too much for you, please inform your Dean. I am sure she will understand and assisst you in the best way possible. My deepest regards.

PrettyLady87 · Aug 29, 2012

I have to agree with Jamaicandol, even though I don't know what it's like to lose a loved one while going through an intense program, I have observed among my peers (including myself) that keeping yourself busy helps to deal with depression and sadness. The only thing I've lost this yr was an ******* boyfriend, and while I should feel relieved (which I kind of do), and happy, I'm still very angry. But I'm glad that I have school coming up to help me stay distracted and focused on something else! Be strong, I'm sure your brother wouldn't want you to lose out on a dream...however, if after therapeutic methods you still feel incapable of staying focused, then please take the time off; you don't want to completely cast out this opportunity forever. Even in these grim times, you should feel proud of yourself that you're still willing to try!

mom_coach_nurse, LPN · Aug 29, 2012

I just wanted to say I'm so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you're going through, but I hope you find peace. And good luck with school. (((hugs)))

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 29, 2012

PLEASE share this information with your dean and instructors.

And please, take the time to take care of yourself. Blessings

caughtbuckinoff · Aug 29, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure that if you speak to your dean he or she will be happy to help you in whatever way you need it.

If your school has a therapist, you should try and speak to them as well. I lost my mother when I was younger and was just recently divorced and was able to speak to a wonderful therapist to get me through both events. It was very helpful and I always left feeling stronger than when I went in.

Once again, I'm so sorry. =(

CordaeP · Aug 29, 2012

I am sorry for you loss. Maybe you can find a ray of light in the darkness. Once you get back focused you will work extremely hard to care for others. Since you have experienced such a tragedy, you will be able to tell your story to a patient or their family to help them move past something a bad situation. It is okay to grieve. Nursing school and being around people will help you to occupy you mind with something positive.

bunnyfungo · Aug 30, 2012

I want to say I am so sorry for your loss. I can relate. My father committed suicide after he was diagnosed with ALS and it was the first day of school. As others have said, please go talk with your teachers. Also, does your school have any mental health professionals available to you? I spoke with a counselor for free and it really helped me to work through all of the mixed emotions you have when someone chooses to end their own life. School really helped me to not sink into a deep depression. And I ended the term with a 4.0 because studying helped keep my mind off of everything else. Just remember to put yourself first. It's more important to heal.

Java_Wench · Aug 30, 2012

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I lost my brother in an accident/suicide in April, so I know what you are having to deal with. It will get better, I promise. In the meantime, I really suggest that you talk to your instructors and let them know what is going on. They will want to help you and they should be informed. Your school will also have counselors that you can talk too, and that may help you. And believe it or not, focusing on your school work can help too.....it will get your mind busy on other things for a little while (just don't be surprised and upset when everything bubbles up from time to time, it's part of healing/grieving). The very best wishes to you......hang in there.