Full time BSN program, LVN noc shift, and single mom question

Hi missnursexoxo,

It sounds like you're under a metric ton of stress. I've been there. I worked full-time as an LPN while in my RN program while caring for my partner who had stage II breast cancer that was very aggressive and metastasized. I'd go to class for 8-10 hours a day, spend the evenings with her at the hospital (she had many complications from chemo/radiation) work evenings and weekends, sleep at some point. I was grinding my teeth so hard my jaw ached, sleep-deprived, depressed, losing weight, the works.

There was no way any of this was healthy for me--but it was also temporary. I finished my RN program. Not at the top of my class, but that was okay. I did what I set out to do. Only you can make the call if this is too much or if you can push through.

If you decide to continue, I will say the biggest mistake I made during that hellish year was not ask for help. I did not tell anyone at work or school about my personal situation, not wanting or look "weak" to make excuses. People noticed I looked exhausted and was withdrawn and pale. My partner died a semester before graduation, and I refused to take a break. Life didn't feel worth living anymore. Finally, it caught up with me mid-way through the semester when I had a breakdown in the school hallway. Luckily my school had a resource for mental health, and I was referred for some excellent grief counseling.

People want to help. People give a you-know-what. People care. Even if your unit is not supportive, someone at school must be. Your academic advisor or school counselor is a great place to start. There is no shame whatsoever in taking a break, or pushing through. It's all up to you. Either way, you can do it. Best of luck.