so tired...

diamondmeadows, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2010

I'm sorry you're feeling so terrible. It sounds like you are under a lot of pressure. I don't know if I can truthfully say that it gets easier or better, but I can say that you get used to it. Hang in there!

addiesmom · Feb 23, 2010

You can do it! It sounds like you are doing well. I know it may be stressful, but you know in the end it will pay off. Just think how many people wish they were in your position right now, pursuing their dream in nursing school! Hang in there! :clown: All of your hard work will pay off!!!! And you will be so proud of yourself that you did this and accomplished so much!! I wish u much luck!! :)

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2010

Try short naps - 15 or 20 minutes.

knaussie · Feb 23, 2010

I know how you're feeling (a nursing student myself)...I just keep telling myself "this has to be humanly possible, others have done it before me" ...you can do it!

DizzyMissLizzy9 · Feb 23, 2010

You can do it! you sound like you are doing fine, too :) I am about to start school next year... so I guess this will be a thread I'll start in several months :doh:

and naps are definitely a good idea too!

the_blackdragon · Feb 23, 2010

Hey there,

It feels like only yesterday for me to have gone through the same ordeal!!! I too am in nursing school, but I'm 2/3 the way done and I graduate in December (provided no "pit stops" on the way). I feel your pain as in my first couple of "condensed soup" semesters I felt like I was getting a potassium bolus straight to the heart. Nursing school is unlike any advanced education one can put themselves through, as it is grueling, time consuming, and detail oriented. Plus, just the thought of someone's life hanging in the balance can undo anyone, mentally, emotionally, and physically! Do classes, get any easier? Not necessarily....but what does occur, just like a COPD patient adjusts to low levels of oxygen to survive, so does the nursing student. You get accustomed to the studying, the cramming, the clinicals....it becomes like second nature to you. You let go of the previous life you had before and go forward. Going to nursing school is a part of your personal growth, and you'll be a better person because of it. Besides the skills you learn in affecting the outcome of one's illness or condition, you learn how to manage your family, health, time. As you get more acclimated to your school routine, you'll find that you can make time for yourself, and to use it wisely. You may not have the 12 hr/day sleepfests you did as a teenager, after a night of adolescent insanity, but the 1, 2, or 3 hours you get during a day, or during the week, make use of it by going to the gym, meeting an old friend for lunch, or walking the dog by the beach (park). Remember, one of your tools as a nurse will be educating your patients about life/work and applying a healthy approach to their lives. Exercise, healthy eating, restful sleeping....those need to be part of your life as well...so you can lead by example...."do as I do...not do as I say"....so good luck, and stay positive with school and your career, and practice what you'll be preaching!!

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