Burnout

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

I am only a little more than one month away from graduation, and I am finding it incredibly difficult to turn out what I consider to be quality work at this point. This semester there are very few tests, but there are endless papers and group projects. I am still interested in earning good grades, but I find that when I sit down at the computer I just ...sit. I am unable to write anything meaningful or insightful; instead I just start thinking about graduation, my graduate school exams, and finding a job.

The last time around I solved this problem but not studying for exams. My grades weren't stellar, but I did fine overall. However, when it comes to papers it is not that simple. They have to get written one way or another.

I think the fact that I have only had four weeks off of school since January plays a bit part in all of this. During most of my vacation time I was working, so I feel like I haven't had a real break since August of '05. Many of my classmates in the accelerated program are expressing symptoms of burnout at this point.

Accelerated BSN and Direct-entry MSN students: how do you deal with burnout after going to school for more than a year straight?

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Not an ABSN student here, but I just wanted to wish you good luck in finishing up your program. At the end of any program there are tons of distractions, as you mentioned. Hang in there!

[allthingsbright]

I am only a little more than one month away from graduation, and I am finding it incredibly difficult to turn out what I consider to be quality work at this point. This semester there are very few tests, but there are endless papers and group projects. I am still interested in earning good grades, but I find that when I sit down at the computer I just ...sit. I am unable to write anything meaningful or insightful; instead I just start thinking about graduation, my graduate school exams, and finding a job.

The last time around I solved this problem but not studying for exams. My grades weren't stellar, but I did fine overall. However, when it comes to papers it is not that simple. They have to get written one way or another.

I think the fact that I have only had four weeks off of school since January plays a bit part in all of this. During most of my vacation time I was working, so I feel like I haven't had a real break since August of '05. Many of my classmates in the accelerated program are expressing symptoms of burnout at this point.

Accelerated BSN and Direct-entry MSN students: how do you deal with burnout after going to school for more than a year straight?

Be happy you don't have to have 75% on exams to pass-no matter what your lecture grade (we do and have had people fail out of school senior semester despite have straight A's throughout the program--just for screwing up on one final!). I can't even blow off exams as a straight A student for fear of failing.

You need to find some motivation somewhere. Can you bribe yourself? Like tell yourself you will do X amount of work for a treat? I am burned out and have 2 semesters to go so I can relate!!! GL!

[JentheRN05, RN]

I think that you have to realize what you said yourself. Graduation is coming up. If you DON'T do the papers then that is NOT a reality, to make a reality you MUST do the papers. Trust me, we all go through this senior jitters, and it's something you have to just pull yourself up and do with the best that you have left. Sad but true - your almost there no quitting now

[SNLiz]

I know how you feel. I am totally exhausted, but I just keep chugging on. 5 more weeks......

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

My program is year round. Talk about burnout! We haven't had a break since September 2004 (except for December break and 2 weeks off each summer). I feel your pain. I am done with all of my work this quarter, which wasn't my best work, but it's done. You just have to suck it up and do it, that is the only way it is going to get done.