Jitters and Questioning My Abilities

Catma63 · Apr 30, 2004

I start the ADN program full time in the fall, having already done some pre-req's three years ago. I am starting to get the jitters. I am not questioning my decision to go to school, but I am questioning the logistics of it all and whether or not I can handle it. One day, I am positive I can do it all and the next, I am terrified that my children will suffer or I won't be able to hack it.
There are so many things that make me nervous that I don't know if I can even list them all here...money issues, childcare and the kid's well-being, my abilities, sleep and my health, etc, etc, etc.
Are there others of you out there starting in the fall that are terrified? I always project such confidence, but this is getting to me right now for some reason.

CMB2B, I'm finishing up my second semester of an ADN-RN program. What I can tell you is this: Take one day at a time. Remember, you're a student. Like everyone else in your class, you will be learning. There WILL be days you'll wonder if you can handle it and then, by God, you'll do it.

Finances are always a problem in nursing school....My classmates and I joke, "Money? What money? We're poor nursing students!" God provides my needs; He will provide yours.

Sleep will suffer but you'll manage. Start taking a multivitamin if you're not already. Keep in mind that it's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive and scared. Nursing school is hard! Still, you can do it. We ALL can do it. Just don't give up. There was a reason you were called to go to nursing school.....Don't lose sight of that. This too shall pass.

Energizer Bunny · Apr 30, 2004

THank you so much for those words of reassurance! I sometimes have to step back and take a look at what is important. If I don't follow through, our finances will be in just as bad if not worse shape than they are now, my children will be fine, if not better for having been around other kids most of the time, etc, etc, etc...I can find the silver lining...I just have to calm myself down enough to do so sometimes! LOL~!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2004

You're going to feel that way from time to time, quite often actually. Often what is expected of the student can be overwhelming. It helped me to focus on one thing at a time, what was in front of me and to try not to get behind at all costs.

Good luck. It isn't going to be easy with you family obligations, so expect the jitters from time to time. :)

Energizer Bunny · Apr 30, 2004

Hey, I've got you guys in any event! LOL! I really am so grateful to have found this site. It's probably the only place where I'll be able to express my feelings and someone will have the exact same ones and understand!

Love-A-Nurse · Apr 30, 2004

here's wishing you all the best in school; you can do it!

colleen10 · Apr 30, 2004

Hi Kim,

I don't think there is a nursing student alive who hasn't felt like you are right now.

I am finishing up my first year of a 2 year ADN-RN program. I work full time (M-F 8:30-5:00) and go to class in the evening and on Saturdays. It's just me and my husband but I'm here to tell you it can be done!!!!

All of the people in my class are adult students of all ages from 25 to mid 50's. We all have jobs, families, etc. but are still able to handle it all. There is even one woman in my class who has 4 young children and works as a teacher and is going to nursing school and she is doing really well in the program.

It's not easy but it can be done, stay positive!

Energizer Bunny · Apr 30, 2004

Thanks Colleen! I just have to keep my spirits up and remember how well I did in school before. The intelligence is there, i just have to not let outside factors influence it!

manna, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2004

I am scared out of my wits. Scared that I won't pass. Scared I'll be incompetent. Scared that I'm not mechanically inclined enough to do clinical things. Scared of leaving my job. Scared of having my income (other than financial aid, and hopefully - support from my husband). Just plain scared. I'm not so worried about the boys - they're incredibly resilient, and I think I'll have just as much, if not more, time for them in the future than I do now (I've been working full-time AND doing school, so they've already been in daycare for years). But I'm excited too. :)

Good luck, Kim - I'm sure you'll be fine! :)

colleen10 · Apr 30, 2004

You guys will be surprised when you start school. Sure it will be difficult and nerve racking but a bet after a few weeks in the program you'll wonder to yourself, "why did I ever worry about that?"

Things to remember, everyone is in the same boat, everyone is nervous and unless they work in a hosp. or as a CNA, etc. have no experience. Your instructors will not let you kill, maim or otherwise hurt someone, that was always my biggest fear.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2004

Sounds like things are under control here.

Cool!

Energizer Bunny · Apr 30, 2004

Part of my anxiety comes from my high expectations of myself. I know that if I am not on the Dean's list, if I don't graduate with honors and pass the NCLEX the first time that I am going to come down soooo hard on myself. More so than anyone else will!