Graduation Blues?

[whatwasithinking75]

I remember the first day I stepped into my classroom and later that day stepping out completely overwhelmed.

Every single day so much to do. Reports, studying, care plans, skills, tests tests tests, all while trying to maintain a healthy balance so I didn't neglect my fiancé ( which I did )

Every single day I wished for it to be time to go home.

Now. It's over. I remember walking in to that building for the first time and I walked out for the last time in tears.

Now I'm sort of just lost.

Just like trying to adjust to nursing school did you have to adjust to graduating nursing school?

This is just so weird. You'd think I'd be elated.

[Zyprexa_Ho]

Absolutely it is a huge adjustment. Although I haven't gone to nursing school yet, I do have a prior bachelor's degree, so I know what it's like to work at something for so long and later complete all of your hard work. I'm sure nursing is harder than the degree I completed, but I do have some sense of the issue.

Your whole life revolves around your education for a while. It's your top priority. At times you eat, sleep, and breathe your education. You've gained friends and routines all because of your common position in day to day life. Completing this takes all of that away. You have to transition to the working world, a whole new challenge, without the familiarity of your routines and classmates. It's like an extreme version of finishing a good book or movie series. You have to move on to something else and make a new chapter in your life.

It's totally normal to feel the way you do, but you'll find your way :)

[AceOfHearts<3]

There are other threads discussing this, but yes, many people experience it. I felt it myself. I was go, go, go for a super accelerated program and then WHAM- it was all over. I volunteered with my local food bank, did some cleaning, helped out friends with childcare, etc. once I was done. People couldn't understand why I just didn't relax, which I did- I caught up on shows, read some books, etc., but I also had an incredible need to still feel productive (hence finding volunteer activities). You will adjust just like with anything else.

Congrats on finishing school!