HELP! I feel like I'm drowning!!

ZootRN · Dec 15, 2004

Is this teacher available outside of class hours? In my school they usually have office hours, when you can come with your questions and concerns, or make an appointment, if time is not convenient. Why don't you explain him how you feel and what he would suggest for you to succeed. Also, do you have a tutoring avilable? I would use every available resource. I was scared to death to take my Chemistry classes, I thought I am just not smart enough to get this stuff. And I got all A's.

Hi everyone, Haven't posted in awhile,
but, my first quarter in nursing school is over and now I just started back into nursing 2. Everyone told us how much harder this quarter would be, but this is ridiculous. I think I've cried almost everyday since last week ! It's not the nursing class that's difficult for me, it's pharmacology, and A and P, particularly the nervous system. I read for these classes, I ask questions, but usually about midway through the class I feel like I'm listening to someone speaking japanese! I get totally overwhelmed and the tears well up. Everyone else agrees that the phram teacher is way over our heads (he's new this year) but no one is saying anything. I've tried asking him questions but he can't even "dumb" those answers down enough for me. I'm just feeling so down on myself, like I'm just not smart enough to be an RN. I want this more than anything, but what if I just don't have the intelligence for all this technical stuff? I mean, I know I'm intelligent in other areas. I can analyze difficult literature and poetry like it's second nature, and write a 20 page paper with no problem. I just hate feeling incompetent, and am SO afraid of drowning and then failing out of nursing school. Does anyone have any advice of what I can do to try to understand these complex chemistries in the body? I've even spent over 100 dollars on those "dummy" books, but they just don't go into enough detail for what were doing. PLEASE HELP!! Thanks, Louisepug

LadyK82 · Dec 15, 2004

Louisepug, when I read your post, it sounded exactly like me. I can TOTALLY relate to your feelings. Nothing is more discouraging than trying your hardest and still feeling like your not catching on. Get with the teacher one on one and tell him what your going through. At least that way he will know you're trying and that you care about your grade. I know most of my nursing professors will go out of their way for a student if they know we are trying as hard as we can. Ask him if he can try to simplify things a little more in class. If you talk to him, at least you can say you made an effort to tackle the problem. In the meantime, don't get down on yourself b/c your not catching on. Chances are, you're not the only one that feels that way. Just b/c you may not get Pharm or one system of A&P (and the nervous system is difficult) doesn't mean that you dont have what it takes to be a nurse. As long as you are compassionate and know that this is what you really want to do, then keep working. Keep looking at the long term goal... to be a RN. Dont sweat the small stuff. Chin up!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2004

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. Best wishes. :)

Louisepug · Dec 17, 2004

Thanks everyone. :) I actually sent the teacher an email last night. He was pretty reassuring in his response. I think my class is going to get some kind of study group together for this. I know I can do it, I'm just going to have to sweat bullets to do it!

Louisepug · Dec 17, 2004

Thanks everyone. :) I actually sent the teacher an email last night. He was pretty reassuring in his response. I think my class is going to get some kind of study group together for this. I know I can do it, I'm just going to have to sweat bullets to do it!

stressgal, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I just finished Pharmacology and it is a HARD class. I was doing great until we got to the adrenergics and cholenergics so I understand completely! I have a study group that meets once a week, no matter what, to study. When I say no matter what, I mean we still get together over breaks to study the upcoming quarter's content. It seems anal I know, but we are all committed to being successful in school. Plus this keeps us in the habit of studying. With this said, a study group helped me tremendously for pharm, just talking about the drugs and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics made it all sink in. I personally liked the "made easy book" and used it to suppliment but a member of my group didn't care for it. Find out what works for you and stick with it. Good luck! If I can be of any help let me know.

stressgal, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I just finished Pharmacology and it is a HARD class. I was doing great until we got to the adrenergics and cholenergics so I understand completely! I have a study group that meets once a week, no matter what, to study. When I say no matter what, I mean we still get together over breaks to study the upcoming quarter's content. It seems anal I know, but we are all committed to being successful in school. Plus this keeps us in the habit of studying. With this said, a study group helped me tremendously for pharm, just talking about the drugs and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics made it all sink in. I personally liked the "made easy book" and used it to suppliment but a member of my group didn't care for it. Find out what works for you and stick with it. Good luck! If I can be of any help let me know.