How do I not go insane during Nursing School??

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Im serious, how does one stay positive during NS. Iam so stressed out to the max right now. I have one test after another. My head is pounding right now. I have a test tommorow online to study for and how can I study with this pounding headache. I have a headache because I just finished a test today in medsurg,got an 84%(thought i studied for a A but once again didnt get the grade I wanted). So after I studied my you know what off I have to study for tommorows test. I studied everyday for the past two weeks for hours. The last thing I want to do is study. Im so burned out right now. How do you guys stay positive in this uncertain program?? We spend our money, our time, we give up our jobs, we give up practically all our time with our family to study, for what to possibly fail???? How do I stay positive when my very good friends in nursing school are dropping like flies??? This makes me hate NS when I see my very intelligent friends not passing NS. How can I stay positive?:banghead:

I have a picture of my kids that serve as a reminder of why I am here and why I must move forward...

I have a picture of my "new" car that i want when I graduate..I have a couple of these pics everywhere in the house, in my notebook..and I have a quote from one of my instructors web site posted everywhere:

"Put all excuses aside and remember this : YOU are capable."

make a list of the 5 or 10 or whatever reasons why you are doing this and make copies..tape them up everywhere to remind you..we worked so hard to even get this far..I have one more year to go and I think back to exactly 1 year ago I was waiting for "the letter' to see if I got in...hang in there....

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Specializes in MSICU.

I find that taking a "study break" every 2-3 hours really helps. I go out and jog or ride my bicyle, or even just take the dogs for a walk. It really helps clear my head and burn some stress. And I usually have a rule to stop studying by 10-10:30 at night before an exam because "if you don't know it by then, you don't know it". Also just because I think getting my sleep and being alert for class is better than studying until it all turns mush in my brain. Being organized is a big plus. I also find that if you study and complete every little thing your instructor assigns, there is no way it can all be done. Just prioritize and pick out the key information points.:jester:

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I like to the class schedules and cross out days after every lecture. It makes me really feel like the time is going by, and we are getting closer to summer!

And try not to study for everything in one or two nights. I know it can be hard to space everything out, but take breaks during studying. I know when I'm studying with my friends, we focus for 2 hours, then take a break. It helps to keep you from going nuts!

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

lizzy:

All I can say is if you studied for an "A" and "only" got that 84%, imagine those who studied for "just passing" and got -- what?!?!?

Nursing school is TOUGH. Your friends/family will and can never understand. I am weeks away from getting my ASN and I honestly don't know how I did it. I got quite the complement from my daughter who's just been accepted in to an ASN program that she was impressed that I never appeared nuts. I was just "mom in school" (I just finished a bachelor's in '99, so that was pretty fresh in her mind).

I did as so many of the others mentioned -- took it one day/week at a time. My mind couldn't wrap itself around any more. When I could I worked ahead, but that wasn't often an option. We eat out -- a LOT. The house is a mess. Laundry is done on Sundays only (and everyone else does their OWN). I didn't work until last summer during break and then VERY prn last semester. I tried to spend time with the family when I could and just BE there during those times. I made cheat sheets that went with me everywhere for tiny bits of study time.

Lastly, when I got to those times (where I am now, lol) when I just didn't think I could study one more thing, I pushed on in little bits. I always told my kids that ANY little thing extra they could pick up may be the difference in their final grade.

I can only promise you that it will go quick. One day very soon you will be where so many of us are right now and wonder how it happened. I was fortunate that my real friends in school are also passing and I didn't have to deal with that. I think you've gotten some very good advice about keeping YOUR eye on YOUR prize. Misery loves company and don't let yourself get dragged down by others' problems -- whatever they are.

Many have passed nursing school before you; many will come after. If they did it, so can you. Heck, if *I* did it, *you* can do it!! Promise!!

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Clorazepate, Effexor, and a good cold beer on Friday nights.

xoxo, Dani.

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

to put ourselves through the torture of nursing school, we are all insane. enjoy it.

as much as somedays i want to rip out my hair, throw my books in the fireplace and tell my professor she isn't as super smart as she thinks she is, the majority of the days i thank god i have the opportunity and the brains to study for what i have always dreamed of doing....

you will get through this. keep focused, keep confident, and remember that each day you are closer and closer to your goal.... it will all be worth it one day!!!

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