I aced the test! Now how do I get home?

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Specializes in SICU.

I'm just finishing up my first year of nursing school, where I've learned so much more than any other year of schooling in my life.

Here's the problem, I feel like I can't remember anything other than nursing stuff. My whole life I've had a fantastic memory, now I feel like I have dimentia. Ask me what I did last Tuesday and I'll sit and ponder ... and ponder... then daydream... then when you wake me up, I'll probably ask you to repeat the question. It's like my brain is so loaded up with new information that it chooses not to store any of the trivial things I used to always remember. Where'd I put my keys again? (minutes of searching only to find them in my pocket) Ok now where'd I park? (minutes of searching the parking lot only to find I rode with a friend). Maybe years of making fun of my mom's flightyness is catching up to me.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this while in school.

Does it get better??? Summer break is coming up. I think I'll give my brain a learning holdiay :)

Thanks,

Gabriel

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

it will improve. Your brain is full. Once you start using up some of that knowledge and begin to get familiar with your job this will improve. It will return once you have all your grandchildren at your house at once. Just saying.

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

You're normal. :D Do a quick search on "Top Ten NANDA Diagnoses for Nursing Students." You probably have 8/10.

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Yes!! I am in my last semester of nursing school and I have had those moments where the brain just freezes....and I hardly can tell you my name. It normal....so I've read and will get better over time. I've never been like this before either....I usually have a good memory. Sometimes I'll start a sentence and forget what I wanted to say. I guess the brain just goes on overload.

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Hmmm. I'm in trouble then because I haven't started nursing school yet. I started this after my 1st baby. My husband and I joke that I some how gave my babies part of my brain because I am definately not as on top of things as I was before having children.

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Gabriel, it definitely gets better. I'm in my final semester of nursing school and I've felt the same way. There's just only so much room in our working memories.

I've just had to get better about writing things down and being organized with my lists, otherwise stuff will just slide right off my radar.

Nothing to worry about! :)

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Hmmm. I'm in trouble then because I haven't started nursing school yet. I started this after my 1st baby. My husband and I joke that I some how gave my babies part of my brain because I am definately not as on top of things as I was before having children.

Exactly! My friends and I joke, that your brain cells go out with the placenta! HAHA

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

Nursing school dementia is totally normal.

Give your brain a big fat holiday this summer. :)

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Specializes in CCU.

LOL. Things I've learned: 1. I never lose my keys BUT I have them on a hook which I clip to the belt loop on my pants. I look like a janitor. 2. What did I do yesterday???? Hmmm...ah well, if it was really significant I would remember. 3. I am thankful for other people...they help me through my day. Like that nice lady at the grocery store who said: "didn't you come in with TWO kids???" 4. I can remember every detail of a patient I had 6 months ago!!!

Your brain is just prioritizing what's important to you right now. You'll be fine! By the way that clip on the keys is a lifesaver and I've learned to get to work early enough to park in a really really OBVIOUS spot!!!!

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Specializes in SICU.

Thanks everybody!

Very encouraging!

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Hmmm. I'm in trouble then because I haven't started nursing school yet. I started this after my 1st baby. My husband and I joke that I some how gave my babies part of my brain because I am definately not as on top of things as I was before having children.

HAAAHAAAHAAA I have given birth to 4 sons. Your brain power will return when you get some sleep and are not on the "sippy cup brigade" 24/7. I feel for you, I was so nervous when I started one of my pre-req classes, because I had been home with my boys for so long I wasn't sure that I could do it! But, a lot of the skills that we learn as moms are transferable! Time management, multitasking, and working well under pressure come to mind!

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