I am DISSAPOINTED in myself...

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Okay, guys I need some encouragement. Since I started nursing school I have been passing just to pass; looking for questions online and then memorizing them. This has made me pass. But I don't understand the material when someone asks me out of the blue. I would not know. Same goes with skills. I get nervous to do vital signs, and most times I do them wrong. I feel very discouraged. I haven't had anyone to help me in my school... And I feel like really bad. I don't want to go to work with no skills...But I want to pass!! I am in a private school (new school) not even accredited! I cannot even read/make proper nursing notes. My skills suck, and I especially suck at cardiac... Anything to do with it... I have hope that I when I get a job I will learn through orientation, but some of my classmates have told me that they do not teach you there... I am in my last semester. Should I just quit and start over? Help me out please?

Specializes in ED MS.

i have been reading. Im doing fluid and electrolytes :) I am on break until October.

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The RN - BSN is fully accredited...

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Specializes in Correctional Healthcare, Critical Care,.

Stop for a moment and examine if your heart is really into nursing. Why do you want to be a nurse? I've met many young nurses who got into nursing because it pays fairly well and there is almost always work available, but deep inside they hate what they do. I would rather you didn't become a nurse than to become one for the wrong reason. You obviously have a gift of memory, that's a good thing, but if you have no "feel" for what you do or why you do it, you are wasting your time and your money.

Lastly, you are refreshing in that you are aware that something is missing in your clinical education. Talk to someone. Figure out why you have allowed yourself to get into this mess and get it figured out. Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Informatics, Orthopaedics.

Same as GrnTea, my first reaction was WHOA you are in the wrong field...but trying to take an objective view here and give some helpful advice, 2 things stand out clearly:

1. Some of what you are feeling is very familiar to me. I spent the first 8 months walking around deer-in-headlights style not having a clue what I was doing, even though I was passing everything. One day the lightbulb just clicked on out of the blue, so hang in there, it could just be that you are overwhelmed. On the other hand, I would seriously consider doing some job shadowing or volunteering to get more experience in the environment and watch the pros and see how they do it. Couldn't hurt.

2. Change schools as soon as possible. Just the accreditation (or lack thereof) makes me cringe in all kinds of uncomfortable places. You might be better off just taking the money out of your wallet and using it for firestarters. Not to mention the fact that the education you ARE getting seems to be doing you no good. I fear you are wasting your time here.

Where there is a will there is always a way, but please seriously you are way behind the 8 ball here, you have to do something.

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Specializes in Informatics, Orthopaedics.

Oh by the way, this book will help you...I cannot possibly overly stress how much you need to read this:

Amazon.com: Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgement: A Practical Approach to Outcome-Focused Thinking (9781416039488): Rosalinda Alfaro-LeFevre RN MSN ANEF: Books

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Hello 2bnursekis!

Firstly, I commend you for your honesty and courage in sharing your concerns. Upon reading your message, I need to ask you a couple of things, if I may... Please keep in mind that what I am about to ask you, is with the intent of you yourself discovering answers or solutions for YOURSELF! No need to respond directly :)

OK... Why did you choose Nursing as a potential career? If it is just for the sake of 'guaranteeing' a decent payroll one day, but do not feel in your heart it is for you, then you may want to consider a different option, in terms of work. Are you passionate about the area of work you are now in? If so, this should be a half way step to your success as being a Nurse... Passion is the driving force that will mark eyou endure, no matter the ups and downs.... From the info you provided, it sounds like although you are enrolled in a private institute for academia, there does not seem to be much support or resources for you.... Do you have other options maybe, for studying somewhere else? Nursing is a serious profession, which demands great responsibility, teamwork, and the ability to make sound judgements, while using your knowledge and skills.

Maybe also try a different approach to your concerns: fear and worry is normal, to an extent, so long as you know in your heart it is truly the career you want to pursue. But instead of focusing on what you 'can't do', trying making a list of what your stronger skills are as a student, a potential nurse, as a person...then make a list of your weaker areas and target those first. It may also be helpful to speak to a counselor about your worries, assuming you have this resource available? NEVER be worried about seeming stupid, or worried about what people may think regarding your concerns. Whatever career you choose, you are doing it for YOU, so it is your responsibility to try and be the best you can be, at whatever you do. :) Believe a bit more in yourself. Accept that we fail at times, but rather than this acting as a source of discouragement, see it as a lesson or challenge, to which you can improve yourself and learn from yourself!

Only you can be honest with yourself, and think if Nursing is truly what you want to do. If you realize that it is, then go ahead full force and do what it takes to be a great nurse. My father always used to tell me:" when a person truly wants something, they WILL make it".

In terms of struggles with content and learning materials, start with what you know the least. Try not to put yourself off of a topic, just because you struggle at grasping it. Imagine yourself as a nurse already and then tackle the problem or challenge. Use different styles to learn, whether reading, visual aids (such as video clips of certain processes in the body), ANYTHING that may work for you and make you understand.

I wish you the best, in whatever you choose. Just remember to be honest with yourself in what you want.....and having a little Faith never hurt anyone. :)

Cheers

SIMM

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Specializes in ED MS.

Hi Simm, I am very VERY passionate about Nursing. I love helping people and I know that I really want this. the first time I went to clinical I wanted to do things differently. I wanted to be a nurse who did not just give meds. I wanted to make those patients feel a little better.. My worst problem is the actual lectures. In the beginning I used to read everything word by word; I used to try and analyze my stuff really hard. I really tried. But then i noticed that I was always failing. I would ask people for help and they would tell me "Just worry about passing", I would ask everyone how to study, and they would also ask me. when I told them, they used to be like, "What, you read the whole chapter!, wow. I dont." Many people told me that they used to skim through the book and then do questions. To my surprise that has worked for me. Skills wise, that's what I love. I like actually doing stuff, but most of my classmates are already LPNs. Everyone knew something i did not. And i even remember that in Fundamentals, my professor would say to my class, so "you all know what digoxin is"AND i would be like what>? But the funny thing is that most of my class would know. i JUST felt so stupid all the time... That has been going on since I started the going there. But I will learn my stuff, because I really want this, and I know that I can do it. I just do not want to pass, I want to connect the dots, and know the things i need to know to become a great nurse.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Your are in your final semester and don't have at least a basic knowledge of what digoxin is?

Some of your classmates may only need to skim because they are LPNs and presumably have a working knowledge of at least the basis of these concepts. You don't and therefore need to do more work; it sucks but that's the nature of it.

You are also at a brand-new program that is not nationally accredited and, more important, does not seem prepared to guide students through. Seek out help where you can at the school.

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I think what you need is more concentration and more time. Spend your spare time on your goals and take more attention to the courses from now on and try and practice by reviewing all those courses and abilities you need to get out of your studies. You've had encouragement to reach to this point, just talk with some of your teachers to help you. You shared your worries about your studies and your carrier in future, so I think you know what is the quality and responsibility. You've got honesty with your own and you know better than everyone that this is really serious when at work as a nurse, so do not lose your self-control, but enforce it as much as you can. Start your team work job as right now. This is a team work job so sharing is essential and basic. I think you need more time, concentration, motivation and determination. Review and see what did you make enthusiast to become a nurse, find it, grab it again and then grow it one more time and just like raising a child, with lots of love, care and attention. Get rid of yourself of all the situations which make you discourage. Focus and study more your passed courses in your spare time. Create all the situations that make you relax and focus on your study as much as possible. Good Luck!

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Specializes in ED MS.

Thank you so much!

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.
They have told us that we can sit for the NCLEX @ my school. But if I would like to go on and do my BSN my classes would not be transferred.

I am curious, if you knew you cannot further your education why chose this school?

Was it because there was no waiting list? You chained yourself to only one degree, when you could have gone much further.

I am sorry you are having such problems, Med Surge I and II happen to be, in my opinion of course, the foundation of nursing, and yes they are tough. These carry you through to other specialties.

Finish this semester, mind as well, and consider re-doing nursing in an accredited school, do not leave out community colleges. Start over, it will be the best decision at this point I think, because I am afraid as other have already posted, that most likely NCLEX will be really difficult to pass. I am not saying impossible, nothing is, but a struggle.

I presume that you chose this profession because you want to provide care, and you will want to be up to your best in providing such care. The fact that you recognize your struggles and asking for help, is what makes me believe this. Accept the positive advise that some are giving you, these are experienced nurses, or students who have walked your path.

Wishing you the best 2bnurses.

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

@ Tenjuna, thank you for the book you suggested, as a new graduate I think it will be a great read for me. :)

See, even when reading suggestions for others, one can learn and obtain great information.

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