I dont know if I can take this

FutureArmyNurse · Feb 13, 2004

I do have a passion for this, and I know I can get through it eventually.

Melisita, I think you answered your own question already. Maybe you need a break, but you will get through it -and you know you will. It will not last forever. Hang in there!

maire, ASN, RN · Feb 13, 2004

Melisita, you need a {{{HUG}}}.

I wish I had some clever or sage advice for you, but all I can say is take a few deep breaths and try to relax. God bless your boyfriend; my hubby is currently in Iraq so I know how you must feel. Nursing school is always go go go...there is a light at the end of the tunnel, you are passionate about it, you can do it!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2004

Did you find the answer to the dig? LOL,, i have those nights too, but it usually comes from a busy day at work and having to go back to do it again the next day. Little clue on the digoxin, look up the half life of the drug. That will probly answer your question about holding for 2 days then reducing the dose. Hang in there, think through what the instructor is asking you. Not a problem going to the drug book to look things up,, you should be doing that anyway. Dont ever take someone elses word on something like that, look it up yourself.

I hope things level out for you soon.

Catma63 · Feb 14, 2004

Bless your heart, honey. Don't let all of this defeat you. You've been called into the most rewarding profession out there and you-can-do-it. If you put it off, waiting, you know what you get? Older. Your instructor pushes these intimidating questions on you for a reason...to stimulate your critical thinking skills. You know that.

This too shall pass, hon.

NICUbabyRN · Feb 14, 2004

Try to take it one day at a time. That is what I did in nursing school. I am what you would call an emothionally charged person. So, I know exactly what you mean about be close to tears at times. These threatened tears were from my own frustrations. I can tell you that it gets better. First semester I never thought I would be able to do this. I would leave the hospital in doubt often. This is very normal. I am now a graduate and I can't believe the growth I have achieved. It will get better!

As far as the dig goes, what was the pts heart rate? It needs to be held if it is to low. What was his/her dig blood level? They take levels because the pt could become dig toxic. The pt could be sensitive to dig so the dosage would need to be reduced. Hope that helps you a little.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Feb 14, 2004

Mel -- You know best what you need. If nursing school is bumming you out majorly right now, then consider chilling out for a while.

Think you'll find in a short time (months, or a year, or two, or whatever) that you can come back and be even better than you are now, and achieve more than you can imagine.

Oftentimes getting away for a little bit helps us get our balance again. It also opens our eyes and puts a lot of things back in order.

Good luck!

shape0fmyheart · Feb 14, 2004

I'm sorry, I can't offer many words of advice... but I just wanted to let you know, I'm the same age as you and feel very overwhelmed and often times like I can't do this. I question myself all the time. If you ever wanna talk you can PM me, or I think I have contact info in my profile maybe. Hang in there.

purplekath · Feb 14, 2004

This is the most stress I've ever been under in my life. I've been sleeping horrible...tossing and turing all night, dreaming about "why my patient's Digoxin is being held for the next 2 days, and then the dosage being reduced??" .....(my professor told me she going to ask me tomorrow, and I better have the answer) ...
{{{{{{{Big hugs}}}}}}}}}}}} for you girl! What kind of personality do you have? Would you say that you are a perfectionist? Sensitive? Worry a lot? If yes, then that's just your personality hon...and it wont' change much as you get older.
BUT, having said that, there are good sides to a personality like yours..that can work FOR you in Nursing :-) But one piece of advice....I suspect you're being too intimidated by older people though. Remember your instructor is just a person like you..with a few more years under his belt. He's just trying to push you to think critically -- he's not looking down on you as a person.
When you find yourself feeling intimidated by older people, stop, take a breath and remind yourself:
* There is no reason this person should be looking down on me.
* I have the right to be CONFIDENT in my abilities even though I'm young.
Put yourself in your instructor's shoes - how would you get an underconfident young person to think critically? At least one method you'll come up with will involve pushing your young person to THINK. He's not out to get you (and if geniunely feel he is you need to talk to him about it)...he's trying to help you to become a great nurse :-)

Melisita · Feb 14, 2004

yea...i did eventually figure out that the patient's dig level was high...and that was the reason....but it took a lot of stomach turning....yes I AM a WORRY WORT...always have been...probably ALWAYS will be, thats is just ME! I am learning how to deal better though, nursing school is forcing me to. When i woke up this morning the first thing i did was check to see if i had any replies, and REALLY...thank YOU all soooooo much because everything, everyone said really made me feel a LOT better. I'M GONNA MAKE IT DAMNIT!!!! ( but dont be surprised if next week I'm having ANOTHER break down ) :wink2: I means a lot to know that i can vent my feelings and there are people who UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!

Baby Catcher · Feb 14, 2004

We all feel overwhelmed at times. I work L&D and that can be very stressful too. I don't think age really matters. If nursing is what you want to do then stick with it and do it now.

purplekath · Feb 14, 2004

Hey, break down whenever you need to hon!! You sound like an awesome person and I'm sure that YOU WILL make it!!