I dont like it

Bacillus subtilis · Dec 2, 2009

I too am a worrier, really OCD and tend to perseverate on things. But do keep in mind that nursing school does not equal nursing. In all my rotations thus far, we have had minimal orientation to the floor. We do not have access to the Pyxis keys for the med cart. In some places, we couldn't even get linens/briefs/wipes/alcohol pads by ourselves. This means running to the instructor and competing with 7 other students for her attention. This obviously adds to the anxiety level.

Just being a nursing student means role strain...expected to do xyz, but don't you dare do abc. Having to explain for the hundredth time that the instructor must be present for this or that. Getting comfortable with the unit/staff/clientele and being uprooted yet again. It's just the nature of school.

I haven't done a Foley yet either...all my patients either already had one or didn't need one. I'm just looking forward to my role transition--me and my preceptor, one-on-one. If I were you, I'd just hang on--you've already come this far!

megpie83 · Dec 3, 2009

Thank you all for your replies and support! I appreciate it very much. As for the 6 - 10 patients...there was one hospital we were at where a nurse had 7 because it was "low census" day and she kept getting new admits. But anyway I know that's not the norm! But to someone who's only had 2 patients on 2 occasions, 3-4 sound like a lot lol. Bacillus - the nursing instructor thing (competing for attention and explaining that he or she needs to be there to do something ) is soooo right on the nose! :) Most of you sound like you have the same opinion - just finish! I think that is what I will do and hopefully I will find something that is right for me. Thanks again to all of you!!

morningland · Dec 4, 2009

Yep, just keep going. Graduate, pass the nclex and then decide what you want to from their. You should be proud of yourself that you are making it through the program! Best of luck to you!

jjjoy, LPN · Dec 4, 2009

I agree with the others, you might as well finish. Maybe you'll even get an opportunity to have some clinical time in a non-hospital setting your last term such as public health or school nursing. Maybe you'll find one of those little known nitches in nursing that works for you. And even if you never use your nursing degree directly, it can't hurt and may help even in securing non-nursing jobs.

I relate to much of what you expressed - so know that you are not alone in your feelings about nursing school and nursing. I personally didn't feel anywhere near prepared enough to BE a nurse.

I thought any newly graduated nurse really *ought* to know more than I did upon graduation... have more manual skills & competency ...have had a lot more clinical experience

It was like as l got closer and closer to graduation, I began thinking "This is it? Seriously?" They let people graduate with this little clinical experience? They only test in NCLEX style, letting people graduate without clear, direct testing of factual knowledge (what are normal lab ranges? What's the difference between small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer?)

Now I use the analogy I heard someone else use. Having a new nursing license is like having a new driver's license. You've proved yourself minimally safe and prepared, but the *real* learning starts AFTER you have the license are driving, or nursing, every day.

greenbeanio · Dec 5, 2009

If you like teaching there may be a way of finding a field of nursing where you can do just that. Like being a diabetes educator, for instance, or a wellness nurse. Or something involving patient ed. Or a nurse educator training RNs and LPNs or CNAs. Psych nursing is also an area where there is a lot of patient ed.

Just a thought. And something I've been thinking about.

guiltysins · Dec 5, 2009

You should definetely finish and maybe it's not nursing you don't like, but the environment? My friend is a med assistant and she has been one for about two years and will never work in a hospital. So maybe a school nurse or a nurse that works in a clinic or doctor's office will be better. There are so many types of nurses one can be, you might explore and find something you like!

Mariakristina · Jan 20, 2011

Thank you all for your replies and support! I appreciate it very much. As for the 6 - 10 patients...there was one hospital we were at where a nurse had 7 because it was "low census" day and she kept getting new admits. But anyway I know that's not the norm! But to someone who's only had 2 patients on 2 occasions, 3-4 sound like a lot lol. Bacillus - the nursing instructor thing (competing for attention and explaining that he or she needs to be there to do something ) is soooo right on the nose! :) Most of you sound like you have the same opinion - just finish! I think that is what I will do and hopefully I will find something that is right for me. Thanks again to all of you!!

Hey there. Just read this and feel exactly the same way. That being said, I would love to know what you ultimately decided and how things are going for you post-decision. Any advice would be appreciated as I have only a week left to decide if I should go back just to essentially "finish what I started", even though I do not want to be a nurse (with the exception of one that volunteers for humanitarian purposes of course).

THank you!

Jessica

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

6-10 patients????????? What part of the world makes you do that?

are you implying that is too many?? :confused:

SingDanceRunLife · Jan 21, 2011

6-10 patients????????? What part of the world makes you do that?

At the hospital where I go to school. Even the student nurse aides (who can start working that job after the first semester) take care of no less than 4 and can take care of up to 8 on the night shift!