I feel burned out on nursing school

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I'm in the second semester of my junior year in a BSN program, and it feels that no matter how hard I study, I am not able to learn and retain everything that is taught in my class. It frustrates me that I can never get an A on a test...I am managing B's and C's in my courses. I have a biology degree and this is frustrating to me. I would say that about 75% of the material I'm tested over is mostly BS nursing theory and does not have anything to do with being a real nurse on the floor. I have a lot of problems with the say nursing education is handled and a lot of it seems like a waste of time to me. Most people aren't going to retain a good bit of the material they were taught in nursing school. I would wager that most people learn more on the job than they ever learn in school. I know I will enjoy being a nurse but the entire educational process is frustrating and is leaving a sore taste in my mouth. I hope it gets better at the graduate level. Does anyone else feel my frustrations? I feel so burned out. I'm ready to be done with school, practice real nursing, start living my life and doing things I want to do, which I either don't have the time or money for right now, or I'm just too stressed to devote time to other things.

Ryan

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Yep, sounds like junior year of nursing school to me.

Freshman year was exciting...fresh. Sophomore year, a little burned out, but not too bad. Junior year...extemely burnt out.

Senior year.... ohmygod where has the time went? Practicum, graduation, pinning, need to study for boards... THEY ARE ACTUALLY TRUSTING ME WITH A SYRINGE?!!

You are correct in that I learned more "nursing" on the floor. However, I learned more in school to pass boards, and the 2 go hand in hand, sooo...

Good luck. You'll get through it. Who knows, you may even WANT to go back after a while.

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Oh my- I could have written this post today. In fact, I was ranting to a friend earlier today about how I am sick to death of school! I know I will love being a nurse, but school is just SO hectic and they throw SO much at you all at once and expect you to master all of these things just like that... I'm just tired! I agree, I think at least half of what I learned probably won't be retained long term... BUT, that having been said, nursing school is just so we can pass NCLEX, which is basically certification that we meet the most basic level of knowledge and expertise that a nurse just entering the profession is expected to have. I think a lot of learning is done on the job after graduation, because real life is very often different than what is discussed in the classroom. And some things, you just can't learn unless you've been through it. At least that is my opinion.

I have one more semester after the one I'm in, with a summer break in between, so I hope that will refresh me and get me through to the end. Yes, school sucks, but once we get through it, it will have been so worth it. So, chin up, do the best you can, and remember that it will all be over soon enough. Take it one day at a time for now my friend!

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You are absolutely correct in everything you have said. You are going to just have to play the game. Unfortunately, just about the only info that you will take with you ARE your Anatomy and physiology (big on the physiology) and your micro and your pharmacology. If you love, love, loved them (like me) you will be ahead of the game if you want to get into critical care (says my critical care mentors), you really should be a walking talking A&P book. Hey the basis of all was in those classes. This will naturally become apparent to you. Time to write a very big thank you to your A&P professor! Do what you have to to appease the silly nursing exam Gods.

There, there :crying2: here is a kleenex, now blow your nose... it will be over soon. (just passing on kind words given to me from my allnurses friends when I was in school).

Pass it forward. :)

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Its not just nursing school! I wager most programs are like that. I have my BA in communications, and I don't remember 50% of what my class subjects were, much less the theories taught within them.

And grades don't make a nurse - I've seen plenty of 4.0 students who couldn't cut it as an actual nurse. Being book smart does not mean they will make compassionate, advocating, scrupulous nurses!

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You are absolutely correct in everything you have said. You are going to just have to play the game. Unfortunately, just about the only info that you will take with you ARE your Anatomy and physiology (big on the physiology) and your micro and your pharmacology. If you love, love, loved them (like me) you will be ahead of the game if you want to get into critical care (says my critical care mentors), you really should be a walking talking A&P book. Hey the basis of all was in those classes. This will naturally become apparent to you. Time to write a very big thank you to your A&P professor! Do what you have to to appease the silly nursing exam Gods.

There, there :crying2: here is a kleenex, now blow your nose... it will be over soon. (just passing on kind words given to me from my allnurses friends when I was in school).

Pass it forward. :)

Bleh...this is exactly how I feel. I am very strong in physiology and pharmacology but weak in anatomy. Critical care is actually what I want to do. Thing is a lot of internships seem to want a 3.0 GPA, which probably won't happen for me.

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Curious idea, maybe your tests are just NCLEX-RN style? These are and will always be ridiculous. Here is the thing though, get some NCLEX review books and use those to study for exams with as well. Some have excellent summaries. I ended up just studying those and lecture notes when I was really sick and tired of being sick and tired. I loved the Prentice Hall Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN. Just look up your areas of concentration for each exam, read and do the related questions.

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Curious idea, maybe your tests are just NCLEX-RN style? These are and will always be ridiculous. Here is the thing though, get some NCLEX review books and use those to study for exams with as well. Some have excellent summaries. I ended up just studying those and lecture notes when I was really sick and tired of being sick and tired. I loved the Prentice Hall Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN. Just look up your areas of concentration for each exam, read and do the related questions.

Yes...our tests are geared to get us ready for the NCLEX.

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I know how you feel. I am in my third semester and the thing that burns me up about school is that I have been an L.P.N. 20 years and I almost got no credit for it. The only thing I did not have to take was fundamentals. It sucks. I know that even though I'm only an L.P.N I still have to learn alot but I feel at times that I know more than some R.N. 's already when it comes to floor nursing. Some of them can't even put a foley in!!!

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Moved to nursing student discussions....

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keep your head up, my fellow nursing student. I know that place very well...second year is hard...I do know how you feel.

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keep your head up, my fellow nursing student. I know that place very well...second year is hard...I do know how you feel.

Thanks. Three weeks till Peds is over with and spring break, which I can't wait. Then OB, and then ATI remediation this summer...ugh! It never stops lol. I know it will all be good but 14 months seems so far away.

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