I just got my BSN, now what?

[RNthenDoc]

Hello guys, I am 22 years old and just graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with my BSN less than a week ago. Throughout college I have worked waiting tables and then transitioned into being a Patient Care Tech all whilst juggling school, clinicals, family, relationships, etc. I have been really busy, never really had a break in between and I feel that in the middle of the storm, I became accustomed to living like that. Now that I have graduated I am just sitting around with nothing to do. I haven't heard of post graduation blues, but I think that's what I'm going through. I'm scared that once I start my internship (I will be in a PICU) in two months that I will still be unsatisfied with life, because I have so much free time. I still truthfully don't know what I plan to do with my life forever. What is the next step?

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

It's called stress let down. Now is the time to find a hobby with some friends or start an exercise program. Or just have some days where you do nothing. When I'm between semesters I normally have a stress letdown where I get sick. I've learned that I need more sleep during this time even though I'm not doing as much.

[Dogen]

Transitions can be difficult. You had a lot of changes recently, between graduating, taking the NCLEX, getting a job, no more studying or homework (at least until you get into the PICU). That's a lot of change. It's normal to have an emotional reaction to it, even if it's all pretty good stuff. Here are some thoughts, and you can take them or leave them as you please. Many of them you can carry over to when you start work, so you won't have too much free time to worry about.

First, begin to fill your time with things you enjoy. If you have trouble coming up with things to do, then try new things until you find a few things you enjoy. Being bored, being inactive, and being indoors will pull your mood down. So, to whatever extent makes you happy try to find things that get you moving, and be outside a little bit everyday. When I've had breaks I did volunteer work. I like it, and you can usually tell them you can do X hours for the next Y weeks.

Spend time with people you enjoy. Your schedule will be filled soon enough, but right now you can work around other people's schedule to hang out. Interacting with people you enjoy is a good way to fill your time with fun. It might also remind you of how you used to have fun before your life was consumed by nursing school.

Consider being productive. You don't have to build irrigation systems in South America, just do something that feels good. Some people feel better doing chores, others need to do stuff for other people. Whatever it is, having a list of things you've accomplished can feel good.

Finally, don't worry about forever. The future depends on the things you do now, but your "now" is changing. So, live in the moment for a little bit and let "now" settle down. You may find that when the present is less chaotic that the future - at least the near future - is not so vague. But still don't worry about forever. It's okay to plan for the future, but don't let being tied to the future prevent you from living now. You may have experiences that change your goals, and that's awesome. So, make plans in pencil and see what happens.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Wow, I just got done my RN-B.S.N. and I am dancing the jig because I am so happy to have free time and be free from worry about what paper I have to write, or which "discussion board" needs doing!

Learn to enjoy down time, and as others have said, figure out some hobbies that will interest you, start and fitness program, spend time with friends/family! Enjoy every minute of your free time! You are young and assuming you plan on starting a family some day, you will have chaos again in your life when that happens, and you will look back on right now and wish you valued it more!

Annie