I don't know if I can do it...encouragement needed

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I have been an ER nurse for over a year now and I love it. It can be stressful, exhausing, exciting, all of the above. But I don't see myself working as an ER nurse 10 yrs from now, I just don't think my body can take it.

I would love to continue my education on to work as an FNP here in our ER, something I have been stressing about almost every day. The admission deadline for the school I wish to apply to is coming up fast, but honestly, the closer it gets the more worried and indecisive I become.

I love school, I love learning but I just don't know if I can do it. I will need to contine to work full-time as my family is dependent on my income alone, and go to school part-time.

I remeber how exhausting my ADN program was and I just worry that I will start the program and that the added stress will be too much, or that I won't be able to keep up with the program.

It has taken me a long time to adjust to 12 hr fast paced/high volume ER night shifts, but I still struggle with feeling weak, exhausted, difficulty in retaining new information and trouble getting my to-do list completed on my days off. I don't see things getting any easier if I try waiting to apply in another 6mos to a year. I am in my mid 30's and

I am not getting any younger lol!

I guess what I am looking for is a little encouragement, some advice, from others who

have been there, have gone for it and made it through.

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

It's been my dream to work in ed and eventually obtain my fnp. I'm envious and I know you can do it! Do it for the little people ! ;)

Good luck, take a few seconds to breathe and rock it!

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It was my dream to work in the ER too! For several months after I started I just couldn't believe that I had landed my dream job. They didn't want to hire me at first because I was a new grad, but I was persistant and didn't give up.

I think I will go ahead and apply, and wait to see if I get accepted before I stress too much about it.

As much as I love this job, I never realized how much it would wear on me. I have only been a nurse for just over a year and I can already see how easy it is to burn out.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Is there an option to switch to days or maybe 11a-11p? That may be easier on you.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I've been in the ED for almost 10 years,...am in my second year of an FNP program,...it can be done. I'm still working full time,...it is rough,..but doable!! I"m not sure I'll stay in the ED after graduation as I may need a calmer environment,...I love my job and love my ED family but as you say it is high stress and very physical work. Best of luck to you! Learning is always a good thing and I see this as growth and just another step in my career.

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Specializes in ED, OR, Oncology.

How many years as an RN? I would think that being very comfortable in your work role would make it easier to focus on being a student when not at work.

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Thank you BrnEyedGirl it helps to hear from someone who is making it happen.

No chances to switch to a day position and mid shift would be a nightmare. As difficult as night shift can be I dont know if I would be able to give it up, I like nights and I have been able to figure out times that I should be able to work on class work and still get

time for family.

I have been an ER nurse for just over a year now...I have gotten comfortable with my role and have gained a lot of confidence. I have learned a lot about what is really an emergency and what is not. I want to get started on the FNP program now because it will take about 4yr part time and I know I will continue to learn a lot while I am back in school, and that what I learn will only add to my knowledge and performance as an RN. I look forward to having a deeper understanding of what is going on with my patients.

Thank you all for your comments, they are much appreciated :)

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I worked as a paramedic ft while taking an accelerated bridge MSN program (had a bs in sociology from 20 years ago). I carried my books/notes with me everywhere I went. It was hard, but knowing that it was temporary made it doable. This next week I have 8 interviews with different ER's. Once I settle in to a job, I will go back to get my FNP.

The good thing about working while attending school is you can relate what you are learning in classes to everyday work.

You can do it.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I have been an RN for 15 yrs now,....yes, being comfortable in my work role does make it easier to focus on school and I am even able to find ways to relate my work to what I am studying. I have found though that it has made my clinical time frustrating. I am used to being pretty secure in my work, I know my role, I'm familiar with my docs, know my co workers, I'm familiar with other departments and hospital policies. Finding myself in a new role, new facility, new rules, with strangers has been a challenge for me. It has been a long time since I've been a "baby nurse"! I am a preceptor for new grads in my ED and I have found myself struggling to practice what I preach to them! It's tough to feel unsure about what is expected, to not know where supplies are kept, to be unfamiliar with the routine of work flow. My clinicals are all in an outpatient setting and I don't have access to CT, RT, Lab, etc,....it's been a whole new world for me!!! Best of luck to you,....it can be done!!!

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