So I have been having some suicidal thoughts with clinical. I have been informed by my instructor that I received an F for the midterm. I have an 85% in the course. However, when I asked why I was failing she said that I was lacking in sufficient health teaching, but other wise was doing a good job. So I'm lacking in one area, bust my ass in clinical and nothing is shown for it. I have received little positive comment on performance, but when I told a few others in my clinical group about, they said they were shocked and confused. I cannot fail clinical. I don't have money for winter classes.
Compounding the problem is that tomorrow evening is my last night on the unit and I am nervous as hell. Its driving me crazy and is making me depressed 24/7, and I can't sleep well.
I don't know what to do. I'm scared, like a lot. My mom threatened to cut me off financially and socially, and without her I cannot afford school period. I'm really scared and upset. I'm a man and I don't like OB so that makes it worse I suppose.
Others have given the most important advice, to seek help and address your mental health as first priority asap. If you had crushing chest pain and were short of breath, you'd prioritize that, right? This is no different, simply a different organ (your brain) is the cause, and not your heart. Mental health issues are nothing to ignore or be ashamed of.
When that is addressed, I hope you will realize that potential or actual failure of one course has little to do with intelligence. As a professor, I respect my students who try their hardest whether they are my strongest or weakest student. When some of the fog of depression clears, I hope you will explore all of your options, like scholarships, signing a contract with a hospital, and loans. You may not even need these noptions. Have a frank talk with your mother. Most people are clueless that nursing school is more difficult than many degrees. I would also suggest a positive chat with your instructor, along the lines of "I know I can succeed. Today, I'd like to teach a patient about x, would you be willing to observe?" Make a plan of action. Don't think of it as just women's care. A post op c-section is a surgical patient! Most of the same risks as any surgical patient. Review the basic teaching for postpartum. Most of my male students enjoy postpartum more because they are more comfortable providing education, and if a male partner is present, can also teach him. For example, learn some basics. How often should baby eat? Pee? Poop? Does breast-fed poop and bottle fed poop look different? Go in and ace it. Each time you enter the room, give a small piece of relevant information. Giving the first bath? Tell family about temperature regulation and skin care. Bringing diapers? Talk about expected voids and stools. Giving immunizations? What are they for? Etc
Get assistance with your mental health on an ongoing basis, learn positive coping and stress reduction, then go forth and shine. You are a young fellow and will soon be independent. Start building the skills to succeed and to cope with stress and mental health now, and go show your instructor your capabilities. The world has a funny way of looking really dark at times, often just before you learn a big life lesson. A failure only has the ability to dent your self esteem, don't forget who you are in the process.
Well said.
There are many nurses on here, including myself, who have failed nursing school, dusted themselves off, and have gone on to be nurses.
I just have always valued school an education. I feel like I am a ****** nurse if I fail. Being a man in OB makes me uncomfortable as well. I just feel trapped.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I just have always valued school an education. I feel like I am a ****** nurse if I fail. Being a man in OB makes me uncomfortable as well. I just feel trapped.
Surpising as it may seem but when pregnant and in school I met some awesome LDRP, nursery & NICU nurses who happened to be men. One former NICU nurse that posted here Boratz is male and took care of some of the tiniest humans and attended their births as part of a NICU team. It's perspective. There are a few areas of nursing that I'm not fond of at all. Many ask how I can work with medically complex/fragile pediatrics. I do it because I can and I enjoy it. Get through this rotation. You can do it. Then move on to the next. Now you know OB is not your preferred specialty.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I just have always valued school an education. I feel like I am a ****** nurse if I fail. Being a man in OB makes me uncomfortable as well. I just feel trapped.
Breathe and remember once this is done you never have to go there again....((HUGS))
So I took the final today and I got a B overall in the course. My instructor came up time and said I did a fantastic job and that I had improved massively since my meeting with her. I am finding that as I am passing. I hardly doubt she would say I'm doing fantastic and then nail me. Huge relief.
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
So I took the final today and I got a B overall in the course. My instructor came up time and said I did a fantastic job and that I had improved massively since my meeting with her. I am finding that as I am passing. I hardly doubt she would say I'm doing fantastic and then nail me. Huge relief.
GREAT! And congrats! OB is tough enough much less being a guy. The men in my class had issues too because they didn't get as good of an experience.
Please just keep this in mind as you go forward and still think about getting help if you are depressed. Know that it can get better.
And failure isn't the end of the world. Sometimes things just don't click. I had a classmate who failed a class so wound up a year behind us. She turned out to be a GREAT nurse and is going to start her MSN soon.
Im am so happy for you! Ob is soo tough. Dont let this stump in the road bring you down. Youve gotten this far and you're almost at the end! You got thissss
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.
Glad to hear you are passing, but please seek counseling from a professional!
Nursing is a tough job and you are going to have a lot of stress throughout your career and will need better coping skills, as you cannot cope by being suicidal every time something goes bad in life, that isn't normal or healthy!
Well I had my evaluation on monday from my professor. Overall I have passed the clinical portion. She said I had really good teamwork skills, and was a good leader. She said that out of all of my classmates I had the strongest knowledge base (btw, if I was failing two weeks ago, not sure if she was pulling it out of her ass or not). So yup, I'm starting PEDs now (which I think I'll enjoy more)
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
Well said.
There are many nurses on here, including myself, who have failed nursing school, dusted themselves off, and have gone on to be nurses.
Always remember, it can be done.
Best wishes.