I'm burning out before I even graduate!

[all_dressed_in_white]

Im in Australia. Studying to be become an RN at uni. Ive just about finished my 3rd year and next year will be my last (ive done a 3/4 load due to my health and the need to work). I'm working with an organisation providing personal care, respite and domestic assistance in client's homes. I' living with me fiance and getting married mid nxt year.

I cant get enough sleep! Little tasks have become moutains to climb and i'm wondering how the hell I'm ever going to be able to work as an RN. I dont want to be a substandard nurse. My expectations are high but I really think they have to be when we have so much influence over out pt's physical, mental and spiritual health. I just dont know how to keep going...

I dont want to be anything else.

I'm just so scared that I cant to it.

Any suggestions?

[ToxicShock]

You say you don't get enough sleep... have you ever considered seeing a doctor for possible insomnia? I never thought I had it until just recently when I went to my doctor. Apparently taking over an hour to fall asleep and waking up 3, 4 times during the night isn't normal

You never know what you may find. They always have pretty good suggestions, too!

[sweetpeanurse]

I felt like you throughout school myself and questioned if this was really what I wanted to do. Sometimes you have to say I can't do it all. Sometimes you have to let the house stay dirty. Plan a day or even a night that is just for you.

[romantic]

"My expectations are high but I really think they have to be when we have so much influence over out pt's physical, mental and spiritual health. I just dont know how to keep going...

I dont want to be anything else.

I'm just so scared that I cant to it."

I think we are alike. At least I was like you during my second semester.

Do you know what helped me? 9-10 good hours of sleep. How? I'll tell you. I had to tell myself to stop be a perfectionist, STOP EAT yourself and just let it go -- it helped me. If I had slept only 3-4 hours because I had chapters to read and essays to write, I finally could sleep all night without feeling guilty. Your brain needs rest. You will do the same job in a shorter time when your brain rested well then when you are tired. Also, sleep deprivation affects your performance during your clinicals and therefore your self-confidence. It is like a dead circle.

It's wonderful that you noticed and are asking for advice. It is not late. You can help yourself. Heal yourself.

The second thing that was helpful for me is fitness center. I bought a membership in 24 hours fitness-- 25 dollars per month: any of their facilities, any day, any time. Sit and relax in jacuzzi or sauna after a difficult shift in the hospital at 100 am :)

1. sleep

2. stop eating yourself, stop being perfectionist;

3. fitness center or other activity that you will enjoy

4. try to find a friend in your program with whom you can talk/ use this website and talk to us! we are here to listen

[sweetpeanurse]

Romantic said it just right. Just remember that you won't learn everything in school. The basics is what is covered in school. You will learn more out of school then in, that has been true for me.