Is this a normal feeling before graduation?

purplemania, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2005

when I finished my ADN program I was too exhausted to enjoy the ceremonies. When I finished my BSN I was too exhausted to attend the ceremony. When I finished my MSN I was too exhausted to care if I graduated or not, but in the end I went to the ceremony and enjoyed it because I knew it was all finally over. So yes, what you are feeling is normal.

MNnurseMom · Apr 25, 2005

I too understand how you feel. I have been an LPN for 20 years and now will graduate from ASN program in 2 weeks!!!! I never thought I would make it this far. Our final test is not cumulative (luckily) but I am so nervous I won't pass it or something like that and not graduate. I worry a lot about boards. I feel like my books are growing roots into my lap. I am fearful of going into work as an RN instead of an LPN. I am sure I felt the same way when I started as an LPN, but I survived it to get this far. You will too. Give yourself a chance. Good Luck and congratulations!!!!

pricklypear · Apr 25, 2005

yes, your feelings are totally normal!!! hang in there, you'll make it. you've put a lot of work into this, and it will pay off. just buckle down and get through the next few weeks. i felt like there had been some mistake, i couldn't possibly be prepared to go out and be a "real" nurse!! you know more than you think you do, believe me. but you have a lot to learn - that's why employers have new grad programs!!

congratulations!!!:balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

blackIrish · Apr 26, 2005

I feel the exact same way right now. My final is May 2. In the next 1 week, I have due: a research paper on Nursing Unions, a one hour class presentation(w/ 2 other students), 2 final exams (one online-Comm.Health Nursing), a case study that took me 3 days to do, and my normal weekly self eval. Oh, and I (like everyone else) have children and a husband and a home that is a wreck.

I will be a sobbing mess at pinning & graduation. But we have to get through these last few weeks- we've come this far- we'll be fine now.

I am also terrified about starting as a GN. All of a sudden, I feel like I know NOTHING about being a nurse. I am so scared now- I feel like I forgot how to care for a patient.

But, I'm sure we are not the only ones who have been here. (hopefully!)

Brandy

Cerridw3n · Apr 28, 2005

You are not alone!!!

I am graduating on May 21st... we still have a quiz and then a cumulative final. Not to mention the stress of WHEN I will finally have my license in hand since I accepted a job on the 25th of July. I hope it all works out for you!!!!

Keep your chin up and fake it til you make it, baby!!!

Sunstone

SarasotaRN2b · Apr 29, 2005

First, congratulations to all of you future graduates...that is a great accomplishment!!! Next for the OP, take a breath and just take one day at a time. It definitely can get overwhelming when you think of EVERYTHING you have to do...but again...just concentrate on thing at a time and before you know it, you'll be walking down the aisle with the biggest smile on your face for the great achievement you just accomplished...Congratulations again!

Kris

Nemhain · Apr 30, 2005

I am SO overwhelmed! We have so many tests to do, so many classes to go to (ALL CRAMMED TOGETHER!) and a cumulative final that I have YET to start studying for! I feel like the entire semester is crammed into these last few weeks. I graduate May 18th. Hearing all this talk about what it's REALLY like to be a nurse, going to interviews, realizing that I will be a nurse in a few weeks... I can't handle it!!!!! I've had panic attacks, I've cried, I've doubted myself millions of times. I went through two years of school, I survived, only to now think do I even want to be a nurse?!?! This last kick of school might kill me, and if that doesn't, I fear that I won't even be able to survive as a nurse. It's so scary! I'm a naturally shy and timid, non-aggressive person. I will have to overcome that very quickly. Just thinking of everything that I will have to do, and have to learn to do that I never learned in school... AHHH!!!! Is this normal???

It sounds normal to me! I have two weeks until graduation and at this point I feel like I want to be a Bar Tender! LOL I had trouble last year with anxiety, but I got through it. I just kept telling myself that I'm not the only one who feels like this. Starting a new profession can be really scary, but you can do it!