Is Nursing School a "Survivor Series"?

IMustBeCrazy · Jun 11, 2004

I think it's easy to feel stressed and have periods of self-doubt in nursing school. I've also seen some very smart and hardworking classmates fail out this past semester. In that sense, it is like a 'survivor' theme.

I think it just all boils down to taking every class period and study time seriously, and pushing yourself, even when other choices (like taking the night off) look really really appealing.

Hang in there! I keep reminding myself that this won't last forever. Find short ways to de-stress: take a 15 minute walk, call your best friend for a few minutes, whatever will clear your mind. Once you're done you'll come back refreshed and ready to go! :) :) :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2004

It is a survival of the fittest and a lot of people are weeded out. But wouldn't you want the best of the best taking care of your loved one's.

I'm sorry about your friend, I'm sure she/he was a good nurse, and hope they come back and try again.

We lost many people in my class as well. You just have to move on and worry about yourself. Sounds selfish, but there's nothing you can do about anyone elses studies. Hopefully, you'll bond with a new group of friends. It's nice to have a buddy to suffer through school with. But you just have to move on.

Good luck.

Jill1215 · Jun 11, 2004

I am sorry to hear about your friend. I know that must be very hard on you too. However, you cannot let it get you in the end. Don't let her 2 points kick you out as well.

I am sure a lot of what a school does is for the bottom line. Think of all of the classes you have had to take for you nursing degree that are absolutely irrelevant to nursing just to be "well rounded". Think of all of the text books you have had to purchase that go unused and collect dust. I believe schools are all about making money. Period. Unfortunately, in the nursing profession, they weed out a lot of people who would have made WONDERFUL nurses with the hope that they will retake the class again...and again...and again.....

It really truly sucks. Don't let the system take you too. You have come this far, you can do it!

Jill

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jun 11, 2004

I have been feeling very depressed lately due to personal and school related stressors."I didn't go to school today"

Depression is a real illness. Please talk with your doctor/NP regarding need for treatment or counseling.

I don't understand the comments I see written and hear from nursing and HS students today--even my nephews: " Didn't feel up to it, so didn't go to school."

Only times I missed school were due to contagious illness. Same thing with work. Lots of times when I feel lousy from late nights due to sick kids, worries, late night event etc, I go into work and problems are forgotten---or day ends and fall asleep upon returning home.

Nursing and medicine demands a LOT of fortitude and strength: mental and physical to meet other human beings needs at the most stressful times in patients lives. Nursing school is supposed to weed out those who don't truely have the stamina to endur and thrive under pressure.

steel magnolia · Jun 11, 2004

Yikes, that was a tad harsh, no? You said yourself depression is an illness. Unless you have ever been truly depressed, you wouldn't understand. It is sometimes a struggle just to get OOB, let alone deal with school pressures. I don't think that someone should be "weeded out" from nursing school based on being depressed and therefore temporarily "lacking fortitude." They must first recognize recognize it as a serious issue and get the correct treatment, which may involve several weeks to months of different meds until the right one is found for the individual. I think that someone who has suffered from depression can make an excellent nurse, and will surely display more empathy in their work than you have in your remarks NRS Karen.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2004

To OP: I don't think that the objective of nursing school is to weed out people who don't make the grade but that is the natural consequence of not meeting the high standards required of us. It is survival of the fittest. If it were you or one of your children or mother or father, wouldn't you demand that only the fittest be delivering that care? If these feelings of depression continue or it has been a pattern where you are missing school, you really should seek out qualified help before you bomb out of school or worse.

School is stressful and can make one feel abused and confused, but so is working as a nurse in a facility. The difference in the facility is that you get paid for it.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2004

NCLEX results reflect directly on the school. If a high percentage fail the program, then the program could be audited by the state and other governing bodies, and can lose their accrediation. No nursing school = no students = no nurses. So many schools have entrance exams to weed out people who do not have great potential. I feel sure all schools have grade standards, again, to eliminate those who are less likely to succeed with NCLEX (which, by the way, is harder now). Maybe your friend just lacked focus at this time. SHE IS NOT YOU, so buckle down and study. Yes, it is sort of an endurance test, but when you begin practice you will wish the school had forced you to learn more!

Ruylupez · Jun 11, 2004

sorry, erased

Trauma Columnist · Jun 11, 2004

Nursing school is hard. There is no doubt about it. I really enjoyed school but yes, we had lots of people drop out. I see now with all the new grads that we hire to our ED that so many of them are totally overwhelmed and are getting out of nursing completely in 2-3 years. Its a shame. I do agree with Karen though that nursing is not for the weak of heart - it takes drive and determination to make it. Sometimes there are outside forces that must be considered. Good luck...

Encephala · Jun 11, 2004

I realize that this Nursing forum is comprised of many personalities from many walks of life; hence points of view. I also understand that not everyone will agree with or empathize with my view point/post and that's ok because I glean what I need to help me refocus and pull myself up by my bootstraps.

However, I don't need any stereotypical, regimented, stern "Nurse Hatchet" types of yesteryear pontificating to me about the stoical qualities needed to be a long suffering nurse. With modern medicine comes a new era of beliefs. :rolleyes:

For all of you who still have blood coursing through your veins and understand the ups and downs of the school process (and life's curve balls) I thank you for your upbuilding words of encouragement; in them I have found solace and the determination to carry on.:)

moliuchick, RN · Jun 11, 2004

I have been feeling very depressed lately due to personal and school related stressors. I didn't go to school today but found out that a classmate (the only one I trust and am close to since we began) failed out. She has to be remediated.
I feel even more aweful now. She didn't fail by some grossly deficient margin....just by like 2 points. Sometimes I wonder if Nursing School is just a "survival of the fittest" obstacle course or if there is some kind of financial motive for these schools. Sometimes it all gets so overwhelming. I didn't get my test scores back (due to absence) don't know if I will join her in remediation..........will let you guys know.
How do you guys cope with such devastating blows?
Mixed emotions :angryfire :uhoh21:

Hi here,

I totally agree with you. Nursing school is tough and you know why you could get in? You are the best of the best!!!

So don't give up.

At first, I thought I am the only one who always feel that this is a "survival game". But after reading what you said, I feel much much better about myself cuz' I am not the only one out there struggling.

I was so worry that my buddy would not pass our last semester too but luckily she made it. I am not doing that well either. I was a 4.0 student and now I am at 3.5....

Well, I am thinking to myself,"it is okay to be a 3.5 as long as I know what I am doing and I can provide the best care to my patients".

Who cares if I am a 3.0 or 4.0 when I become a nurse???? Some of the test questions that our instructors had for us are ambiguous and tricky, if I have got the wrong answer, it doesn't mean that I don't know what I have studied, right?

Good luck and hang in there.

I did the same thing that you did too, I missed two days of school last semester b/c I got so frustrated with my instructor!!!! :chuckle