Is there such a thing as postgrad depression syndrome?

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Tonight is my pinning ceremony. I've graduated the nursing school. I wanted to graduate so bad!!! So, here I'm. I love nursing and can't imagine myself doing something else. I've done my BSN in 2 years and I know I will have a job soon, since our cohort is under a contract with a hospital,which sponsored our clinical insructors for our clinicals. These 2 years were hard and I should feel happy and rewarded, but I don't. I feel alone, depressed and scarred. I feel like a woman with postpartum depression. I don't have a big family or close friends. I wanted to share my accomplishment with everyone I know, but feel as no one cares.

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Specializes in NICU.

Congratulations on graduating!!!

After graduation (May '08) I had weird feelings as well because all I have ever known is school and then it all just ended! I just didn't know what to do with myself and not being able to find a job did NOT help at all.

But now I found a job and will be starting next month and all those weird bad feelings went right away! Now all I feel is excitement. I hope the same happens for you!

Have you found a job yet?

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Specializes in RN in LTC.

congratulations! what you are feeling is so normal. i too felt the same way. i graduated in may this year. you spend all your time trying to do a good job and now they are setting you loose on an unsuspecting public and calling you a nurse lol. i am sure you will be just fine. good luck!:nurse::grad::clphnds::anpom:

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I did feel a sense of panic when graduation was looming and the reality of starting my career as a nurse set in.

Change is difficult. Nursing school IS similar to pregnancy. As tiring as it is, the real work and challange begins after the baby is born. Yes, it's scary.

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Specializes in ER, Cardiac Tele/ICU Stepdown.
Tonight is my pinning ceremony. I've graduated the nursing school. I wanted to graduate so bad!!! So, here I'm. I love nursing and can't imagine myself doing something else. I've done my BSN in 2 years and I know I will have a job soon, since our cohort is under a contract with a hospital,which sponsored our clinical insructors for our clinicals. These 2 years were hard and I should feel happy and rewarded, but I don't. I feel alone, depressed and scarred. I feel like a woman with postpartum depression. I don't have a big family or close friends. I wanted to share my accomplishment with everyone I know, but feel as no one cares.

I felt the same exact way when I graduated 6 months ago!! I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, didn't want to do anything. I didn't want to go to my graduation or my pinning ceremony and was having panic attacks. I sucked it up, and went, graduated, and about a week later things started to get better, and I've been okay ever since... except for the horrible stress at work!

I know it seems bad but I promise it will get better!

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg, IMCU/Tele, HH/CM.

Congrats on graduating, you worked hard and you deserve it!

many new nurses become depressed. I am still depressed, however, I moved almost 2000 miles from home for a new grad position (back home they are laying off nurses by the hundreds) and am alone in a new city and over the holidays to boot.

Don't stress, your feelings will pass as you get settled into your new position and new life. try to get out and do somethings you enjoy.

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Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

You are about to start upon the journey of your dreams, remember?

If you're feeling these things, it's okay, BUT!! Feel them, then,

Move on:)!! Life is soo good for you right now, don't waste it on

emotions that change like the winds.

Enjoy what God has blessed you with because I believe you are going

to be an excellent nurse.

"Happy days are here"

Can't wait 'till I finish(I'm 55 and can't wait to be an RN!)

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Specializes in addictions recovery, tele, peds.

ive felt the same way especially since alot of the nurses i was close to in school all went their own ways. its hard because when ur in school u all sort of have eachother and then when u start ur career ur kind of on ur own its scary.

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Thank you all for your support!!!

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Specializes in MPCU.

I believe that studies show treatment should be initiated concurrent, or as early as possible proximal to the nursing school trauma to prevent PGDS. May I recommend chocolate, titrated to effect? Consult your physician or other health care professional prior to initiating any treatment program.

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Specializes in NICU.

mmmm chocolate! That treatment DEFINITELY does wonders! :chuckle

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Everybody's life has a number of big steps...the first one is usually starting school...but few of us are able to remember the first time we stepped into a class room. You have now completed that step...probably close to 14 or 15 years later. THIS IS HUGE! You have been in school for half of your life or more. Of course this is going to be a massive adjustment. Its scary, intimidating and exciting all at the same time. Don't worry, you are not alone here. Try and face this challenge head on. If you find you can't pull yourself out and seem to spiraling downwards...there is no shame in asking for help, professional or otherwise.

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