Is it worth it?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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Hi everyone,

I am a first semester RN student, and have been a practicing med-surg nurse for nearly 20 years.....I am in first semester due to being out of college for a long time, so that is what the program requires. I am wondering if this constant anxiety,stress,and worry is worth me finishing the program ? I am doing very well on all my exams, but have near panic when doing the skills competencies in front of the professors! I failed my first one today, an easy dressing change! but my anxiety caused me to shake and knock over a cup! Do I leave and get rid of this stress? Thanks for your honest replies.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Mental Health, Community.
Hi everyone,

I am a first semester RN student, and have been a practicing med-surg nurse for nearly 20 years.....I am in first semester due to being out of college for a long time, so that is what the program requires. I am wondering if this constant anxiety,stress,and worry is worth me finishing the program ? I am doing very well on all my exams, but have near panic when doing the skills competencies in front of the professors! I failed my first one today, an easy dressing change! but my anxiety caused me to shake and knock over a cup! Do I leave and get rid of this stress? Thanks for your honest replies.

Don't leave! I think that it would be worth it for you :) You deserve the RN pay for the skills you have acquired over the past 20 years.... I think it will get easier for you to do your skill competencies after you've done a few more. I'm sure the stress is over the top but you can do it! I'm cheering for you!!!

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thank you!

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Specializes in Ortho, CMSRN.

I did that to but I shook so bad I broke my sterile gloves (which were too small) and sterile field during my foley checkoff. Felt like an idiot. Had the dressing change next, but thankfully my teacher was kind and patient and told me "take all the time you need, breathe, relax". I had to go on fluoxitine during school. I think my dose was too high, or maybe I need stress as a motivator because I started thinking that I was going to pass tests just because Im awesome. News flash... Doesnt work like that. Anyways, had to repeat critical care and worse yet... Wait 6 months to do so. Had to go off thefluoxitine because I was not a student for 6 months and could not visit the clinic at school. I did NOT get back on it for the repeat class and senior year. I was a ball of nerves and cried all the time, but I studied hard and passed everything. You have to do what is best for you, and mayve an antianxiolytic would work better for you than me. My mom went on one while in nursing school and her first year or two as a new nurse, and when she didnt need it anymore, went back off. Hey, look on the bright side :) you're already an experienced nurse so you wont have to go through the first year as a new nurse stress again! I really hope you find a stress management coping skill that works for you. hang in there! You can do this!

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I am back in classes for my RN BSN. This is my first semester of actual nursing classes. I am having to start at the beginning. So I am with students who are not nurses, I'm having a difficult time passing some of the quizzes. The professor just tells me not to think into it. Kind of hard to do when I've been a nurse for 13yrs. Very frustrating.

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All the best, stay on And u will get there.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Don't quit! You are so not alone with the anxiety issues. I had a terrible time with that in the past. There are lots of little tricks and practical advice here on allnurses that can really help. In fact there is so much I would encourage you to do a search on just that word and read those items that apply to your situation.

Two things to keep in mind. As a nurse of 20 years you know far more than you think you do and.....

Repeat to yourself that your instructor is there to help you succeed. In all but a few cases it's actually true!

All the best!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Wow! Congrats! I'm sure it's hard to be put back in the place of a brand new nursing student when you've been in the field for so long, but hang in there! I myself graduate from an LPN-RN bridge program in 3 weeks. I was really nervous during check offs as well, but take some deep breaths and remember that you can do this! I do think it gets easier after the first few, especially as you get to know your instructors and are able to see what they are looking for. I'd say don't give up until there are no other options! Good luck!

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You can do it! Don't give up. Find a positive mantra for yourself. It will get better. I was so nervous in my first skills lab I couldn't remember how to prep a room.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am wondering if this constant anxiety,stress,and worry is worth me finishing the program ?

I can only speak for myself when I say the LPN-to-RN transition was well worth it to me. My RN license enables me to earn twice as much money as what I had been earning as an LVN, all for virtually the same job.

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Don't even think to give up!!! It's

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