Is it all worth it?

hypnotic_nurse · Nov 1, 2004

You are halfway there. This is the big muddley middle, when you can't really see where you started from, you can't really see the end in sight, and it's soooo much work. This is the most depressing part of ANY project. You've lost the excitement of beginning, and you don't feel like you're almost done yet.

You can do this. You can finish. And yes, you will be glad you did.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Nov 1, 2004

I started a Practical Nursing Program in January. In order to graduate and sit for the licensure exam NCLEX-PN a student must complete four blocks successfully-eqivalent within thirteen months. Here's what I have done:

First Block

Three day course of Basic Life Support within five day orientation

Five day a week eight hour a day combination on instruction and Clinical Rotation

Rotation at a long term care facility

Second Block

Pharmacology completion within three weeks

Geriatric Nursing completion within three weeks including two papers

Medical Surgical nursing instruction including rotation in OR, Ortho-Trauma, Telemetry, and General Med-Surg

Third Block

Maternal Nursing completion within two weeks

Pediatric Nursing completion within two weeks

Medical Surgical Nursing

Maternal, Pediatric, Med-Surg Rotation within one month, Med-Surg rotation Second Month

Mangement instruction with two projects.

Fourth Block: Begins Tomorrow :rotfl:

Need to: find a job, plan to coniue my education for a BSN, need to find help to pay loans, get NCLEX books, study for NCLEX study for class, get recommendations for school and a job, decide which school I can get in and who will take me in as a candiate, what hospital will help me with my new career and help me through my career...Vacation? Internships? Volunteering?

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Yes it is all worth it.

My past week off : off from work-at a hospital!:rotfl: Had a night on the town, went out of the city for three day at two differnt places, spent time with my family for 2.5 days, and had "me" time for 2.5 days...I by tomorow I will be asking the same question, and my answer will be the same: yes, it is worth it.

the advantages (yes there is some)

my advantage: Where I am taking my studies is the sme home town, so I do see my family, have a job, etc.

Your advantage: away from family to focus on school

When you have a winter break make the most of you for you!

Have your classemates join you as well. What I have learned is that you're classmates are there for you to have these same feelings as well as comiserate the success of getting as far as you all have. My classmates have gone out, been on trips on the weekends, etc. You all can do it!:balloons:

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 1, 2004

I think it was. Only you will be able to decide in the end.

Fiona59 · Nov 1, 2004

Please don't be angry with what I have to say. You are sleeping more, longing for home, isolated from family and home. You sound as if you need to talk to a counsellor.

Clinical depression starts off this way. These might just be signs that you need to talk with someone soon.

Re-evaluate why you chose a school so far from home, is it possible to transfer to one nearer your people, or are you from the territories and didn't have an option but to leave?

Nursing is a great career that many enjoy. But it has to be what you want.

Did your parents want you to do this, is there a family tradition. I went to school with three young women who went into nursing for those reasons, all dropped out because they really didn't want to do it.

Now, I hope you are thinking about some of the things I raised. Talk to a counsellor, see if there is a support group for out of town students, do some selfevaluation.

Good Luck and let us know how you are doing.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2004

I would have been so depressed and hopeless so far from my support system I wouldn't not have even made it past year 1 so bless your heart!

I agree with counseling, at least to find out why you chose to do this, what is the most upsetting component (or components!) that perhaps you can change to your favor, and really get a good look into your own self! It is a "you" time, with thoughts of helping others in the future...enjoy the 'you' time...we don't often get them! When I put my stressors into "hey, I get a chance to work on ME! I may not get this opporunity again" it helped :). If I am better or working as my best me...I help much more :)

Go figure I liked school so much..LOL!!!!! I can't even get 'me' time when I lock the bathroom door now! LOL!!!!!!

Maggie in NC · Nov 1, 2004

OH, I just want to give you a big hug!!

I remember being in your position. I went to school 12 hours away from home. I didn't get to go home from Aug until November!! It was so hard. I lived for summers so I could go home. Things did turn around. Once I hit the end of my junior year, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I eased up and let myself miss a few As for Cs. I had a social life and I was happier.

I used to sleep forever! Then I decided I needed to stop because I was gaining weight and had NO life lol.

A couple of thinsg that helped me: I went home with my friends once a month just to get away from campus and see something different. I took up swimming and running-I lost so much weight when I went home, people didn't even recognize me! AND, I did a one hour radio show on campus! It gave me something to look forward to and an outlet of creativity.

Your schooling IS WORTH IT!! This is temporary!! Just remember, "this to shall pass". I know it seems like it's not worth it but trust me, you don't want to give up and be kicking yourself later! Or go back because you got a degree that you don't even like just to get done (I did that!!)

Chin up, we're here for you!! And I'm sending you a BIG HUG!

Still Riding · Nov 10, 2004

I chose nursing all on my own, my parents only told me that whatever I did I had to do it well. which is understandable. I chose this school because it is one of the best in the country and I felt that if i got in to such a good school it would be a shame to not take advantage of the opertunity. (i'm starting to think a closer one might have been a better idea)

I often think i should see a councelor but i would have no idea as to where to start or even what is relevant...

Thanx for all the kind words, i really appreciate them. the semester is over in 4 weeks the only 3 weeks of exams. I'm just thinking one day at a time. and then i will be a 3/8ths done. LOL.

SR

beckymcrn · Nov 10, 2004

I was thnking maybe a school closer to home would be a good idea. Nursing school is hard you need much support. I could not imagine going to school and being far from home. Atleast you were excepted to this prestigous school it does give you bragging rights for a long time.

You can reach a counselor throuugh most schools. It is a good idea to talk to someone if you are having feelings of depression and withdrawl.

It is important to recognize the signs and get help.

((((Hope it works out for you)))))

abundantjoy07, RN · Nov 10, 2004

Hey, I'm in school too. I have a year left. These past four years have been tough. It's hard and sometimes you wish you had chosen another major. It's okay to feel like that. Sometimes I think that way too. I think sometimes school is tiring and draining. But you should look forward to the times when you can recharge your battery. For me those times are holidays and vacations when I can go home (6 hrs away). Right now I'm overjoyed thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas. It's just a suggestion, but you should try setting your hopes on the things to come. Not on things years away (like graduation) but things that are right around the corner. And sometimes I take time out for myself. A nap in the middle of the day, a road trip to nowhere, or a afternoon watching great movies. It's all in the mind. Remember you're in charge of your life. You make it happy and great!

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2004

In the scheme of things, it is a small part of your life...a rough part, be it that. I remember being in your position, getting my BSN, being half way through, and thinking..."my God, another 2 years of this?" Being in the middle of the program is the roughest part. Some of the excitment of "beginning" a program has worn way off. The middle is tough, but hang in there. I bet you'll feel differently once you get this third year under your belt, because the last year...just kicks you right back into gear because you see the light at the end of the tunnel. What helps is creating support systems during school...sort of like a small home away from home. Study groups with EAGER students can pep you up. Schedule in a fun or relaxing activity is very helpful. Emailing family and friends, if you are unable to call, is also helpful...staying in touch. Also, taking care of yourself during this time of your life is also important...making sure to get in or schedule in sleep/rest, meals (eat properly), a hobby (a small one can do just fine) to give your mind a rest, and activity/exercise if possible (Tai Chi, Yoga, walking). You'll get through it. What helped me at times was "if others could do it, so can I." I wish you well.

TinyNurse, RN · Nov 10, 2004

I don't have my BSN, but I gotta tell ya that my ADN was all worth it.

I'm a single mom and Hunter was like 2 years old when I was in school and I took all of my anatomys with nursing......... this was a total chore........... but I did it........... I graduated in 2003 am working in ER which I totally love.... the pay barely lets me pay for daycare and rent, but ican do it on my own with no help from anyone and I feel good about my job and taking care of my son.......................... yes, yes yes it is all worth it.