Lacking motivation and feeling generally sad. Tips for getting out of a rut?

[AMC27]

This is likely a very common topic from nursing students, but lately all I feel is sadness. And if I'm not sad, I'm worrying about something. I look around me at my classmates and they all seem happy and driven and talk about how much they love what they're doing; meanwhile, I'm crying at the drop of a dime. This isn't to say that I'm uninspired to be a nurse; in fact, hearing about all the opportunities I can have when I graduate is exciting. I'm getting my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through St. Lawrence College in collaboration with Laurentian University. This means the class size is kinda small (about 70 people now; a lot have left), and therefore the competition between everyone is really high. I don't feel like my class is one solid group, but rather a group split up into little cliques; some of which that whisper and laugh at other people's ideas. I only really have one relatively "close" friend in my class, but I rarely see her. So I suppose this loneliness on top of the workload helps add to my lack of motivation. I also just recently failed my first test ever, and am a little embarrassed by that:(

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Learn to reach out to others; in this case, your priority is your instructors; the main focus is ensuring your achievement in your program; learn what you need to achieve and have success in your course; don't fall into the cracks!

As far as social dynamics in nursing school: Nursing school is like any social milieu; there are going to be small groups or "cliques"; sometimes clinical groups foster social connections as well; however, the focus on achievement can trump those social connections-translation: one can focus on nursing school and not make lasting social connections or make them post-study.

Nursing school can be tough emotionally; the stress to achieve at a high level and jockey in positions to have a way to "network" into that prime position post graduation seems paramount to many can be either a daunting experience; or can be an enriching experience, depending on the person.

When I went through my PN program, because of the size (45), I was able to foster relationships with many in my class; there were some cliques, but most of us became very social outside school; studied together, and helped cheer each other on; when I was in my BSN program, I had no particular "social" group; I floated through groups, though I had connections with people who were more on the "individual" side; most of us had great social connections outside of school, but we still found a way to foster a social connection, though the focus was squarely on school.

[Stitch3296]

I understand and have recently been in your shoes. I am taking it one day at a time, one chapter, one lecture, one exam. I'm in my final quarter and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. I also am trying to be more thankful for the little things like a good cup of coffee. Also reminding myself how far I've come and learned.

As far as the social part, that can be hard. You mentioned you had a close friend you don't see much from class. Can you stay in touch via text? One of my best friends and I in class both have kids, on top of studying so we often study via text and just check in, that hekps. Also reaching out to your instructors if you need help or don't understand a concept. They want you to succeed, but sometimes you need to be your own advocate. Don't get stuck on failing one test, clearly you're a good student cause you've made it this far, and you care about doing well. You got this.

[Everline]

I just finished nursing school and I can tell you that one of the worse things you can do is look around and compare yourself to others. For one, you really have no idea what is going on in their heads or private lives despite what appears to be the case. Secondly, although it seems like a big deal now about social connections and cliques, a lot of it will likely fall rapidly away after graduation. I'm not saying that no one maintains friendships after school. I'm saying that it's likely that you will never see, nor care about quite a few of the people in your cohort after you graduate. They will have zero influence on your life and you won't care one bit about the cliques that existed when you were in nursing school. This is temporary. Remind yourself of that repeatedly. You will graduate and move on if you keep working toward your goal, whether you have great nursing school "friends" or not.

As to failing the test, you have to just pick yourself up and refocus. Ask your instructors for help if you need it. Redouble your efforts. Focus on your goals. You can do this! I understand feeling sad because I was miserable pretty much the whole time in nursing school. Again, remind yourself that this is temporary....because it is.

If you feel like your sadness is unrelenting and out of the course of ordinary nursing school blues, please don't hesitate to seek professional help.

[Bbett, MSN, NP]

The cliques probably have a lot to do with your large class size. Even with the 32 people we have we still get cliques. I mostly ignore most people and just worry about myself. I went through a rut last year where I just felt depressed and like all of the hard work and sleepless nights weren't worth it. But now that I graduate in three months I am so excited and proud! Don't worry just take it day by day. You will get through it!

[CriticalCareRN1]

I know exactly how you are feeling, but my focus was on my grades and not being liked by my classmates, because ultimately, you are the one taking the exam, you are the one making your grades, and you are the one who will be taking your NCLEX--ALONE. So try to not get caught up in the shenanigan dynamics in your class. What I would do is sit in the front of the class, so if you have a question, your professor can easily see you to answer your questions. I would say, like the rest have been expressing, try to form a working relationship with your professors. They love when a student comes to their office hours. I used to do it all the time. Then they many times give you hints as to what to expect in the program. Then later on, they will vividly remember you, if your class is large, to write a nice letter of recommendation for you. I was always looking toward the future, and for every class I had, I asked for letters of recommendations. Those letters go far to capture you an interview, SERIOUSLY!! I would start collecting those now, and as many as you can. Also, the one friend you have, really is the only other person you need to study with, besides AN.com, to go back and forth with the content at hand. I would suggest the Silvestre/Saunders book as you study. It breaks down things very well, as well as each system having its own medication section. Another thing, of which I've posted in another thread, is to stay organized. The large amount of information is coming so fast, that it is easy to get discouraged as to how to attack the readings. I always stayed 1-2 weeks ahead to have a buffer. Nursing school is a whole different beast as compared to other undergrads--Everything compounds from the previous semester. Your Assessment and Foundations class, you will forever see those concepts. Well good luck to you! I hope I was some help. OOh, and stay positive and pray to your Creator everyday to get you through these, yes, tough couple years or last few semesters of nursing school. It can be done!!

[AMC27]

Thank you :)

[AMC27]

Thank you all!!!