a little discouraged

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well, I guess I need a little advice. I started a RN nursing program last semester. This has been a dream of mine for about 3 years now. It took me about that long to go to school part time and raise my son on my own after a hard long divorce. I met a wonderful man who now supports me and is helping me fullfill my dream of becoming a nurse. Well, a month after I started my mother was hospitalized and then she passed away before my final. Nonetheless I failed the course, knowing all the material and passed all my comps. I kept thinking every question on the final asked was pertaining to her situation. I was readmitted to the nursing program, but im scared Im not going to pass. Im scared im going to remember too much about my mothers condition, and it will affect my critical thinking. Has anyone out there been through a similar situation? I need some words of advice. This is a dream of mine, and I am very discouraged now. I really don't want to give up...

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Don't be discouraged. What happened is truly heartbreaking and sad and thats life. I think that your experience will only make you a better nurse. I wish you the best of luck!

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Specializes in NICU, Nursery.

First of all, you are a strong person. You've gone this far and been through so much. Would this be the time when you'll turn your back on your dream?

Count your blessings, dear. You have someone to hold your hand and catch you if you fall. You have a son. You are living, breathing, loving and learning about life just like the rest of us. ;)

Do not be afraid. Life is too short for us to be afraid. Go back to nursing school, study harder, manage your time well and ask help to take care of your son while your in school.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. You are probably thinking that life wasn't fair to you. But it really isn't for everyone. Life isn't about being fair. It's about surpassing the unfairness of it. You have. Just take things a day at a time.

I wish you well and good luck on nursing school! :)

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Specializes in critical care nursing, ED, education.

I am so sorry for your situation. Try not to think of her as patient in every situation, but think of her with you cheering you on.

Easier said than done. I know. Best of luck!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

YUou are strong. My dad passed last year and that wwas my fear too. I am doing fine and have one more course to complete my journey. You will do great.

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I'm so sorry for your loss! My mom passed away unexpectedly 9 years ago. I unfortunately found her....so because of that I was mentally messed up for probably a good year. I was a CNA and I didn't deal with death very well after that. Luckily the nurses and CNAs I worked with understood and would take over if one of my residents were dying and/or died. Soooooo....having gone through this, I do know how her death effected me, so I understand how it effected your schooling. It might not seem like it now but I think it'll make you a better student because you have gone through it and you'll be more compassionate towards patients and their family. Anyway....again I'm sorry...good luck!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

You've already recognized how her death affected your thinking, it was far too close and overwhelmingly present. With more time between your loss and your current classes, it may not interfere quite so much.

Have you considered some grief counseling? An independent ear to listen and support, and maybe help you learn some ways to redirect your thinking when you need to.

There's still a room in ICU that I don't like to deliver patients to, as its where my husband died. But I do it, think only of the patient in front of me; and then move on. I mutter about that room as I leave!

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