Losing classmates is so stressful and sad

Published

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

We lost another classmate today. Out of 88 beginning this Block 1 semester with me, we have lost 11 with 6 more weeks to go. I am doing well and not in danger of academically being dropped, but some people have had health issues, a few found out its not for them, and some just couldn't pass tests or failed checkoffs more than 3 times. Its hard to see them go because I truly wish everyone well and for them to make it. Even if I know that it is very common to lose many students along the way. Every loss just stresses me out and I'm not sure why. Another students misfortune does not effect my standing, but I feel like we are all in this together, even if I didn't even know half of those who dropped. Tough stuff. Every student loss is a reminder to keep working my tail off to be the best student nurse I can be and become the best RN I can be when graduating. Cheers to those close to the end, and a hold on tight and work hard to those just starting like me. We got this. Or I hope at least. :wideyed:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand what you mean perfectly. It's really hard losing friends or classmates that are doing so well, they just realize it isn't for them. It makes me feel like that could be me. I expect to make it through the end of my nursing program but I don't think anyone of the people that have dropped went into it thinking it's okay, I'll only being here for a coulple of months and then I'll just quit.

We do got this :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

I agree. We've lost 6 classmates total since fall (out of 64). I was close with 2 of them and it was really hard losing them. It doesn't feel the same without them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You should not feel bad for the ones who discovered nursing was not for them. You should be happy they discovered it quickly and BEFORE they got a degree/ job they hate.

It's ok to fail too- some folks need it as a wake up. Either that they need to work harder- or that maybe they are not cut out for nursing. Not everyone can or should be a nurse. That's the reality of it.

I'm not trying to be mean or unfeeling- just honest.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I should have quit my first career when I was just starting the degree program. I instinctively knew then that I should have quit but I was too proud to drop out. So I graduated and worked in the profession for 14 years before becoming a nurse. One of my biggest regrets is not having discovered this career sooner, but at the same time I am grateful that I had the courage to take a risk and pursue what I thought I would love (and I was right). I envy your classmates who said it wasn't for them. Had I said that 20 years ago, I might be in a different place in nursing now. And a hell of a lot better off financially too.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sorry that it's stressing you out but feel empowered that you've made it thus far. Just don't forget that you are so close to starting your life! And that is an exciting feeling! I start in May but what my online orientation informed us to do is write your Name RN and your projected graduation date largely on a piece of paper and hang it somewhere you study or behind your computer (et cetera). And when times get tough, just look at that piece of paper and use it as motivation. That may sound silly but I think it definitely doing so has a positive impact.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.
You should not feel bad for the ones who discovered nursing was not for them. You should be happy they discovered it quickly and BEFORE they got a degree/ job they hate.

It's ok to fail too- some folks need it as a wake up. Either that they need to work harder- or that maybe they are not cut out for nursing. Not everyone can or should be a nurse. That's the reality of it.

I'm not trying to be mean or unfeeling- just honest.

I understand what your saying and don't find it mean. I am also of the thought process that nursing is not for everyone and its good for those discovering in first semester before they either fail later and waste money and time, or become bitter nurses because they hate it. I thinks its more of just thinking that it could happen to anyone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.
I'm sorry that it's stressing you out but feel empowered that you've made it thus far. Just don't forget that you are so close to starting your life! And that is an exciting feeling! I start in May but what my online orientation informed us to do is write your Name RN and your projected graduation date largely on a piece of paper and hang it somewhere you study or behind your computer (et cetera). And when times get tough, just look at that piece of paper and use it as motivation. That may sound silly but I think it definitely doing so has a positive impact.

Def not silly. I remind myself every day what my end goal is and it helps me push through the grueling hours and never ending study. Its just two years of my life (to start at least). I have future RN written in every one of my folders and binders as a reminder of why I am going through this. Im loving/hating every moment of school lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion