Middle-aged first-semester nursing student, clinicals, instructors & more

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

I'll try not to write a book here. I'm middle aged, and am only in 'semester 5' of a nursing program, although it's obviously nearly the end of the semester.

I did pretty well in a previous career, but was bored to death with it, finally quit it, and after being my mother's caregiver - and for other reasons as well - decided to try this route. I thought - and still think - that I can do fairly well at this too, for several reasons, but we all have our strengths/weaknesses. Some on here have trouble with math (I wish I could help every one of you, seriously), some have trouble with the classroom stuff (I'm not making A's, in the inflated nursing school grading scale, but I'm doing fine), and some have trouble (that would be ME) with the clinicals.

I think my problems with clinicals - and the insane paperwork we have to do (does this sound familiar?) - are partly mine, and partly them, whether it's a lack of *enough* or *clear* instruction beforehand. We have to do a 'teaching plan' that is ridiculously overwrought (what's required when writing it) compared to the usually quick/simple bit of 'teaching' we would be doing at this level. Our paperwork takes many, many hours, and to me there's something wrong with the picture when I have to physically abuse myself (i.e. get 4-5 hours sleep if I'm lucky) before each clinical - thank God we only have a few the first semester, and will allegedly maybe not have to do so much paperwork the next semester. To me it's counterproductive. I'm not going to do the greatest job the next day, and more importantly, my PATIENT isn't going to get as much from me either (as they would if I'd gotten at least 6+ hours sleep). Something could and should be cut out of this.

Part of it is my problem - I'm gregarious in a way, but a little shy in a way. I do better with the actual patients, but I loathe having the teacher (although if I had a different one it might help) watch me do anything. I understand the rationale, but it's tough. This stuff is tough enough without the added pressure of a teacher watching you - I'd rather it be a fellow student or a nurse (most seem to be helpful).

I think the gist of it for me is that I'll be decent at this IF I can get through school, but that's the hurdle. I honestly would like to help people, and make a difference in just one person's small way; I'm detail-oriented, I'm damn sure worried about giving someone the wrong med or too much (so I'll be very careful about it, and ask for help when I need it), and I'm interested in medical stuff... not to an extreme, but quite a bit.

So... no need to comment or give me help or approval, but I just wanted to kind of vent a little bit. It's been tough - I knew it would be, but it's been tougher than I thought it would be, although some of my gripes may only be at my particular school (and I have more than I've listed here :^).

Good luck to all.

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i know you stated there is no need to apply....but i thought i would give you a boost of pep talk! you'll be fine :redbeathe.....if you have the passion for nursing and patient care.....this anxiety shall pass. forge ahead, put in 110% percent effort, and enjoy the journey. relax, meditate, and do yoga.....something for you to calm your mind, body and spirit! approach everyday with a positive attitude and "try" to enjoy every experience. take a deep breath.....and know you will get through this tough journey....at the end of the rainbow...you will be a better nurse...having made it through your program...with all of its ups and downs. i'm sure every program has its good, bad, and evil....it's how you choose to handle yourself when you're in any given situation! good luck to you....your gonna be fine! :yeah:

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I know it is stressful to think that someone is watching you like a hawk, just waiting to pounce on any minute detail you might get wrong.

That isn't why the instructor is there however! She is there to see how well you can do certain functions, how you interact with patients, and that you are prepared for whatever it is you are doing that day. She is there to support, guide, and teach. Who is to say another student is competent to watch you do things? And it isn't the floor nurse's responsibility to grade and/or pass you in clinicals.

What I am trying to say is, think of your instructor as your back up, your cheerleader, the one who has your back, and won't let you harm anyone by mistake (which is a greater stressor in my opinion). Do your best to get her on your side, try not to think of her as an adversary.

BTW: I went back to school in my 40's, it is doable! You've got all of us here rooting for you!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Great post budd! It sounds like you are very very stressed right now. And I'll let you in on a secret: you are going through the same thing as every nursing student in the world (well, at least the US) has gone through. As an instructor, I promise you that careplans are not fun to read, but sadly (for now at least) they are a necessary evil (and I don't want to get into that debate now, b/c I am not 100% for them anyway). A 'teaching plan' actually is much more practical, IMO. Whether you actually implement the plan with your patients, it is forcing you to learn about the disease, and translate it into lay terms. It will build your confidence, I promise you!

As far as sleep, please (for your own sake) re-evaluate your schedule. What else do you have on your plate besides school? Enlist the help of anyone and everyone who is willing to help you out, whether it be housework, child-care, cooking, etc. Yes, you do need a good nights' sleep to be productive in clinical. Unfortunately your instructor is more concerned about your level of function moreson than your patients' ;)

As far as the instructor watching over you: it is her job. She should be doing it to everyone. As long as she is the only one in the group with RN after her name, she is responsible for ensuring you are safe. The floor nurses are not, and even if you have one who is willing to oversee you performing a task, they are not the one giving you your evaluation.

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Nursing school is such a rollar coaster ride isn't it? It can try us in ways we can't possibly fathom (and I'm a middle age single mom and am not new to trials and tribulations of life). Like bonnevie13 said, just sit back and enjoy the ride. We will all make it through and it really is a short time. Good luck and I know we will make it. And, vent away! We all need a little release sometimes!

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I can totally relate -- i'm also a change-of-career "over-30" student, struggling to get past the learning hurdles of clinical, and up against teachers looking over my shoulder and causing me to be so stressed out that my knees shake! It gets better.. hang in there!!! We "older students" have our particular strengths and weaknesses, and "beginning again" is tough, at any age. But have confidence-- you can, and will, do it!

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Specializes in GI.

djh123--Thanks for "venting"! I so much appreciate it! I'm on a waitlist for NS and will be getting in shortly. I'm middle-aged, too, w/ family, etc. I'm alittle scared about the whole thing, but *&%(! I'm just gonna do it! You will too! a nurse friend of mine told me he wanted to quit so badly in the first semester, but his wife wouldn't let him, and he made it through. You'll make it! One of my instructors now is also a nurse and she told our class that school is just plain hard, they don't care about anything--that's just how it's done. Just stay focused on what you need to do and it'll happen. I've got to remember this for myself!!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, home health, ms, resp....

I feel compelled to write because I too am a non triditional student. I am in my 40's and am a junior in a nursing program. It has been an emotional and now to financial struggle. Being torn between the children, the housework, school and work.... Sometimes I feel this was the worst decision I have ever made. But I keep telling my children and myself that things will get better. At this point it has to. So to the person who started this thread, if all you are having problems with is the clinicals, you will be fine. This is your first round you said, they will come easier to you. Good luck to all of you smart, brave women that went back to school to start yet again.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I was a traditional student many years ago -- went to a BSN program in a major university right after high school. After 2 years of staff nursing, I went to graduate school.

I was NEVER comfortable as a student in clinicals, either at the BSN or MSN level. However, I had no real problems being a successful as a staff nurse. Without the pressure of school, I did fine at the bedside. The 2 experiences (school clinical and job) were totally different for me.

School is just something you have to endure. Get through it: learn everythin you can: and move on.

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