New student nurse and I am going CRAZY!!!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2006

Have you visited this site's Student Nurse forum? It's just a suggestion, but I am thinking that you might receive more advice over at this other forum. Good luck to you! :)

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/

LilRedRN1973 · Jan 15, 2006

I live in N. Nevada (Carson City) and I applied (and was hired) for the job of Apprentice Nurse/Critical Care Tech right after my first semester of school. I worked one 12 hour shift and one 8 hour shift at $16/hour. It was great experience for getting "my feet wet" in the ICU and then after I passed my second semester, I was hired into the position of Apprentice Nurse II, which paired me with an experienced RN and after about 4 months (sometime around the end of summer), I was taking 2 patients and providing all care, charting, and most procedures under the direction of the RN. I just couldn't administer medications and suction down ETT.

I loved all the experience I received from both jobs and am 3 months into my new position as an RN. All the time I spent here as a student has really paid off. I am still nervous and hesitant each night I come into work (as I should be), but I think spending the time I did in the ICU prior to becoming an RN was invaluable. I never would want to start here as a new grad with NO prior exposure.

I found the job through a couple of RN's who were at our school (Western Nevada Community College) promoting Washoe Medical Center to the second year students. I began talking to them and expressed my interest in critical care. They told me about the opportunity here and I jumped on it.

Melanie = )

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2006

It is indeed overwhelming. Somehow we all survive. Good luck.

Siouxz2 · Jan 15, 2006

You'll make it. I think one of the most difficult things about nursing school was--slowly and painfully--coming to the realization that I really wouldn't have a life outside of school for the next few years. Once I reconciled with that fact, it was easier for me. I'm now five months away from graduation, and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's exhilarating! My husband and son are great supports for me. They're my cheerleaders, and very proud of my accomplishments. It's been very tough for them, and I'm so grateful that they have sacrificed time with me so that I could help improve our financial situation in the future and fulfill my lifelong dream.

Overwhelming? Absolutely. But it will probably be one of the most rewarding things you'll do in your life.

LilRedRN1973 · Jan 15, 2006

Oops....okay, I'm a dork. I replied to this thread thinking it was another one....teehee! That's what happens when you use the internet at work when you're not supposed to be "surfing"....sssshhhh!

Melanie = )

NaomieRN · Jan 15, 2006

It is doable! just have to sacrifice for the time being. I am working full time and going to school part time. I am taking 7 credits this semester.

Good Luck to you

mommaRN29 · Jan 17, 2006

This is the thought that kept me going all through out nursing school: If they can do it, I can, too. All I have to do is look at the RN's doing their jobs efficiently like a well-oiled machine and picture myself doing the same thing as soon as I graduat and get my license. Don't worry, I know exactly how you feel. Another thing is, you have to make sure that this is what you really want to do, and you have thought out taking up nursing very carefully. You should do this for yourself and not for the money, pressure, etc. because believe me, nursing school is no joke. It is demanding, exhausting, and it drains you not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. But it can also be very rewarding and fulfilling when you see how you have touched a person's life like no other can.

Keep your chin up and hang in there. As long as you believe you can do it, nothing can stop you. And that is the most important thing:)