Not so excited anymore

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hello everyone, just a little background I started my journey on nursing back in 2008 after completing my core. I got accepted in to the lpn program for spring of 2011 however I passed it up to move when my husband got relocated to another state (military).I always had should've, would've, could've in the back of mind for giving up my dream so I applied back to the lpn program and was accepted. so my husband got orders for deployment and now in back in our hometown. I completed our mandatory orientation for school and I was so excited about orientation even more ecstatic when I got the acceptance letter. However, here's my problem class starts in two weeks and all my anxious and happiness has faded away and I'm not sure why? I wanted to be a nurse since 2006 I know I will make a great nurse but what's wrong with me? has this happen to anyone else if so how did you deal with your emotions?

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Specializes in Informatics, Orthopaedics.

I would say anticipatory burnout...you have been waiting for so long to get in and have had a few setbacks along the way, maybe now you are not quite believing it's finally happening.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Precepting, Education.

I had a very similar experience leading up to starting nursing school. I took a year and a half to complete pre-requisites before I could even apply for the nursing program that I wanted to get in to. Once I got the acceptance letter I was so happy and relieved that I was accepted. The weekend before classes started I moved in to my apt and I remember sitting on my bed and crying. I was so worried that I had worked so hard to get in to nursing school and that I would not be successful in completing it. I was scared that I wasn't smart enough or had what it took to become a nurse. Looking back on it now I realized I was just scared of the unknown. Nursing school was challenging but it WAS NOT impossible. It takes a lot of time, energy, dedication, and organization but if you are willing to commit then I am confident that you can do it. Take it one class or even one day at a time if it gets to be overwhelming (it will at times). Just set yourself small goals and once you reach that small goal move on to the next one. You will be so busy that it will honestly fly by. I just graduated in May but it still feels like yesterday that I was sitting on my bed, crying, and worrying that I didn't have what it took to become a nurse. GOOD LUCK!

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I would say anticipatory burnout...you have been waiting for so long to get in and have had a few setbacks along the way, maybe now you are not quite believing it's finally happening.

Very true statement......this is exactly where I am. Orentation is tonight and it just feeels surreal.

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Specializes in Hospice.

I feel that way a little. The whirlwind of certified background is over, orientation is in one week, school in three weeks. Books, scrubs, supplies, all ordered or stacked on my desk. Waiting. Hurry up and wait. It's kind of anti-climactic, that's the best way I can put it. It's been two years gearing towards this, and now I am faced with the daunting beast that is NS, and I'm petrified, doubtful, excited..... sometimes all in one hour. I'm guessing it's perfectly normal.

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I would say anticipatory burnout...you have been waiting for so long to get in and have had a few setbacks along the way, maybe now you are not quite believing it's finally happening.

I believe what you describe is what I'm feeling. I'm still going to put my all into school but I can't believe this is really happening. I'm thankful:)

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I can speak from experience only in that I now have one semester of nursing school under my belt with four more to go. After acceptance it seems that there is a "whirlwind" of tasks to complete (in my case, vaccinations, drug testing, background testing, fingerprinting, books, scrubs, etc) and then it all sort of sinks in that it's now "real".

I had the same reservations and was not sure that I made the right decision. As a 44yr old male, I knew that I suspected that I was going to stick out like a sore thumb. I found that as I engaged my classmates who were half my age, that we all had the same fears and anxiety. In the end, we banded together and formed study groups, we communicated our frustrations, and our successes. My advice would be to get together with other students who seem to be successful, that put in an effort, and that keep a positive attitude. You will benefit academically and also in knowing that you have others that are going through the same experiences you are. If nursing is a good fit for you, you will begin to really get into the classes and the clinical experience. If it's not a good fit, it won't take you long to find out.

Good luck and go get 'em!;)

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I am so proud of all of you for getting so far into your goals. I am still a pct, recently divorced, was a stay at home mom and gave up my dream to be a nurse for my husband and kids. Now i am 56 and just beginning the steps to become an rn. If i can do this at my age...so can all of you. I need your encouragement, your prayers, your support and your stories. I am sure you are experiencing a release of all the stress of what it takes to get to where you are. I know i will be there crying as well...if i ever get there...but i am trying...god bless you all in your goals and successes. You encourage me!!!!

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Specializes in Hospice.
I am so proud of all of you for getting so far into your goals. I am still a pct, recently divorced, was a stay at home mom and gave up my dream to be a nurse for my husband and kids. Now i am 56 and just beginning the steps to become an rn. If i can do this at my age...so can all of you. I need your encouragement, your prayers, your support and your stories. I am sure you are experiencing a release of all the stress of what it takes to get to where you are. I know i will be there crying as well...if i ever get there...but i am trying...god bless you all in your goals and successes. You encourage me!!!!

I'm 49,will be 50 before my program starts on the 26th. I know there is another 40 something in my cohort as I took a pre req w/ her, but I may well turn out to be the oldest! I will find out on the 12th at orientation. Age is merely a pesky little number. Don't let it slow you down in reaching for your goal.

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@ heavensangel Congrats! to you I'm sure you will do well in your endeavors with school or whatever you put your mind to. Remember, "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you"

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I feel that way a little. The whirlwind of certified background is over, orientation is in one week, school in three weeks. Books, scrubs, supplies, all ordered or stacked on my desk. Waiting. Hurry up and wait. It's kind of anti-climactic, that's the best way I can put it. It's been two years gearing towards this, and now I am faced with the daunting beast that is NS, and I'm petrified, doubtful, excited..... sometimes all in one hour. I'm guessing it's perfectly normal.

Get used to it, nursing school is a bullet train that doesn't stop until you get to graduation. And then you are like what the hell happened? :confused:

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I completely agree with this! I feel the same way....I have been so excited all my life for nursing school and for applying for the program but now that I've been accepted, it's like all of that excitement flew out the window. It's so weird. At the same time, I have bursts of excitement and I just can't wait to jump into school. Today for example, I was already starting to load my backpack up and organize my supplies for the start of my classes on Monday. Anticipatory burnout seems to be the diagnosis haha :-)

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