Not going to cut it in the real world

[theksmom]

I wanted to know if anyone every felt like this and how did they get over it. I am a 3rd semester student and I'm starting to feel that I don't have what it is going to take to be a nurse. I've passed all of my courses with B's and a few (very few) A's sprinkled here and there, but I have a hard time maintaining information from one subject and adding on the new information from the next subject. Not to mention I suck at critical thinking! I absolutely love being in clinicals, but I can't see myself graduating and passing the NCLEX (prayerfully) and not being able to think as quick as other do. I feel like dropping out and going back to something that is safe (like a regular desk job:(). Any advice or kicks in the butt will be greatly appreciated!

[cwuthers]

I completely understand! With so many facts and fundamentals to try and remember while trying to pass a test only to forget it as the next test comes up... whew it was a stretch for me to. But the investment was years of school and money- how could I turn back!

You will NEVER feel secure till after some real time on the floor. Experience is the best teacher! Till you get some (experience) you will feel like a fish out of water. So practice your NCLEX review questions all the time- take them with you in the car, to the store, in the bathroom. Practice, Practice, Practice! And realize that the experience will come with time. So give it time. You're almost there!

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

getting through school and the real world have very little in common. school is a basic knowledge....a way to know the ideal which you will then twist to make fit in the real world. it'll give you the ability to know when and how to cut corners and do no harm to your patient. don't stress, don't put too much pressure on yourself. when you get a job most of the stuff becomes routine......work on a cardiac floor, cardiac stuff will become automatic, work on an ortho floor, ortho stuff becomes 2nd nature. you'll learn what you need to function on the floor that you work on by mere repatition. if you have eyes and ears....you'll function!

[rn-jane]

Wait a minute! Nobody knows if they can make it til they get there. I've seen students do really well in class, pass the nclex easily and flop out on the floor. As well as seen ones that failed the nclex and becane awesome nurses. So just keep working hard and go through those nclex questions and you will be fine. We have all I think questioned ourselves before graduation and you really never know til you get out here and practice for a couple of years.

[mykrosphere]

when i was in nursing school, an instructor told the class, "look to the right to you. now look to the left. those people wont be there when you graduate."

it turns out that was true.

if youre still going at it, youll be okay.

as long as you realize the sacrifices youll be making...in all ways.

its totally rewarding.

and exhausting.

good luck.

[doe9181]

I was in the same position you are before I graduated. I couldn't sleep or eat, I was up for days straight because I was so stressed out. My preceptor in Role Transition told me I would never make it and I graduated second in my class. I was scared to get a job and considered being a pharmacy tech for the rest of my life but here I am 2 years later, a sucessful nurse! it took a little while but with time you'll be fine. Always ask questions and take your time. You came this far, don't give up without trying and know you are not the only one that's been there.