Overwhelmed! Need words of encouragement.

[Le-Lee_FNP, MSN, RN, NP]

So I just started my online FNP program yesterday and I am completely overwhelmed. The amount of reading, and assignments, as well as the pace of the quizzes and tests are quite unbelievable. When I look at the lecture notes I am blown away at how much I don't know, and it doesn't seem as though I am at the level i need to be to complete these assignments competently. I completed my BSN online but this is a completely different ball game. I just feel like i don't know where to start. I just feel like I have to complete a bunch of assignments that I don't know how to do and that i don't have enough time to learn. Did anyone else feel completely lost when first starting their NP program? If so how did you get past it?

I don't want to fail out of this program so I am trying to decide if I should drop a course. I am currently taking Adv Health Assessment, Health Assessment Clinical, Adv Patho, and Health care Policy. I feel like I can handle the Health Care Policy, But the Adv Health Assessment and Adv Patho just seem way out of my league at this point. I thought taking them together would be smart because the topics feed off each other. I am only working prn so I have the time to dedicate to my studies, but I just feel very lost right now.

[labbio]

I felt overwhelmed with my last semester. The frequent quizzes will force you to stay on top of the reading materials. It is a lot of work but you can do it. It also depends on your personal life- family, kids, social activities, etc... If you could, you may want to drop a class or two to feel less stressed. I had a hard time keeping up with reading assignments and projects/tests dates so I made a chart with Excel so I can see what I need to complete each week. It really helped me organized. Also, keep a planner. Remember, going back to school is YOUR choice. Try not to stress over it. Do your best and enjoy the ride. Good luck.

[SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN]

I felt very overwhelmed also (as did EVERYONE I know who has done this...). The advice about organization is key. You need to get organized in a hurry. The rest is just gritting your teeth, and wanting this thing more than wanting to feel comfortable. It is an uncomfortable experience much of the time, but SO worth it, in the end.

Set your goal, and tell yourself you can do this (every day). Then, put your big-girl panties on, and "git 'er done...". I remember the break after the 1st semester, I felt like I was bobbing up to the surface gasping for air. The next semester was just as busy, but I knew what to expect and I was organized.

Also, you are right in thinking that certain classes do go together for maximum learning. I took advanced health assessment and diagnosis together with therapeutics (pharm) and patho and roles, each semester. We had clinical placements every semester from the first. They all worked together, and I remember having an "a-ha" moment in clinical one day where I "got it", and it totally made sense why I needed to do it that way.

It will come, but you have to be tough and organized. You will be tired, and you will have melt-downs...all part of the process. But giving up is not an option if you want this badly enough.

Best of luck to you!

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

Personally, I think 4 courses at the graduate level is a little much - I wouldn't attempt more than 3 (I think 9 credits is considered FT in grad studies, isn't it?).

I am also quite surprised that they are letting you take health assessment and health assessment clincal before having completed patho. You kind of need the patho background to know the disease process of what you may find doing your physical exams. I would personally be tempted to drop the 2 health assessment courses and get patho and the policy classes out of the way.

Just my 2 cents.

[buster4]

Hang in there!!! I work, have worked full time, I have only taken 2 classes (6hrs) each semester, I have been part time.... I could not have done more.... or more classes............. but hang in there!!!!!!!!! You do feel overwhelmed, I still do!!, just take it day by day, try not to look at the whole semester at once, just one day at a time, and try to keep up with studying........ You will need to make sacrifices, meaning, family and social life, I have had none since August 2008, when I started............but Lords willing I will graduate in May!!! but hang in there!! You can do it!!