Nursing School Burnout/Rant....Help

TriciaJ, RN · Mar 13, 2019

Sounds like you're driving yourself crazy with academic perfectionism. Your marks only need to be high enough for you to pass. Save your perfectionism for clinicals, but do not beat yourself up if you fall short.

I went to school with a few people who prided themselves on their GPA. But when it came to clinical judgment and skills, different story. Think of it this way: what are your patients going to need from you? Will they care if you were a precocious schoolgirl? Or would they prefer a well-rounded and clinically astute professional?

I don't mean to downplay academics. It certainly helps to know your stuff. But needing to get As for the sake of getting As is a waste of energy. Time to pace yourself for the bigger picture.

nursingstudentwannabe, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2019

Thanks TriciaJ, RN! That certainly brings a new perspective.

Kujo214, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2019

Don't beat yourself up for not making A's and B's. I made mostly Cs in nursing school and never made one A. I'm just grateful for making it through nursing school. I did have a hiccup along the way in which I had to retake critical care because I wasn't going to pass it the first time. If you are going to fail drop before the drop date, I had classmates who were kicked out of nursing program after failing two nursing courses. Nursing will break you or make you. I broke into tears after failing my first two psych exams by 1-2 points but made a high enough grade on my last exam to make a C in the class. I graduated a semester later and met new friends whom were also repeats. Take breaks, socialize, take care of yourself and don't stay up too late to study.

0.9%NormalSarah, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2019

You have to take a day to relax, have a bath and a glass of wine (or whatever you’re into) and pick up and keep going. It’s early in your program, so make sure you find a study pace that works for you or yes, you will burn out. These feelings are normal throughout the entire program, so find a good coping mechanism and use it, preferably something healthy like exercise. Do not lose sight of your goal, these struggles will be worth it. And yeah, As in nursing school are few and far between, aim high but also focus in on clinical as Tricia said. That is where you will put all the pieces together of what you’re learning in lecture and it will help you be a great clinician.

Daddie O, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2019

I went to a very competitive nursing school. Everyone accepted to the program was a straight A student before the program. Pretty much no one was by the end. It was hard at first to accept you won't get an A in everything, but not having a 4.0 when you graduate will not prevent you from being an excellent nurse. Keep your head up, and keep plugging away. You'll get there!

nursingstudentwannabe, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2019

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the comments, encouragement, and suggestions! It's really helping me see things from a perspective other than a grade-obsessed one. Also, it's encouraging to know that I'm not the only one that is experiencing this!

Wish me luck, especially in pharm (I have an another exam this coming week). ??

DiscGolfNurse, BSN · Mar 29, 2019

My first bit of advice to all new students coming into our nursing program is, "if you're a straight A student before nursing school, you won't be IN nursing school." Not to say some people don't get straight A's but what I'm really speaking to is this desire to be a perfect student. Nursing school has a HUGE learning curve and if you think you're getting it, or its too easy? then you're doing it wrong. Academics a hugely important but a perfect GPA doesn't matter when you take the NCLEX or when you go for your interview. Focus on understanding the material and WHY we do things as nurses. THAT is what saves lives and what our patients need. To always be asking why and never stop learning for our patients.