Nursing School Help

[paigecham]

Hello all, I am posting because I need a little bit of help from anyone willing to give it.

I was in nursing school about 2 years ago, and completed my first semester with flying colors. I loved the information, and was obsessed with pathophysiology. I was one of about 15 students to pass the first semester out of 40. But, second semester early on I got engaged and my fiance lived 8 hours away. The stress of our relationship not surviving nursing school plus long distance was a lot for me, coupled with a professor who was rather abusive. I practiced giving a catheter on a dummy about 100 times, and during the check off I contaminated my sterile field. The professor yelled at me in front of the whole class, and slammed her hands down on the dummy telling me how badly I'd messed up which I understood. But, I decided to quit after that so I withdrew from all of my classes and moved back home to my parents' house. Looking back now I realize that most likely I quit due to wanting to focus more on my fiance, and the professor yelling at me was just an excuse I used to make myself feel better.

Fast forward to now, I moved to be closer to my fiance, changed my major to something completely different and have two more years until I graduate. But, I cannot stop thinking about nursing school. I miss studying from a book, knowing so much about medicine, problem solving with symptoms, and (dare I say it) making care plans?! My friends and fiance tell me that I talk about nursing school all of the time. But, I just don't know if I'm cut out for nursing. I only got through one semester and no clinicals, and I know I'm sensitive to smells, stitches, and vomiting. Going to nursing school would also add an extra year until graduation, totaling 8 years in school when I finally graduate.

Anyone have any advice for a struggling student or can tell me what a day in the life of being a nurse is like?

Thank you!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to our Pre-Nursing Student forum for more replies.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I personally think that life is too short, and thE workweek too long, to be miserable...that is, of course, if you have any choice.

I also think it's wise to decide what you want before pursuing anything. I would be more concerned about debt that you're accumulating, rather than the chronological issue of in college for 8 yrs. That's a question only you and your fiance can answer (perhaps with advice from a financial professional.)

You withdrew rather than failed, so that does leave you the option of returning. Your sensitivities will have to be brought under control -- a vomiting patient doesn't need to know they're making you uncomfortable. (I hate vomit as much as anyone, but my face and body language reveal nothing.)

As day in the life of a nurse can vary greatly, plus can be a lengthy description. You should see about shadowing a nurse.

As for your prof, that was completely inappropriate. As a student I contaminated the sterile field while prepping to place a Foley on an actual patient!! I reached across the field. My instructor lightly swatted my hand (a tap, basically) and said in an easy tone "Never reach across a sterile field!" We got a new kit, started over....and I've never made that mistake again. That was effective and appropriate teaching.

[ORNurseCOS]

Hmm, this is a tough question.

I just graduated nursing school a few weeks ago, it as my 2nd degree.

I worked 8+ years in finance/banking and it sucked.

When I am at the hospital I literally walk around thinking to myself "I can't believe I'm going to get paid for this".

The stuff you mention in your post about liking studying etc is good, b/c that is a big part of school and IMO even after if you want to be good.

My opinion is your going to have to get a thicker skin b/c things in the clinical setting can be worse than what you described. I'm not saying what the instructor did was okay, but its common. As far as vomit etc, what that comes down to is what is driving you to be a nurse. For me i live by to mindsets, 1. The first shall be last and the last shall be first 2. Love know no greater than this, that a man lay his life down for his friend. I see the vomiting patients as an opportunity, not a burden. I don't like puke either, no one does but it is the reality of the job at times. To be honest, nothing bothers me except the wall suction canister when I have to empty it - it just gets to me. Everyone has their "thing" that they just hate doing but when you have the right motivator it doesn't matter. Money is a poor motivator as it will not satisfy you long term. Im like you and enjoy the studying piece, and one of the things I love about the job is that it is something you can completely dive into and it is a life long journey of study.

You know what you want to do - make sure its for the right reasons and do it. Never look back.