myhalo

OP, I was in the exact same situation you are in. The only difference is that when I went to my doc thinking I had ADHD I was prescribed Ritalin, that got me through another year in the NICU. I am now working in psych and am one year into graduate school to become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP (and off Ritalin). You should consider it, you sound just like I did a year ago. School is tough, but the role of the NP is so different than the RN it may be what you are looking for. I think part of the depression is that you worked so hard to become an RN and had a vision of what it would be like and now after all that you hate it.....that is very disheartening. I wish you the best.

I agree with you about the theory classes.....gag me! I am just doing what I have to do to get through and learning what I need to on my own mostly. I considered changing programs but was not willing to give up a year or so of time during the switch. Hang in there, we can do it!!

It might help if you look up what normal respiratory and heart rates are for a five year old child as you seemed focused on these "abnormal" findings. You will find that they differ greatly from the population you usually care for.

Run...fast there are more rewarding careers out there!! Nurses can be so mean!

I think you should go talk to the dean. In the program I was in they did not grade anyone's presentation until everyone had presented, and you got docked points for going over. Being succinct is important, I have learned that through writing papers and doing presentations in nursing school. When you are giving report or presenting at an interdisciplinary meeting it is important to make your point by just sticking to the pertinent facts, that was drilled into us in nursing school. They can not change the expectations after one group has presented without allowing that group to have a chance to meet the new expectations. Good luck!

First I would say if you want to be a nurse you should go for it. I am a single mom of three and have made it! Of course your husband would have to be supportive! If you are thinking of going to school for something else you should ask a local hospital if you can shadow that position for a day or more. That will give you a good idea of what a surg tech does on a daily basis. My friend has been a surg tech for many years and while she loves it, it is stressful, you are on your feet in one place for hours, and if you get sick of doing the same thing over and over there are not many places to go for a change. As a nurse you have so many options on where to work, if you do not like what you are doing you can go into another area of nursing. If you go to LVN school you at least have the option of going back to get your RN, if you become a surg tech you have to start from the beginning if you decide to go back to school (this is what my friend is considering).

Ah... good point, got me on that one!! :smackingf

Sorry, I can't tell who you are saying would not make it in your program and who gave you the idea that they know how the tests are written...did I miss that?? I hope you were not directing that at me b/c it is way, way off base if you were!! I have enjoyed your posts in the past and agreed with you a lot, not sure where this one came from though!

You seem to be a hateful person. Did I say I did not do well?? Unless you subscribe to the idea that one B is bad I guess!! I just said I hope her kids do not ever keep her from that late night of studying.....crisis I think is what I said not the bedtime routine!!! I was in her shoes my first year of school, nice routine with family, studying after bedtime, but I know others who did not have it as easy, and those people should be considered too. My life changed too and my little routine went out the window, it takes more for me to juggle, I just hope that does not happen to her, but life does happen. I think being a good parent far outweighs getting A's in school, and you should give your kids the time they need, which varies by kid, age and situation..... but if you are able to do both then great, some families are easier than others. Some people deal with stress better, are better at organizing life, and a million other variables!!! BTW I was not being sarcastic I do wish her well, I just want her to see that situations are different, I would never wish anything bad on anyone especially a fellow nursing student!!! :loveya:

You sound like a very driven person, I hope you continue to do well. You are very lucky that you have not had to sacrifice a night or two of studying for an exam for one of your children. I hope that continues for you, I really do. I could have written your post my first year of nursing school, there were students in my class who I would not want taking care of me, but now I would trust each and every one of them. :flwrhrts:

I think it is a little harsh to say that they would not be good nurses and that you do not want them at your bedside. The groups you mentioned account for a lot of people!! I understand about those who don't try or say "Oh I could have done that" (why didn't you), that bothers me too! But there is another group that you are offending, some that could get A+'s but have to much on their plate. I just want to make sure you are not including the amazing Mom's and Dad's that go back to school to realize their dreams. I personally have a family and this is my second career, I have to make hard choices sometimes about my priorities. This is my kid's life, some things do have to come before school!! I have manged to get all A's and one B over 4 years, but I have done that in a more relaxed, balanced way than the people in my class who care only about the grade (I am thinking of the ones who constantly argue with the teacher about points/test questions). I have said to myself that if I had put more time into a particular project or test I could have gotten an even higher A, but the truth is my family is way more important than getting the highest grade in the class. In four years time a family can go through a lot of changes, and moms and dads make an important difference in how things turn out for their children depending on the support they give/ don't give. I do understand the frustration with people who do not try, but there is a huge difference between those students and ones who have to make hard choices in life but care as much or more than the person with the highest grade in the class!! Please don't judge those who are not the same as you are!!

Really? How much do they run? I have not heard of buying a grade, but I suppose it happens unfortunately! Now that is the nurse I do not want taking care of me or my family!! Things sound like they are different out there in the real world, I guess I am sheltered!!

Then we are in the same place in our programs!! Congrats on making it this far, I am actually graduating in Decemeber with BSN, just finished preceptorship/internship in the NICU, it was great...you will learn so much!!! Hang in there!! The program I am in is probably smaller, only 24 a semester and we can access the labs anytime, we are always learning and practicing skills! I would love to hear from you after your preceptorship to hear about all the new skills you learned and practiced!

I don't know how to respond....ummm I guess you have a valid point, but I agree...not comparable!! Like I mentioned earlier though, not everyone is cut out for critical care!!! Hopefully those people know their limitations....they could go into management maybe... LOL.