caroleann

Shannon, I am just finishing my orientation in L&D and I received 3 months in that area alone! I still feel shaky, can't imagine trying to orient in the other areas at the same time! This time includes circulating in sections. [ May 22, 2001: Message edited by: caroleann ]

Micknmel, most schools provide special testing arrangements for those who need them. This ranges from people who are physically handicapped to those who merely suffer from plain ole "test anxiety". There are many, many people out there who have test anxiety. I realize that your generalized anxiety may encompass more than just tests, but I can't imagine that the school wouldn't provide you with whatever you need to take a test successfully. I just completed an ADN RN program and the community college where I went had a special testing center just to accomodate special situations. There was more than one person in my class that used this facility. The nursing educators should be well aware of mood disorders as this is an area they teach. We even had a special counselor for nursing students who would provide emotional support for students. Many people took advantage of this and I never once heard a negative comment from anyone about it. There may be more support in the educational arena than you think. Also, be proud of yourself for continuing your dream. You can do it. Like some of the others said, whoever thinks anything negative about you has their own problems to deal with. Don't worry about them. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Hi Rick! My name is Carole, I'm from Oklahoma and a new grad (at age 40) working in a BUSY L&D. Nursing is my second career as my BS (from 1982) is in behavioral sciences and I spent many years working in Human Resources. I started back to school about 5 years ago to complete all the science prerequisites I didn't have to get into nursing school (part-time), and just obtained my RN license in Jan. I love reading this BB to hear how other nurses are dealing with the problems that seem to effect most of us. I have been married 20 years and have 2 kids, 15M and 12F. This is not stupid, but a really good idea.

Thanks so much kday! I had already decided to see if one of the people I have already worked with could help with the preceptor duties and I will also use her as an unofficial mentor. She has been a nurse educator and was extremely helpful to me. This is my second life career, and she was very affirming to me regarding my decision to tackle something new at age 40! Thanks again, it's great to know I'm not alone. [This message has been edited by caroleann (edited March 05, 2001).]

Help! I am a new grad just starting in L&D. I just finished the 3rd week of orientation and am feeling completely overwhelmed. My first 2 weeks were spent on days where I had 4 different preceptors (my assigned one was sick 1 week). Now I'm working my shift with another preceptor. During the past week I've been with 2 other people as well as her (now a total of 7). Many of these nurses are very good teachers, but I have been unable to establish a relationship with anyone. Most of the staff is friendly, but I felt unwanted by just about everyone this weekend. I am an extremely quick learner and feel I can accomplish many tasks in a timely manner with competence, but this experience has been draining and frustrating. I am feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my decision to go into L&D? Any advice?