berdawn

My first thought is that I am glad you are reaching out for help! Personally, I'm of the mind that if one's neurotransmitters don't work, store bought is fine. You don't say what other professional experience you have--if this is your first job as an adult, that transition alone could be challenging, especially if you are also taking classes. It sounds like your manager is supportive of you taking some time to figure out what might work for you and that is a big plus. A work situation like that is worth hanging on to if you feel like you might be able to return after a short break and a little less on your plate. Good Luck!

I keep my night schedule most of the time, but if I have more than two days off, I'll have a day time life. Any one have ideas on how to avoid a caffeine headache?!?! There are times when I just can't have my usual coffee and these headaches are the WORST. I doubled up on my ibuprofen today and still woke up feeling like I was getting whacked in the head with a mallet.

Oh I am soooo glad I found this thread! I will start nights April 22nd. I worked overnight shifts a million years ago (midnight to 8am) and it was fine but now I am definitely a morning person.

I worked as a social worker and then managed a program in a prison--I felt the same way once I started working outside of those "high stakes" jobs! Not everyone is as um lucky LOL as we are so they have a very different scale!

I am working as an aide while I get my ADN. I plan to graduate in Dec so I have been picking up shifts on different floors and units to see if they might be a good fit for me. I think it would be very difficult to stay on the floor where I've worked as an assistant for a while--this way I will have some familiarity but not have such connections that might present difficulties.

Following. I have a BA and will graduate with my ADN in December. I don't plan on starting my BSN for at least a year but "the more you know" and all

Hope you reconsider. This is the the foundation of pretty much everything else you will learn. It isn't nearly as important to get a good grade as it is to really know the material.

If you decide to pursue your MPH, make sure you love math! There is a ton of statistics to master (but it is an amazing field)

I'm going to add that when I attended orientation for my RN program, I was HORRIFIED by the number of people who didn't have a pen or notebook. Based on our tuition, I *kinda* thought we'd be given a portfolio and pen, maybe knock off Cinnabon, but I've been to enough crappy conferences that I don't count on it.

Gen X here--and another Pilot .5 fan! I'll USE the .7 (if you leave it on the cart)

Can she work fewer hours so that she can study more? It sounds like her academics need more attention.

I am in Appalachia, so if you're interested in living in the reddest of states, most hospitals here would welcome you--historically, men in nursing has been a completely legitimate career move!

Commenting so I can follow this thread. I don't graduate until December and I am considering applying for an Onco Residency.

Congratulations!!!!!

Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, WV has a program. You must be in a local, accredited program and employed as a "nurse extern" (pretty much nurses aide). If at any time you are not in good standing in your program, though, you must repay the tuition within 30 days. Contracts are typically 4 or 5 years. ETA--externs can work up to full time but are only required to work 12 hours per month.

Same day surgery should help you learn pt assessment really well. Going to the Dean about this? Not a good look.

Oh, I agree (and glad you're finding healthier ways of entertaining yourself/coping)

Peer support can be huge, esp for ppl who need a sober community. For some people, total abstinence is the ONLY way they are able to be successful (and let's be honest, ETOH isn't doing your body any favors!) but the lack of attention on other methods is disheartening.

This may be a useful look at other options The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous - The Atlantic

Ask for help! Talk to your friends who aren't in such a difficult program, your family if they are around, and your little brother (if he is old enough to be in school, he's old enough to make PB+J sandwiches). Focus and be gentle with yourself. Ask for help. If you need to take a break from school, take a break--find out if you can withdraw if necessary and come back in the spring. Take care of yourself--if you don't you can't be there for your family. Ask for help.

I have a one-hour commute each way and this (my second) semester, I have to be on campus every day so I definitely feel your pain. The drive can be draining but do what you can to make it better: lectures if your school permits recording, podcasts, or just interesting interviews. Your future self will be grateful for that smaller loan balance!

I hope you weren't one of those excellent LTC nurses who took such wonderful care of my mom :/ If so, they did a grat job of covering up their disdain for the work they did making sure the last 6 months of her life (and mine) were bearable

I would definitely stay at the CC until you complete EVERYTHING except the Nursing courses, especially if you may have to work PT. You'll save a LOT. It may take longer but you will get so much more out of your classes if you can focus on the material. I am so grateful I am only taking nutrition along with my 1st semester class--nearly every student who is taking physiology, psych, AND the 8 hour fundamental class is struggling.

If you aren't' already incorporating the phrase "not my monkeys--not my circus" into your life, NOW is the time to do so

I finished my first semester but then moved due to family. I did well at the community college program but I'm in a hospital affiliated program now and the difference is stark. There is SO MUCH support. Talk with your adviser and see what tutoring services may be available. Get a copy of "Test Success for Nursing Students". If there is a specific health science library, see what the staff there have to offer--the librarian can be your best friend--they know all the resources!!! Good luck!