"Sorry, I can't... I have to study!"

Nursing Students General Students

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Is anyone else having a hard time with that sentence? "Sorry, I can't... I have to study?" I swear this has been the only thing I say to people outside of school!

I know we have to take down time, but sometimes I feel like my friends and family secretly resent all the time and effort I am putting into nursing school, and at times, I actually feel guilty for having to tell people no.

The worst is my friend just died suddenly and the funeral is a plane ride away, my entire social circuit and family are going... but I had to say no. Who can afford to take 3-4 days out of school?

Basically, with this post, I am just looking to see if anyone else ever feels guilty about the time and effort it takes to make it in nursing school and how do you balance school and life??:typing

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I say it so often, I think I should get it tattooed across my forehead.

But you know what? I don't care because in a few years I'll be RN and it would have all been worth it. And, if these people care about you, they will understand the countless amount of times you (sincerely) had to use that excuse.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med/Surg, Step Down- as STNA.

OH MY GOODNESS, I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND! And I'm so sorry to hear about your friend...school is stressful enough. Hopefully they'll understand why you can't make it.

I used to feel bad about having to say no, almost everyone would hit me with the guilt trip. But nursing school is very time consuming- this is my future, and if they can't understand that- oh well. If I failed out, none of them would be willing to take care of me or pay my bills! It sucks not being able to go out every weekend, or only seeing my boyfriend once a week...but when this is all said and done, it'll be worth it! :up: Keep your head up and keep pushing!! Don't feel bad for having to study!

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I'll bet your friend would understand...it's only a couple of years, true friends can deal for a couple of years...not even that long if you are off in the Summer. I had one of my best friends die last June and although it happened in the Summer I know she would have understood if I couldn't come to her funeral...the living have to keep on living and the world doesn't stop for death or nursing school. I'm sorry for your loss and your true friends will understand.

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Specializes in med/surg, ER.

I do feel guilty about having to say it so often. However, what I am finding out is that my friends and family (even my grandkids) are very proud of me for sticking it out. I'll bet you'll find the same of your support circle.

I'm sorry about your friend and that you don't get to attend the funeral. We have to make hard choices and everyone here has made them, so we understand. Sometimes, there just is no balance and it doesn't seem fair. But we do what we need to do and tell our friends and family how much we love and miss them, :icon_hug:and knowing it isn't forever. Keeping your graduation date in front of me helps me remember this too shall pass. Keep your chin up and your nose in the books...it will be over before you know it.

Blessings to you,

Ann

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I thought I would have a hard time saying just exactly what you said, but after saying it so often and knowing what the consequences would be if I DIDN'T study, I don't ever feel guilty any more. Now my response sometimes is "ARE YOU CRAZY? I have a final, midterm etc..." NS/Studying first before having fun, although a death is a hard one and I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure your friends/family understands and that if it weren't a plane ride away, you would have made it.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I sometimes use that sentence to get out of things I don't want to do.

For example, my parents called and asked if I would go to church with them...and I whipped out that line to get in an extra 2 hours of sleep :yeah:

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Specializes in acute care.

::lowers head in shame::

LOL!

Guilty!

I sometimes use that sentence to get out of things I don't want to do.

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Thanks for all your words of advise! It really makes me feel better!!:bow:

I never thought of the silver lining.... I can use the "Sorry, I can't... I have to study" excuse to get out of things I don't want to do! :cool: I just wonder if I will ever have an opprotunity to get to say it when it really isn't true!!!! :chuckle

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I, too, have to say to my friends "can't go out because of studying".

They have to wait.

Don't feel guilty.

Send a card when you can to keep in touch.

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Ah the infamous words. Also on my list are "you try saving lives all day" and

"Have you seen 6am lately?"

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

It sucks. I always had to make those excuses during school...and even when my dad would call cause he wanted to go out drinking...(whoops, forgot, test tomorrow!).

My sorrow on the passing of your friend. However, I know that your true friends would be with you in spirit. and you will remember them whenever you care for people....trust me.

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