running on fumes in Arkansas

[sensweet]

Hello, I just thought I could get some feedback/encouragement. I will be graduating in May with my BSN and I feel like I am a car running on fumes that is so close to the gas station and don't know if I will make it. I am feeling so burned out by this last semester that I do not really care what my paperwork looks like or care about the lectures. I have gotten through the last two tests on luck because I have not studied for them. I don't even know where I want to work. I have my preceptors lined out for ER and L&D because these are some areas I am interested in. Several instructors have discouraged really anything that isn't med-surg. I really disliked med-surg and I know I will get more skills there, but don't want to run the risk of being somewhere I do not enjoy. What advice can anybody give me on these topics. Thanks

[SFCardiacRN]

If you are not interested in med/surg, there is no reason to go into it. That is what new grad programs are for. If you as BSN do not take a new grad slot, an ASN will gladly take it. My ASN class of 2000 got all 4 ICU new grad program slots at a local hospital because no BSN new grads applied. The local state college BSN instructors are telling their students to do a year or two of med/surg first. This has been a boon to the local ASN new grads as we have been snapping up most of the new grad slots. I hated med/surg and went straight to OR and have been very happy there for the last 5 years.

[lucky4timesover]

I can completely relate. I am also in Arkansas, but am at an ADN program. There isn't a BSN program in our area unless you already have your ADN. I am feeling burnt out as well, but I still have a semester after this one. I say go into the area YOU want to. There is no point doing something you know you won't be happy with. It will simply make you regret the job you are doing. Hope you enjoy the rest of your semester! :)

Sunny

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

Hi Sensweet, I can relate to how you are feeling. I am a practical nursing student in an associate degree program. I will graduate this may. I am also at the point of burnout. I hand in papers that I know I can do better on and I cram for exams at the last minute. My assignments are handed in on the deadline. This is so unlike me, but I can't shake it. I want this to be over. Like all my fellow students tell me, hang in there the semester is half way over. I think if we look hard enough we can see the light at the end of the tunnel :roll . Also don't let anyone talk you into working where you do not want too, follow your heart and you will be much happier. The best of luck to you with your career!