Second Guessing nursing School?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 18, 2017

You have just expressed the feelings of almost every college freshman. It takes time to adjust.

My best advice is to get out of your dorm and DO things. Your school has all kind of meet and greet and get to know each other event- GO TO THEM!

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Aug 18, 2017

It's so hard to be away from home for the first time. When I was 21 I moved to a new city for a job and knew no one. I started to put myself out there, and it turned out to be one of the best years of my life. I'm still living in that amazing city, 16 years later.

Try to look up social events in your town, like book clubs or museum nights. Give it a little more time, and maybe reevaluate how you feel over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Best of luck to you.

FutureNurseInfo · Aug 18, 2017

I truly understand how you feel. I was home sick a few times before. However, it is a part of growing up and becoming independent. Like PP stated, do something to occupy your time, so you do not feel as lonely. Also, think of it this way: what if you do quit your school, move back home, and never enter the program close by. Another example, if you do get into the school close by, graduate from it, but not able to secure employment within the first 6 months. Many new grads with no experience have no option but to relocate. Sooner or later you will have to separate from your family to start your own life. I think now is a good time to learn to be away from the family. I am sure you talk to them daily over the phone or skype - this usually helps.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 18, 2017

Don't drive back home every time you feel homesick. That will just prevent you from making friends in your new home -- and that's what you need to do. You need to make new friends.

You have only been away for 5 days! You haven't given it a chance. Meet your classmates. They are probably nervous, too. Some may be homesick, too. Meet them. Eat lunch with them. Eat dinner with some of them. Hang out with some of them for a bit before you give up on trying to move to the next phase of your life.

lehaley1989, ADN, RN · Aug 18, 2017

I have to echo everyone who is encouraging you to get out and get involved. I transferred into my school and lived in an off-campus apartment instead of living in the dorms, and I felt the same way for a very long time. I missed out on all of the socialization and camaraderie that comes with being surrounded by my peers 24/7.

It wasn't until I started dragging myself out to campus events (and it was hard to do!) that I started feeling better. Meeting new people and getting involved on your campus certainly isn't going to make those feelings disappear completely, but it made a huge difference for me. I joined two student organizations during my second year on campus and really wish I had done it sooner!

Does your campus have an Alpha Phi Omega chapter? They are a fantastic co-ed service fraternity that really helped me start enjoying my college experience. You could also see if your school has a Student Nurses' Association that you can join.

carocam · Aug 19, 2017

I felt like this and I stuck it out. That was a long time ago and I got through it just fine, but it was terrible. Feeling homesick is the worst feeling I've ever felt. I think part of what kept me from going back home is I didn't want to feel like I failed. But if I could go back in time I might transfer and stay with Mom during school. It might be worth it to try to stick it out the first semester and get really involved in the program you are in, make friends, explore your new city....try and limit the time you are home and make your apartment feel like a home. If after all of that you still want to return home there is no shame in changing your mind. Best wishes.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2017

Don't drive back home every time you feel homesick. That will just prevent you from making friends in your new home -- and that's what you need to do. You need to make new friends.
You have only been away for 5 days! You haven't given it a chance. Meet your classmates. They are probably nervous, too. Some may be homesick, too. Meet them. Eat lunch with them. Eat dinner with some of them. Hang out with some of them for a bit before you give up on trying to move to the next phase of your life.

Wow! If that doesn't tap into your inner-nurse then where IS your empathy.

Get outside yourself and think about how you can help someone else. It will feel really good.

And it will also be good practice for your future career where you will be expected to give up your selfish ways for the sake of others. (Lunch breaks, bathroom breaks, getting home on time, working holidays and weekends etc.)

MyAimIsTrue, BSN · Aug 23, 2017

Make a deal with yourself: I will stick it out for one school year. If I still am miserable at the end of the year I will go back home. What you are experiencing is very, very common, but if you give up now, or even after completing one semester, you will always regret it and always wonder how your life would have turned out. I moved to a new city right before my 18th birthday and I was lonely and homesick for many months. But I stuck it out and absolutely LOVE where I live now. Plus if your nursing school is anything like mine, you will make friends quickly and easily. Good luck--you can do it!!

Shawn91111 · Aug 24, 2017

It's only been 5 days and sounds like this is your first time away from home (unless I missed something), so of course the homesickness will kick in. Like others are telling you, you need to gut this out for a bit to truly see if this is something you really want to do or just need to get over the homesickness. I remember that was my feeling when I went away for Culinary School. I was throwing out every excuse I could think of to want to quit, but I was (at the time) glad I stuck it out.

Bumex, DNP, NP · Aug 25, 2017

This is regular freshman-like feeling. It would be best to keep a positive mindset.