Second guessing it all...

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Specializes in FNP.

I am in a part-time track at school right now, have finished 3 of the 5 years, and am working towards my MSN as an FNP. For the past year or so, my heart has just not been in it. I want the end result for myself because I have great respect for NPs, it's what I wanted to do since before I finished with my AA (prereqs for BSN), I like the flexibility and I'd like to teach some day, but I dread doing any school work, opening a book, logging on, etc. I've been pushing myself to say - it's just 4 more semesters, it's just 2 more years, etc... but as I think about clinicals coming up next year - I really just don't want to do this anymore. I get As and high Bs, I'm getting the work done, just not enjoying any of it. Yet - I truly do want to be an NP... so do I continue to creep along and look towards the end goal? Do I take a year off and reconsider? Do I waste thousands of dollars and say - nope, staff nurse or office work for me, or at least until the kids are older (2, 4, 12) and hope that I've changed my mind by then? For those of you who have struggled with this - what's been the kicker to stay or go? I realize it's so individual, but to hear from others who've gone through this might help. Thank you! :uhoh3:

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Have you started clinical rotations for your FNP yet? A lot of the research/theory classes can be a drag, but actually getting some hands-on experience really helped me get through the final push to graduation. I was totally burnt out on the academic portion of my degree but my clinical experiences were a blast. It's definitely something to look forward to if you haven't started yet :)

Another idea is to take a semester off (depending on how flexible your program is). Give yourself a chance to rest/re-charge and maybe get excited about school again.

Last but not least - could you go full-time and get done significantly faster? Maybe a closer/more definitive graduate date would be inspirational.

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I vote for going full time. I can't imaging going through all that for 5 years! There were things I loved about school, but I couldn't have made it for such a long time. I like the "rip the band-aid off" approach - just do it fast and get it over!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Clinicals make it worth it. However, I too would bite the bullet and get done in a year.

Then you at least have a countdown in mind.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Community Health.

I'm having the same issue. I AM BURNT OUT. I have been in college for 12 years! I had 2 children along the way so I had to do it all part-time. I have 1 semester left for my DNP/FNP and I haven't even started my capatone. I feel like I don't have anything left in me to start it either. What kept me going? I always told myself that I am quitting, but then I think about all of the debt I'm in and it would be all for nothing. I agree with the above posters. If you can get it done faster, that would be the way to go. Good Luck:-)!

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Specializes in Level II Trauma Center ICU.

I agree with the above posters. I say go full time and get it done. 5 yrs is a long time to creep along for a MSN; anyone would be burnt out by now. I wouldn't give up until you at least try clinicals to see if you like the role. Even if you don't like the clinicals, having the MSN and NP certification will make you so much more marketable and offer more schedule flexibility for your family. You've come to far to give up now!!

People think I'm nuts for going to school full time now but I knew I would get burnt out stretching it over 4 yrs. I have to remind myself that I have just 4 more semesters to keep going now, lol! Is there any way you can cut back your work schedule and attend school full time? I have kids too so I know it can be hard to always have to study or live on a tight budget but I've explained to my kids that this is temporary. I'm doing this for our future. They've been very understanding; I'm sure your kids will be too!

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Specializes in FNP.

Thanks, guys :) I have 3 1/2 semesters to go and because I finished all the 'book' classes, really can't go any faster at this point. I do have clinicals next semester that start and really want to start those - I hope that will be the piece that helps me get excited about it again. Meanwhile - I took a quiz, wrote a paper and have a midterm tonight... and suture a pigs foot tomorrow :) I'm just feeling like it's never going to end and needed some words of encouragement. Thanks for listening! If I did it all over again, though - if there was any way I could have worked PT and gone to school FT I would have started it out that way...

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