Second semester nursing school

[paigecham22]

Hello all!

This is my third week of my second semester of nursing school, and I think that I am just searching for a little bit of encouragement from some people who have gotten through nursing school. I passed my previous semester with no problems, although it was quite rough for a while, and am now in my second fundamentals class, an assessment class, and pharmacology. My instructors are nice but expect a lot out of us, and I'm not sure I am cut out for nursing sometimes. There's a lot of responsibility and I worry that I would go home each night thinking of all the mistakes I might have made and worrying. I also just recently got engaged, and I receive great amounts of support from my fiancee and am so grateful (he's in pharmacy school so he seems to experience similar stress), but sometimes it's nice to hear from people who've been in the same situation as I am in.

If anybody has time, I would love to hear some stories or examples of experiences (good or bad) that helped you really decide that nursing school was right for you. It's always nice to hear encouraging stories of how other people have gotten through it! It seems impossible some days.

Thanks to anyone who contributes, it is very much appreciated! I hope you all have a great day!

[vanilla bean]

Do you truly want to be a nurse? If so, then dig deep and do what it takes to get the education you need. Nursing school is difficult and can (at times) feel like torture while you're in the midst of it, but if you hang in there and successfully complete your program, there is an immense sense of satisfaction that you will feel when you're done.

During those really difficult times, just try to 'put one foot in front of the other,' so to speak. Focus on just what's due next, and then move on to the next task, and then the next. Sometimes having so many balls in the air at one time can feel overwhelming - try not to lose the big picture, but if you narrow your focus to one task at a time, you will slowly check assignments off your 'to do' list.

Nursing school is a privilege not afforded to everyone. Make the most of your experience and trust that the high expectations of your program and faculty will do nothing but serve you well for the rest of your career.

Best of luck to you! You can do it!

[buffalo2122, ADN, BSN, MSN]

If it makes you feel better, we ALLLLLL felt that way in nursing school. I second guessed myself weekly! Not because i didn't want to be a nurse but when you're fatigued and mentally overwhelmed its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel (i promise there is one!!). I applied to my school for a year and half before getting accepted (thats 1.5 years of waiting). The week I got accepted, I also found out I was pregnant with my first child with a man that i had known for one month; unplanned of course but nevertheless a blessing. I felt that i had to choose between following my dream of being a mother at the tender age of 21 or my dream of being a nurse. But I didn't let that hinder my decision, I decided i would do both. I didn't work at all, my angel was a very selfless man who I had my baby with and helped pay my bills while i finished school. (my fiancé to date :))

Cameron was born May 19th, 2013 one week after my first semester ended. I thought that wasn't too bad, i can handle this. Being pregnant and having a baby are two different things, lord did i find that out!!

Second semester rolls around and I don't think i ever slept more than 3 full hours for that entire semester, but i had made that decision to go to nursing school with a newborn so I was not going to quit now!!

Third semester was a little easier i had a handle on things and things were starting to click for me, I still didn't feel like I could see myself as a real life nurse but i was nearing the end.

Fourth semester, my last, mostly full of resume making, asking for letters of recommendations, interviewing, completing my preceptorship, and studying for my hesis and nclex all while dealing with a very rambunctious toddler! Wow, again I felt way over my head and ready to explode! I remember counting the days to pinning and that day came faster than my electric bill!!

Took my NCLEX Jan 6th and found out i passed Jan 7th.

Started my new job at our local hospital jan 12th. And here i am telling you my life story.

In ending, have faith in yourself, anything is possible if you really want it and put your everything into it. Don't forget to take care of yourself, spend time with your family, go out for a couple drinks! There is an end to nursing school, best of wishes to you!!

[turtlebird]

Nursing school is rough and I can guarantee that you are not the only one in your classes who feels like quitting. There are definitely going to be ups and downs. I wanted to quit several times. But if you truly want to be a nurse, then keep going. Your nursing degree will open up a world of opportunities for you!