Second Week

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2011

Just relax and find a way to cut back your studying. Do you have any kind of study guide, outlines, objectives, or even pp's you can use? If so just focus your reading on those particulur areas. I have almost never read an entire chapter unless it was something I was really struggling with or very interested in. Hang in there, I don't know I'll be writing this next week lol, I'm starting my second term and am a bit nervous. Anyhow good luck and 35 is NOT old!

naptimeRN · Aug 30, 2011

When you feel overwhelmed, stop and try to relax and recoup. I know that it is difficult to do when filled with so much anxiety, but how much are you really retaining when so flustered? (And as my husband always tells me when I'm acting like a crazy woman about school "where is panicking about it going to get you?") There were times when I felt overwhelmed (going into my final year now) but I took a break for a moment, tried to think "put in the work now, it will be worth it!". There are many people in my nursing program who have children and some that work full time along with school and kids, and they do it! I really think it's about finding a balance, physically with your home life, work, etc and mentally. Some people can handle it, some can not. Nursing school really proves someone's coping ability! Just breath and remember, this schooling isn't forever, you can make it through if you really want to. :)

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2011

I started nearly a year ago and the first two weeks were difficult for everybody. So much stuff being thrown at us. I didn't grasp most of it. Thankfully, nursing school is taught in layers and you'll hear information repeated over and over again. You'll start understanding the depth of information as you encounter patients and get a chance to practice. If you can keep it together for the next few weeks, you'll see how much you need to read and study to take in the necessary information for your tests. Ask your family to be patient and try to be patient with them and you will all get through this.

nurse2b84 · Aug 30, 2011

I sat where you are sitting back in January of this year. I know exactly how you feel. At first it is terrifying but there is hope. First, as you progress in the weeks to come you will get the feel of things and learn a way to manage your time effectively. You will also learn that skimming is a great tool! There were times that it was just impossible for me to get all that reading done. Second, please do not sacrifice sleep. You really do need it. Sometimes you gotta put the book down, gather your thoughts, and try again. And sometimes you just need a break! I know it is hard getting into to the swing of nursing school but give yourself time. You are only in the second week and still figuring the whole thing out. Trust me, as time goes on you will figure out a system, and it will all come together. Have some faith, try to relax, and know that others are right where you are, and others have made it past that point. You can do it! And we all cry at least once, so don't feel bad. Best of luck to you in your first semester, and your nursing career and congrats on making it this far. It is an accomplishment! Hang in there!

brittanywatson · Aug 30, 2011

Get organized and take it one day at a time. Calendars and planners are your friend. Even if you think you're wasting time writing it down in a planner, do it. I promise it's a lifesaver. I'm a major procrastinator (hence the reason I'm on this site instead of reading about psychiatric nursing) so I have to set strict study blocks each day and make myself sit and read. When you read, take a short break when you find yourself drifting from the material. When you read, ask yourself why, how, where, etc. Read the material, absorb it, then dig deeper to understand it on a more complex level. I personally found index cards and digitally recording lectures to be a waste of time. By the time I got done writing things on index cards, I wasted 2 hours of time that could've been spent learning, rather than just writing it down. And I know I'll NEVER listen to that recorder. I just use a good old fashioned highlighter, my textbook, and my ears and I make side notes in the margins. So I suggest finding the best way for you to study. Many people in my class use digital recorders and I just don't understand it, but it works for them! Also, remember to take time for yourself or you will be a basket case. Don't beat yourself up over anything. Easier said than done, trust me, I know. But tell yourself that you'll do better next time...and bust your butt to make a better grade. One day at a time. Not next semester, not next week...you'll overwhelm yourself. I'm in my 3rd semester with two kids (2 and 1) and each semester is a whole new system and schedule. Things are a bit rocky at first, but you'll smooth it out as you learn what works for you. Hope I helped!

studentrnnurse · Aug 30, 2011

Thank you all sooo very much! I am not going to stress over getting all the readings done. I have a recorder, 2 calendars, powerpoint, study guide, and bought another book that outlines the chapters..

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2011

Just take a deep breath! Do you belong to a study group? I find it helps to discuss the lectures w/ other students. I skim the chapters and really read the things I'm not clear on. BTW, 35 is not old---I'm 54 and a jr. Good luck!

lovesroses · Aug 30, 2011

I feel your stress! We just had our first test and I actually did well on it. I couldn't get through all the readings either, just read over my notes and skimmed until something in the reading related to my notes/lecture then I read that. I've never been one to be in a study group but have inadvertently fallen into one. We are still working out the kinks but we quizzed eachother from our notes/ppts and it seemed to do okay in finding our weaknesses and what we needed to focus on for our solo studying before the exam. I record lectures but haven't listened yet (bad)! Another student told me she grabs some headphones and listens to her lectures while making dinner for her family (they knew not to bother her in the kitchen). Most importantly though, don't beat yourself up about school/grades/etc! Even if it's just a nice long shower, give yourself some "you" time and then go back to what you're doing if you are overwhelmed. I know I can't study effectively at all in panic mode.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Aug 30, 2011

I feel your pain OP. Just take one moment at a time. It is a lot. I have only a few more minutes on AN before I have to hit the books myself.

HeiseC · Aug 30, 2011

I can see how it can be overwhelming. First, relax and find your happy place. I am just starting my first week, but I've prepared mentally for this task. Second, figure out what you need to read, and if you highlight your books, highlight important parts. I usually never highlight my books (i treat them as if they are my babies) but this is a good time to break that habbit, because when it comes time to review them, i'm not searching unneccessary information.

I can relate with you when it comes to failing. I'm freaking out in silent mode about it, but the best part about taking this corse? You are selected over many applicants, and now that you are in, be confident in who you are and that you can pass. For me, I found cards and pocket guides at barnes and nobles that I will buy to stay on top of my game.

hope this helps, if you need a support system, let me know! from one sister to another, as nursing students, we're family.

Mommaof3 · Aug 30, 2011

I'm 30...a single mother of 3...a 12 year old, a 4 year old, and a 2 year old! I dare say I wish they were teenagers! LOL. I'm in my 3rd semester of NS and OMG I remember crying several times in first semester. HOWEVER; I have NEVER read everything they assigned, it would be impossible to do, even without outside obligations. Calm down, take a deep breath, and relax. We get blueprints for our exams (much like the NCLEX blueprint) to help us prepare and thats how I pick and choose what to read further beyond the lecture and powerpoints...every NS is so different though. You'll figure it out as you go, the trick is just NOT to psyche yourself out! :) Good luck.