Should I continue my nursing training?

[angel2012]

Hi. I have done 6 months of the Bachelor of Nursing degree in New Zealand but am extremely concerned about the heavy workload for this coming semester. I suffer from anxiety and also have fibromyalgia which impacts my immune system. When I catch a cold or virus I am often sick for 1-2 weeks at a time and the course doesn't take into account any sick days- especially when on placement (clinicals). It was recently revealed that 60% of New Zealand nurses leave the career due to exhaustion. I'm undecided about whether it is worth continuing with this course if my health is just going to crash in another few months anyway. In New Zealand we also have a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing which is a possibility but I really want to work with children and may not be able to through the diploma. Does anyone have any advice?

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

I'd imagine this would be something you'd need to discuss with your school.

At my school attendance is mandatory and without a doctor's note an absence will not be dismissed and will be counted against you. Initailly, to be accepted into school one must have a medical background check and health record forms filled out stating from a physician that I am in good health and capable of attending school and all that entails. Nursing programs do allow you take a leave of absence from school when medically necessary, death in the family or some emergent situation arises.

What concerns me with your post is the frequent absenteeism. You need to attend class. You need to be there for lectures, lab and clinicals. It is up to you to decide if you're able to make it to class or not. You'll need to decide if not going to class one day or week is worth its trouble. Because, remember whatever class time, lab, clinicals you have missed you'll need to make up. You may find yourself constantly behind the others in school work which could also adds to the stress which is also not good if you aren't in good health.

Take care of yourself. Make sure you are in good enough health to carry out what is necessary to complete and get through school. I do agree one's health does come first. How can expect to take care of others if you yourself is in bad shape.

Give it some thought and talk to your school.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

could you get your license then work somewhere other than a hospital? Maybe public health, in schools, for insurance company, doctor's office?