Should I drop out of nursing school?

[southerngal2108]

I'm in my 2nd semester of LPN school at a community college, in a very highly regarded program with a 100% NCLEX pass rate. I was THRILLED to have gotten in to nursing school. I have a bachelor's in psychology and have a passion for helping people. Last semester we did our clinicals in the nursing home, which I didn't mind as much as the other students, and all we did was give baths and change beds. I absolutely loved interacting with my patient.

This semester we are doing OB and Med-Surge clinicals. Right now I'm in Med-Surge and I HATE it! I absolutely cannot stand it. I dread it every day, and cry the whole way home, worrying about whether I provided good enough care to my patients, and second-guessing everything I did, wondering if I made a mistake. I was shaky giving my first shot and barely did it, my instructor had to put his hand over mine. This morning when my clinical instructor introduced me to the nurse whose patient I was getting report on, she rudely said that nobody had told her she was having a student and she didn't want one. In fact, quite a few of the nurses at this hospital have been rude.

Maybe I'm tired, maybe I'm frustrated, but I just don't think I'm cut out for the hospital. I really wanted to be a psych nurse, but for now I am stuck in med-surge, and I know there will be many more med-surge days to come. I am thinking about quitting and trying something like physical therapy assistant.

[Bess87]

nursing school is *hard*-every single nurse will tell you that!! But, like me, you'll find your niche. I happen to love medsurge, but absolutely hated my ob/peds rotation-tp each their own. Don't drop out-finish, work in a few different areas, see if you like it and then move on if you don't. Good luck!

[Bigmaine33]

Don't quit you're in school and your not going like every subject is normal. Hang in there and it will pay off.

[bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN]

I hated med surg to. I liked the specialties more (cardiac, surgery, etc). Don't give up yet, you are almost done just a few months left. Just remember after graduation you get to choose where to apply at, not just go to the area your instructor sends you to. You could choose to never do med surg again after school.

[gaonsi]

Don't quit because some nurse didn't want a student. You definitely can't take that stuff personally. Med surg is a beast of its own. Just because you don't like it, it doesn't mean you should nursing school. You'll find clinicals that you love, and clinicals you hate. Chin up, keep trotting along. The nice thing is that we can't all work in the same area, nor would we want to. I'm a new nurse and have been offered students. I decline them because I think they should have a better educational experience. You never know what you were protected from by not being with nurses who don't want students.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

use your psych background...why would the nurse not want a student....feels exposed, on display, unsure, too busy, etc....see, none of those had to do with YOU. good luck

[zoe92]

Don't quit school, especially if its not the actual nursing aspect that has irritated you. Get through this semester and keep on going. Being a psych nurse is very attainable.

[straitgirl77]

Please don't quit...I did quit my program a couple years ago and really regretted it....I'm in another lpn program and will graduate in September....I am so determined now to finish! As far as your problem with rude nurses, it's just the way it is. That kind of thing bothers me, too, but keep going and persevere. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. Nursing school is demanding in so many ways. Med Surge won't last forever, so just take it one day at a time.

Here's the way I look at it...Every nurse was once a nursing student. If they did it, so can I and so can you. Once you graduate and get your license you can work in whatever setting you choose. I made a decision to try to look at each new skill I do on the med surge floor as conquering one more insecurity I have. Until I actually perform a skill, I'm afraid of it. After I do a skill for the first, am I then a pro? No, not by a long shot, but I'm more ready the next time I do it. This may sound a little odd, but I actually pretend that I am not nervous and that helps. Positive self talk can help too. Keep your head up...you will get through it and you will be a nurse someday. Keep the goal in the forefront of your mind. Keep in touch. I'd like to know how things work out for you.

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

No you shouldnt quite especially if thats your passion, nursing school is not easy but will be worth it in the long run and as far as the rude nurses, do not take them personally, you will experience a lot of rude, ignorant, and nasty people in life period nuring or no nursing you just have to learn how to deal wit people like that im a professional manner. Stay and think positive

[shiningstarinpa]

Please don't quit just because you don't like med-surg. There are many different ways to be an LPN. I work in a nursing home. No I don't give the baths and change beds. The nursing assistant do that. But I do get to know and love my residents. You will find the kind of nursing that fits you. And believe it or not, we all thought of quitting nursing school at least once. As you know it is not an easy course to graduate from.

[jacole]

Don't give up!! anyone who has been in any nursing classes wither CNA, RN or LPN all know there are certain areas people do not like. Mine was OB I'd prefer working in the ER but where I live LPN's usually work in mental health and nursing homes and rehab unit's or at doctors offices. I work now in a rehab unit. I didn't think I would like it but I feel everything we do as a nurse makes a difference in anyone's life young or old sick or not. It may not be where I see myself forever but it is my stepping home and I get a lot of practice with Iv's and injections along with the experience of Ortho patients. just try to hang in there it will be over and you'll look back and have learned a lot without realizing it. :)

[Scarlo, ADN, BSN]

No do not quit! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes and not everyone loves med-surg. Med-surg is probably the most difficult. Just stick it out. I loved psych and now work in mental health. And let what negative people have to say roll off your back. Stay focused on your goal and keep moving forward. You will make it!