Published Aug 22, 2007
livinglighthouse, ADN, RN
59 Posts
So..........Microbiology is my last class I have to take before I can apply for our nursing program. I am currently enrolled in the class and have gone to two classes so far.
At our school Microbiology is highly impacted and there was a 30 person waiting list for our one class and only 2 got in. So, hard to get into class and I'm already in.
The issue is that I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed. This class is hard......this teacher is hard. She requires 10+ hours outside of class and I've looked at the workload and she's being accurate. I've been in school for the past year solid.........Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.......I've only had 3 weeks off total in the last year and 1 was spent on a Mission Trip. I'm burnt out.
Second issue is that I still homeschool my son who is just starting high school and needs a lot of my time during the day (Micro is a night class) My 7th grade twins are both behind in math and the teacher has told me that they will need a lot of my time this year to catch up and stay with the class.
So........what the heck am I supposed to do. Here are my options
1. Drop micro.......take the semester off and hope to get into Micro in the Spring or next Fall and apply next January 2009 for the nursing program (impacted program with 2 year waiting list)
2. Soldier on with the class. Take the risk that I don't get a good grade, my kids suffer and I continue to burn out
3. Drop micro......apply to the LVN program in January 2008 (don't need micro for that) and then take micro later and step up to the RN program at a later time.
HELP?????????????
I hate the idea of dropping since its so hard to get in, and I've been on track to apply this January........I feel like I'm letting myself down and even my family by not moving forward. On the other hand, I'm tired and I feel my kids have suffered somewhat with me being gone. They have had me home for the last 15 years...
I would love to hear suggestions..........
Rachel
hikernurse
1,302 Posts
Tough call. I'd probably soldier up and take the darn class. I was home with my kids for about as long as you were and it is a huge adjustment for everyone when Mom goes back to school. I'd try to get my family on board and tell them if they will help me get through this class by letting me study that it will be over by Christmas. Especially since this class is so hard to get into.
I'm proud of you for getting this far. You done good
treeguy
78 Posts
I would just take the class and get it over with. If that is the only class you need to have, it shouldn't be that bad, right? The finish line is so close just ask God for the strength to continue and you will be fine if you have faith.
Go for it!
Agenyc
62 Posts
I haven't got a clue what you should do, but you clearly, definitly need some help --you are clearly overwhelmed!!!
One way to possibly ease your load is to get a math tutor for your twins??? that seems like the ""easiest" solution"".....money is obviously a consideration.
Just remember that you cannot always do it all yourself!! Getting/ hiring help is ok--I, myself would not have gotten through chemistry without a tutor!
I wish you all the best!
coolpeach
1,051 Posts
I would stay in the class...its only for a few months, and you can do it. Call the high school, and ask if any of the honors math students would like to make a bit of extra money to tutor a middle school student. You could also have your high student do it, and it will help concrete his math skills too. They say the best way to learn is to teach. During the day after you teach your oldest son, and his is working on his own, you can do you work with him. Its a great example. I know your burned out, but the finish line is in sight....muster up all your energy and go for it.
justme1972
2,441 Posts
Well, it all boils down to invidual choices that you have to make.
Homeschooling is difficult, and alot of parents have work and other obligations that make them unable to do so. I would love to be able to homeschool our children, but it's going to be an impossiblity for us without living hand-to-mouth for the next 13 years, which we are not going to do and put our retirement savings at risk....the schools here are safe, and it's up to us what to do with the curriculum when he gets home as far as offering him help, and they have an accelerated program if the need is there.
The tutors, are another option. Is it possible that you have a friend that also home-schools a high-school age child that may be willing to help you out?
It would be a shame to put it off for an entire two years.
NoviceRN10
901 Posts
I just started my pathogenic micro class last night; I also feel overwhelmed . I am hoping it was just a little shock and I will feel more comfortable once I figure out how to copy the prof's notes faster and listen to him lecture at the same time (My head was spinning last night). I've never had a prof lecture the way this one does, I might have to get a recorder. When I got home and looked over the notes I had written they weren't as intimidating as I thought, so hopefully once you settle into your class more you will feel more confident and not like you are going to sink! I would not drop the class. Find a good study partner and get someone to help you with your kid's schoolwork (do you have a spouse?).
Thanks for the input.......yes I do have a spouse, however he works 10 hours a day. I think I will look into the high school tutor from the local school and see if that might be helpful. I'm also considering letting go of my church commmitments as well.......at least for the next 4 months. Then I can devote more time to the kids while I"m on the waiting list for the nursing program.
I have until Sept 14th to drop without penalty......so I have a couple of weeks and a test before I have to decide.
I am REALLY hoping that this overwhelming feeling is just because its the first week and I have all this other stuff happening this week at the same time.........maybe it will dissipate.
It sound like you feel a little better already!!
Just a quick thought: you mentioned church committments. I am sure that the people at you church will understand if you let them go until you have more time. I understand that it is diffuclut to let go of them, and volunteering your time is a wonderful thing, but I beileve that if you don't have enough time in the day to take care of yourself and your family you are not helping anyone by waring yourself down and adding the extra stress in you life. It doesn't sound like right now you are in a situation to give away time you don't have. Like I said in an earlier post, you just can't do it all all the time---unless of course you are superwoman ( which it actually sound like you are )
Stay in school!!
Thanks for the input.......yes I do have a spouse, however he works 10 hours a day. I think I will look into the high school tutor from the local school and see if that might be helpful. I'm also considering letting go of my church commmitments as well.......at least for the next 4 months. Then I can devote more time to the kids while I"m on the waiting list for the nursing program.I have until Sept 14th to drop without penalty......so I have a couple of weeks and a test before I have to decide.I am REALLY hoping that this overwhelming feeling is just because its the first week and I have all this other stuff happening this week at the same time.........maybe it will dissipate.
Great! Even if he works 10 hours a day, you are putting in your "time" as well..don't be afraid to get him to step up to the plate. Husband's are more than capable of tossing in a load of towels (though I have forbidden mine to touch anything except towels, sheets, and HIS underwear), cleaning the bathroom, fixing a meal or two. It's Ok to have cereal for dinner or send them out to eat a night and tell them to bring you something back.
It's a family effort, because your work will eventually benefit the family as a whole, so everything is a short-term sacrifice...don't be afraid to get those kids to help! Even my 3-year olds, I can give them a rag and have them dust the lower legs of the furniture, and then I reward them for a job well done...and it saves my back! This is teaching them a very important lesson...you have to work HARD and COOPERATE to get what you want in life...and you are setting a great example!
My daughter asked me why I studied all the time, and I tell her, "So we'll have nice things later." They do understand this! When I am done with school, we are going to reward ourselves with either a cruise or a trip to Disneyworld, plus I have promised them bedroom makeovers.
teampierce
40 Posts
You are SO close, don't stop now!