So discouraged and ready to quit

[leekaye]

I'm working 30 hours a week, have two moody teenage girls and a husband who travels for a living. I've been accepted to start nursing school this fall. I've been busting my butt for the last 16 months taking prereqs (A&P and Micro currently) and am honestly starting to break down. I've survived some horrible things so I thought I'd be able to tough this out. I've gotten all A's before and thought I'd be ok in tough classes. But now I feel so overwhelmed and am starting to cry over my homework.

I'm at a point now where I'm ready to quit. I feel too old (I'm 48), too exhausted and too stupid to do this. I know if I give up, I'll feel terrible and regret it, and it will be a bad example for my kids. But I'm beginning to doubt myself. No one else seems to be struggling as much as I am.

I guess I'm asking if anyone else has come close to quitting. Is what I'm going through normal or a sign that I'm not cut out for this?

[leenak]

I really didn't like micro lab. Trying to identify the actual cells under a microscope bored and confused the snot out of me. Hated it.

I loved micro. It felt like being a microbe detective :)

[PinkCupcake]

MomtoJosh, I think those same things every day when I walk in the door! Think I'll going to take a BEFORE of when I leave for work and hang it on the fridge. If it looks a lot different when I get home, I'll give take another pic, give 'em both pics, tell them to play "Spot the Differences" and then go fix them.

LOL I love this idea....I'm the type of person that would actually do it!

[rubato, ASN, RN]

I'm glad you're getting such good advice and support. I started back to school last summer at 41, so I can empathize with you. I am hoping to be accepted into the nursing program for this fall and get my RN, then, work and get my BSN. I'm taking 18 credit hours now and am coming from a place of being a stay at home mom. My husband and son were not used to doing ANYTHING in our house. But, they were both very supportive. Oh, we'll help, don't worry. During my summer semester, I decided to see what they would do. My husband started doing the dishes. That's it! Are you kidding me? What about laundry, grocery shopping, trash, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, countertops, bathrooms, beds, cooking, driving to practices and games, hosting sleepovers? Hello? And, that's just the small, gotta do it all the time stuff.

My husband had no clue. But, he's slowly coming around. And, my son is about to have a rude awakening. Hubby said that, once nursing school really starts, he wants me to still do laundry (so that I don't get mad when he ruins my clothes), and nothing else. He's going to be teaching our child a new way of life! I can't wait to see what that is. I have a feeling it will involve less Xbox time.

Hang in there. You can do this. I know it's hard when you don't have the support you need, but some things can be put on hold, and the teens will just have to come around. You're doing this for them too.

[leekaye]

Rubato, good for your hubby! Actually, my hubby does try to help when he's home but that's not often. It's the kids that tend to take me for granted. The thing that breaks my heart too is when my youngest told me that I was always too busy anymore and she missed me. Of course, that meant a mom/daughter trip to get a sundae. I feel guilty that by the time I'm done, she'll be in high school and won't want to hang out with me. I know, I know. Thinking too far ahead and not focusing on right now.

[leenak]

Can you get your kids involved somewhat in your studying? For anatomy, I've also got my husband involved. I gave him my flashcards for the anatomical terms and had him quiz me by pointing to areas on his body. It was fun and we did it a couple times. Although the kids might get bored but if there is a way, you might try to see if there are opportunities like that.

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

Its normal to feel the way you are feeling. You need to decide what is more important. Allowing yourself to quit will only make you feel worse, don't do it. Think of reasons why you are doing this and why you want to be in nursing, and don't forget it!

Get some help at school. Get a tutor. Stay after class and study if you can, especially in Lab. You've got a full plate with the kids and work, plus school. If you can cut back work hours and still manage financially, it could help.

Good luck. :hug: