So stressed out

AmyHall · Sep 5, 2003

At the beginning I thought I was the crazy one until I read the posts on this bulletin board and talked with other fellow students.

They all prove that we're normal to feel like our heads are going to explode. I feel that way everyday. I'm in my last year of ADN program. I keep hearing negative things from past students and from instructors that this is a hard hard semester. I realize it is but I cant stop obsessing with it. I feel like I'm doomed from the beginning!!!!!

Hopefully once I get into a routine I'll chill out!

I think its a great career choice despite the negative comments that people post. Any career you're going to find people that are unhappy. I really believe that as a whole, there is only a small percentage that will be unhappy.

Good luck with your studies. I'm only taking 1 class (clinical/theory combined) and its 9 credits and i'm overwhelmed. I couldnt imagine taking 16!!! :eek:

Amy:D

wildcard · Sep 5, 2003

To tell you the truth... whether a person is happy or not is not directly a reflection of how bad their job is... it is more about how they take the things that happen to them. If you truly enjoy nursing the rewards will be satisfying and sacrifices will be worth it... sometimes people just have to vent their frustrations in order to be able to go on and continue helping others the next day. They can't really vent at work but they can here. this is an outlet for some and others are just determined to be unhappy.

My attitude is 10% what happens to me and 90% what I make of it. The same is true for you.

Focus on enjoying your career and know that you are making the right decision for YOU and you wiil be fine.

essarge · Sep 5, 2003

At the start of EVERY semester I feel overwhelmed and disoriented. This is normal. I just sit down...get everything organized (can't stand not knowing what is coming up or where things are located)....and then "settle in" for the semester.

Mandylpn · Sep 6, 2003

Hi; I am taking 16 credits, (LPN program) this is my third of four semesters. Yes, I am stressed out too, but the beginning of each semester is the worst, I think, you have so much to absorb and keep track of. It gets a little easier each semester. If you are working and have children besides, I can totally understand your feelings. Get extra help from the hubby or signifcant. good luck. :nurse:

bluenurse · Sep 8, 2003

Thanks so much for the supportive replies.

I just hope I make it through.

I know this is a place to vent so I might more often hear about job frustrations. I guess every career has them.

Wildcard you are totally right....I think it is how people choose to respond to situations because the same situation can definitely produce different outcomes in different people.

I am trying to learn to destress....

Any suggestions (besides drinking!) LOL

wildcard · Sep 8, 2003

For stress releif - I just recently started to learn about meditating. It's a very easy practice and in the past week I have noticed great results from only 20 minutes a night (I'm calmer, more able to focus, and I am retaining more of what I read because I recognize when I am reading and when I am thinking). I am excited about going deeper with this.

To my delight and suprise I learned that YOGA can include both exercise and meditation at the same time and focuses on your body's energy and how your energy influences your body (this can be very relaxing and beneficial). There is a system of Chakras (energy centers) that are tied into your endocrine system and influence how your body heals (or gets sick - ever hear of making yourself sick?) It's pretty interesting to me and has given me a whole new outlook on wanting to be a nurse. I am more excited than ever.

I do a meditation called mindfullness meditation, or vispasanna. I got a kit at Barnes and noble that is a step by step guide on how to meditate. It has a book, two cds, and some flash cards for $30 and encorages the reader to do one lesson (chapter) for a week before moving on.

I suggest that, but there are many resources out there and on the web especially.

Put meditation into google and give it a try... I think that this is your best bet for stress reduction and far more beneficial than drinking ;-)

Sorry this is so long but I hope it helps or opens some doors.

:-)

PennyNickelDime_RN · Sep 13, 2003

You certainly are not alone. I just finished my first week in nursing school...going for my BSN.

I am so overwhelmed by the volume of material we are expected to know. I too am on a quarter system (3 per year) and am taking 15 credit hours (5 classes). I transferred from another University but only went to school part time. Huge adjustment to full time status now and am starting to doubt myself big time.

I'm having the most trouble with Biology and Algebra. Any suggestions on how to study particularly for Biology? It just doesn't seem like it will click.

Thanks for listening :)

RN Zeke · Sep 13, 2003

I learned to read my books like story books, and put small parts together to make big parts. Algebra is very hard for some of us. I have a fantastic teacher and wish she could be clonned! Try a tutor, aks the teacher for help, don't be bashful.

Nusss · Sep 13, 2003

Hi there sparklplnty, i have a few suggestions for Biology, i used alot of flash cards i made to memorize. If you use different colors it seems to help with memory. I wish i could help you with Algebra. But believe math isnt my subject at all. I had Chemistry last semester and i waited though it. I had to study and study more. Good luck with your classes.

JoAnn, prenursing student

Todd SPN · Sep 13, 2003

Bluenurse,

I understand your comments about the negativity. And then there are those that are always looking for a fight. I registered a while ago, but have only recently been active here. In that short time I can look at a name and know what their reply is going to be like. Some people can't be convinced that it is daytime if you take them out and show 'em the sun. But then I run across a post or two that make me learn something. I dunno, sometimes I think this place is a waste of time for me and other times I'm glad I came.

Noney · Sep 13, 2003

Hi

I'll chime in as a happy nurse. There are positive posts out there.

Noney