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Discussion

Spinning my wheels?

Hi everyone!

I'm really at a crossroads here and need some advice, please. I will be starting my 2nd semester of nursing school (ADN) next week, and I've been really stressing on whether or not I should even pursue this career any further, because I was so disappointed with this past semester. I got good grades (an "A" in Pharm, "B" in Fundamentals), but it took a whole heck of a lot of studying on my part to get these grades. We did not get the lecture I've been used to in all my other classes. Some say this is a normal part of nursing school; that most of it is self learned anyway, yet others say we should've gotten more lecture, esp in Fundamentals. I personally need that lecture time, and I feel like a lot of our class time this past semester was really just wasted on group work. So my first question is: Do most nursing programs throw lecture to the wayside and let the students figure it out mostly for themselves?

My second question is whether or not I even belong in the nursing program. I have a 2 yr degree in Medical Lab Technology, and I've been seriously considering returning to this field to obtain a Bachelors degree. The problem is, for as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a nurse. I originally enrolled in the MLT program because at that time, the nursing program in my area was set up differently, and the waiting list was so long it would have been next to impossible to get in. So I did what I could do at the time, and I don't regret it, I just don't know if I should continue with it, or stay the course I'm on now with nursing.

I guess I just feel so totally lost and overwhelmed because it's not the learning style I'm used to. I've never felt this way in any of my classes before, and it's got me stressed to the max. So tell me, is this normal to feel this way?? Even though I've gotten good grades so far, I feel like I'm struggling; like I'm banging my head against a wall. Most nurses I've talked to tell me just do what I gotta do to get through school, and then I'll learn to be a "real nurse" when I get out in the real world, but therein lies another problem I'm struggling with: should we not, for the most part, be learning how to be "the nurse" while we are in school??

I'm sorry this is so long, but any advice you can give me would be helpful. I feel like if I don't go back, I'll be throwing away a chance of a lifetime with a rewarding career, but at the same time, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels where I'm at. Help!

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I'm only a student myself (starting first nursing sequence in January 2009), but wanted to offer a micron of comfort: your story sounds very common, atleast at my college. The ongoing joke among my group of friends - me, included - is that we can kiss our oh-so-coveted GPA's goodbye! I've always strived and stressed over earning A's in every class and figure my best bet for once I start the nursing sequence is to not let my hyper-achieving desire get the best of me, because it WILL be my downfall. My mantra will be "Employers Will Not Be Requesting My Transcripts!" :nuke:

Try to remember there's a difference between being, as you said yourself, OVERWHELMED and simply not cut out for nursing - you're obviously stressed and overwhelmed. Perhaps this learning style was particular to your instructor and you will not encounter is next semester. Then again, part of being a nurse is figuring things out for yourself - your ability to decipher the coursework and earn a good grade speaks volumes of your nursing potential. Don't be upset, be proud of yourself!

I'm sure someone will offer better advice than I, but I wanted to give you the proverbial "chin up!" and pat on the back. Hang in there!

My school is like that as well. Our teacher "teaches" what she has learned in the field and not necessarily from the book. I feel like I'm remebering double the information,1. to pass the tests in class (based off her lectures) & 2. things from the book for the NCLEX. Its frutsturating at times, but really you learn what you need when you start working. Have you ever met a L&D nurse that understands in depth cardiology and vise versa? I haven't. I wouldn't give up on a dream job becauses its frusturating. Remember, if nursing was easy then everyone would be doing it!

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