starting off the 2nd semester in a rough way

[Nurse Allison]

:(Over our break I got squamous cell carcinoma on the bridge of my nose that was growing very rapidly.I had surgery 1 week before the semester started. They ended up doing a donor skin graft from the side of my face. I look like a freak. I feel as if I havent caught up on my rest. The workload is coming up on us with full force. We had a math test the first week, and have to pass with an 80% or we fail. I think I failed it by getting flustered and making stupid mistakes. I know how to do the titrations, use the formulas, and usually come up with the right answers. I'm sick abou it thinking I came this far and may fail out of the program. I'm just not up to my best performance yet since the cancer diagnosis. I'm not gong to ask for special treatment because of the illness. I just need to figure out a way to get my mojo back. This semester is a pretty tough one on renal, copd,diabetes,pancreatic function,cardio,sensory adaptation to name a few. I've got clinicals twice a week now, so my work load has doubled.

On another note, I really dont feel like I have a connection with the other students. They all seemed to have found there clicks. We are required to do a group paper (2 of us) this semster. Lord knows who I will choose. It seems as if they have teamed up already. I hope things fall into place for me. I'm just feeling very tired and need to regain my energy. I'm also getting tired of the stares and people asking me,"What happened to your nose!"

I'm 37 years old and I'm starting to wonder if there is something wrong with my thyroid. Possibly hypothyroidism due to the chronic fatigue. Anyone else have thyroid problems?

[fiveofpeep]

I dont have much advice but I wanted to say I am so sorry. Nursing school is tough enough without cancer!

Depression and stress can cause fatigue...

With the cliques, I have had issues with that too, but in time (randomly) I found some friends. You can always come to us to vent and for support until then :redbeathe:1luvu:

[RNin10]

I am sorry you are having a hard time. I can understand your frustration! I will tell you, I work with endocrinologists, and obviously the main thing they treat is thyroid disease. If you don't have other symptoms I would look into another cause for your fatigue. Most likely, it is depression. You are dealing with alot and probably got overwhelmed. I would suggest trying St. John's Wort before turning to Rx anti-depressants. Other symptoms of thyroid are: intolerance to cold, weight loss/gain (depending on hypo or hyper), constipation and excessively dry skin. No matter what, I think you should talk to your doctor! A simple blood test can r/o or confirm thyroid problems! Good luck!

[lizlafoe]

It sounds like this is a very challenging time for you. Here is the best advice I have to give you:

1. You do have a connection with the other nursing students - You are a Nursing Student.

That said, I did a group paper by myself once...it was just easier that way.

2. Go to your school health care provider (if that is an option) and get your thyroid checked out. It is probably nothing and you will sleep better.

3. Go meet individually with the teachers of your most stressful courses, explain your situation and ask what they recommend you do. You may find that they are very accommodating.

4. Take care of yourself. And start tonight (I'm thinking Bubble bath...). Nursing school is supposed to be tough - but it is not supposed to break you

Good Luck! Hang in there!

[vtanner, LPN]

I'm feeling for you--school is soooo stressful nyway and keeping 80% is tuff--but keep plodding along taking one day at a time--take time for yourself andtry to find something that will help you relax for at least 1/2 each day--I liked to take bubble baths--find at least one good buddy to hang with in your class--you don't have to have a lot--I was the oldest in my class and felt very out of place with all the young wipper snappers:p just coming out of high school--but the classmate that I hung out with was one of the youngest in my class--go figure--when things really get wired don't feel bad to shed a few tears--they are a good stress reliever too--keep you chin up and God Bless

[Esther2007]

I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I hope you find someone to work with for this project. Last year, while I was taking Med Surg 3, my aunt was murdered in Philadelphia by her roomate. What made is worse is the fact, my father and I discovered her body, which has decomposed for over 6 days. I had to call the police. I was so distort, I did not think I was going to pass. I was frozen for 2 weeks. I ended up failing my first exam ever in nursing school with a 78. My school passing is an 80. Thank God, I had a great instructor who was very supportive of me. I ended up passing with a B-, my lowest grade. I thank God everyday for helping me throughout that time. I have learned, if you want something, no matter what the circumstances are, you will prevail. Hang in there, dont give up and things will workout at the end. Good luck to you.

[Natingale, EdD, RN]

Hang in there, I cant even imagine how much harder this semester is going to be for you. All I can say is that you are an inspiration to ME, and I think your success will inspire others. I hope you find your mojo (I laugh whenever I see that word thanks to Austin powers) Keep us up to date, and you know you can always come to us for help or if you are having a bad day.

As for the cliques go, dont worry about it. Im in m y second semester too and I catch myself talking to my old classmates more than my new ones. Im making a conscious effort, I think it will getter better when we go into our clinical group. A group of at least 8 strangers will have everyone in the same boat

[Nurse Allison]

Just wanted to thank you all for your support. It means alot to me. I got my test back today and sure enough, I failed. Luckily I get one more chance to get an 80%. It's another two hour test w/ a boat load of titration questions. I'm just not up for this again. I've got to get back on top of things. Just dont know how to get there. I'm having marital problems as well. My husband just isnt supportive, and lives on some other planet half the time. I feel like a single mom w/ two little ones with no support. Kudos to any single moms out there going through nursing school. It aint easy. I'm going to take the rest of the day: to put the books down, pick up the kiddos, and try to be peaceful. :heartbeat