STRESSED OUT nursing student

lesliee · Jan 25, 2001

Krissy:

We've all been there. It's not easy, we know.. It can be frustrating. I'm a fairly new grad and I recall thinking that I couldn't wait to dive into "real" nursing and not "book" nursing. All I can say is that with your drive, you will achieve your goal and there will come a time where you look back at nursing school with fond memories! Have you looked into p/t work as a cna? I did that during nursing school and the nurses that I worked with would show me a lot, knowing that I was a student. Hang in there..you'll be a nurse before you know it.

TXERRN · Jan 25, 2001

Nursing school will prepare you for the real working environment stress you will feel when you get your first job. Learn ways to manage your stress now, and you will be a much happier nurse after you start working. If you don't, you will get sick or burn-out quickly. Don't think it gets any easier after school is over. YOU must control your situation. Find a hobby or something that helps you relax. Exercise, it releases endorphins.

Originally posted by NurseKrissy:
Hi Everyone! I am in my second semester of nursing school in a BSN program. School is really frustrating me right now. I guess I'm looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, hoping that nursing school will not continue to be this stressful and tiring. It's not that I don't like school, I just want to be a nurse so bad that I can't wait to graduate and pursue my career. Does anyone has and advice or words of wisdom?

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TX ER RN

puzzler · Jan 25, 2001

Time to learn patience and stress management.

Nursing school is indeed stressful (we always want so much so fast). Just learn all you can now and enjoy the freedom to ask questions (you will be doing this forever you know LOL)

But seriously now, you need to learn to take care of yourself as well as your patients. Take up a hobby now that is totally removed from nursing and treat yourself to it frequently. Good luck with your studies.

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Sheryl

If you enjoy word puzzles come visit me at www.CrosswordsForNurses.com

panda_181 · Jan 25, 2001

Originally posted by NurseKrissy:
Hi Everyone! I am in my second semester of nursing school in a BSN program. School is really frustrating me right now. I guess I'm looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, hoping that nursing school will not continue to be this stressful and tiring. It's not that I don't like school, I just want to be a nurse so bad that I can't wait to graduate and pursue my career. Does anyone has and advice or words of wisdom?

Chrissy:

I am a 3rd year nursing student in Alberta, Canada, also doing my BScN. I wish I could give you some words of wisdom but I can't! ) No, just kidding. I know exactly what you're going through. And I hate to tell you this, but 3rd year is going to be a real test as well. I also wish that I could just be a nurse now and forget about this stuff too! But I just keep telling myself, only a year and a half! You are past the half point! And I know that you are doing great! We still have so much to learn too. And a lot of the nurses I know say that they were in school, so I guess it can't be that bad right? )

Anyway, I hope this helps some! Sometimes we just need some encouragement from family and friends so that we know people are rooting for us...so I'm rooting for you! Good luck!

Amanda (fellow student)

SoCalGAL · Jan 25, 2001

Hi NurseKrissy, Hang in there! I am a recent (within the last year) BSN graduate and I KNOW how long those semesters feel! But take heart, the time does go by sooo quickly

I remember preparing for the computer NCLEX and hoping for "just the 75 questions", when the day came around and the computer clicked off after 75, I felt a panic and almost shouted "I'm not finished yet!" (I didn't....) The point? All those lectures and exams will give you what you need to START your nursing career. I, too, worked as a student nurse and it was a great way to gain more experience, but I only recommend it if you can fit it into your current schedule (afterall, some students must work through school). You will make it and pass NCLEX, even if some of the days may drag (I swear that time stood still in my Geriatrics class!)Take heart and keep us posted!

babs_rn · Feb 9, 2001

The difference between nursing school and the reality of the working world as a nurse is the fact that you no longer have homework (well, sometimes you do) and you have a massively increased responsibility load the second you get your license. And you get paid. Stress level is still there. I've talked with nursing students who have worked under me who tell me they realize they have made the wrong decision to go into nursing but they feel that they have come too far to stop now. But it is never too late. I tell them (particularly the younger ones) that it is cheaper to change majors now than to go back later with all the adult responsibilities that will tie them down. One day they'll see that...

Best of luck to you.

Babs

Cherie · Feb 10, 2001

I am a 2nd year PN student.. and I too thought school was never going to end.. but everyday I learn something more.. I graduate in July and I look forward to everyday I have left of clinicals because as a nurse you will never stop learning. Just remember what you are being taught because it WILL be used in practice in the future! Have you gotten to your lab test outs yet? Good Luck!

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Ü

almostrn · Feb 11, 2001

[Krissy,

I feel your pain!!I am just starting my nursing career,actually ,I am pre-nursing!I have wanted to be a nurse for SOO long, hopefully this fall I will be accepted into a new program starting at a local college. I have been a nursing assistant for 5 years, and my problem for nursing schools has been money, or lack thereof in my case!My current employer is paying my tuition, so I'm going for it. What I did to keep myself motived was I ordered a nice picture frame from NURSE STATION catalog, and it says "nurse" on it and I put a picture of myself in it. It helps!! Good luck!!

patsn · Feb 11, 2001

Just wanted to let you know that I love the picture frame motivator idea Just great good luck with your studies

Originally posted by almostrn:
[Krissy,
I feel your pain!!I am just starting my nursing career,actually ,I am pre-nursing!I have wanted to be a nurse for SOO long, hopefully this fall I will be accepted into a new program starting at a local college. I have been a nursing assistant for 5 years, and my problem for nursing schools has been money, or lack thereof in my case!My current employer is paying my tuition, so I'm going for it. What I did to keep myself motived was I ordered a nice picture frame from NURSE STATION catalog, and it says "nurse" on it and I put a picture of myself in it. It helps!! Good luck!!