Taking a break from school

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So, I am currently in my 3rd semester of a 2yr RN program and I CANNOT focus this time around. Usually I am very prepared and have an idea of what is going on. I feel so far behind and we haven't even had our first exam! I even failed the math remediation (and at the beginning of the program, I was the one explaining to everyone about the math who didn't understand it)

I have a DUI** and not having a license is really reeking havoc on getting to and from school,study groups, clinical and everything school related. I have lost complete contact with my family, I am struggling financially, and I am overall very stressed/unhappy about life. I have thought about taking a semester off to save my sanity. Also, if I take this semester off, extending my graduation date will put me after I get my license back, so i will have a license for my pre-ceptor-ship (which will be very beneficial and less stressing).

So the question is, "Do i stick it out and just try to do this semester? or "Do I drop out for the semester, re-gain my sanity a bit, work as much as possible, and start in January with a clear-er mind-set?"

I need your help Nurses, and fellow Students! Please and thank-you!!

-Erin

** I have already done my research and talked to the boards about having a DUI. Before people say "You cannot get a license with a DUI", i talked to them directly and they said although it wont be as easy as someone without one, you can, just that you may need to go to a few volunteer meetings.**

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I had to take a semester off one time and for me, it was the best thing I did. Are you working somewhere now? That will help relieve some of the financial stress. Or, are you getting financial aid? If you are, you will need to see how that will be affected. Talk with your adviser too. They may be able to work out some options too.

What would it take to get you back on track for this semester? Would it be possible to get back on track?

If you take the semester off, you may want to get help with managing stress too so that you are more prepared in that area when you go back and for when you get a job.

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I would have taken a semester off, if I were you. I found out the hard, and I mean, really hard way that pushing through nursing school under duress is a fine way to get yourself on failing grades path. I didn't take medical leave when I should have, when my PTSD was flaring up horrifically, and I paid the ultimate price...flunking out of school.

It sounds like you're under a lot of things, and in the end, only you can make that decision. If you have a nurse adviser, I'd suggest talking to him/her about it if you're still really unsure. They can give you more detailed options about how taking a leave of absence can affect your situation in nursing school.

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Thank you for the Advice! Much appreciated! I'm going to see how the first exam goes, and take it from there. The drop date isn't until October, so I have a little bit of time to figure things out

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