Thinking of quitting...

[DiscontentedNS]

I've just completed my first semester of nursing school and I hate it. My goal was to become a DNP, but I don't think I'll be able to put up with what that entails. My reasons for being despondent stem from the affect some of the professors have toward the students.

Firstly, we aren't allowed to look at our exams; as a result, none of us know what we got wrong. This makes it very difficult to study and improve our test grades. I feel my lack of knowledge comes from a misunderstanding of the nursing process. When I take practice tests at home, I'm getting the "what to tell the patient" questions wrong. I have a science degree and feel confident in the knowledge based material, but I can't know for sure what I'm missing.

Second, my advisor will not return my emails. I tried reaching out to her to nail down where my deficits are and it's proving to be futile.

Third, I'm not fond of clinicals. No, it's not because I hate doing hard work; mostly, I feel terrible watching the nursing home residents being treated without dignity. It's also true that I'm not enthralled with giving injections and passing meds. My clinical advisor says I'm not enthusiastic enough and don't try to take advantage of additional tasks being offered. Honestly, I know I do not want to be an RN, I want to be an NP. I like the concept of diagnosing and treating patients and helping them live their best lives. I want to order lab work and any necessary tests that are needed.

Lastly, I'm on borrowed time, physically. I have a progressive disease and will not be able to do the work of an RN long term. I'll be able to work long enough to get me through NP school (most DNP programs require students to work as RNs). I'd really love to know, from any NPs here, what future clinicals are like. Also, is it normal to feel this way about the nursing program?

[shiftingtides]

Have you considered going to school to become a PA instead of an NP? It sounds like the nursing aspects are not something you're going to enjoy, and if you mainly want to diagnose getting your PA may be a better path for you. I would have said you might want to consider medical school, but if you have a progressive disease pushing through medical school might not be the best option.

Good luck to you.

[DiscontentedNS]

Yes, I've looked into PA school, but I wasn't able to get in. It's very competitive. There are two schools in my area and they are private; so there are only 40 openings at one and 60 at the other. The one school gets around 850 applicants per year. I have a family and am unable to relocate, unfortunately. I'm also 40 years old, so reapplying and waiting isn't something I can do.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You seem to hate just about every aspect of nursing. If that is the case, then may it would be best to find another career.

Though maybe ... you are depressed ... and that's why you feel so negative about everything. Perhaps some counseling would help you feel better and more able to cope with the more negative aspects of life.

[jb_mmmm, BSN, RN]

I'm trying to word this the best I can, but honestly, how do you expect to be an NP if you don't wanna be an RN? It's NURSE practitioner, you have to be a nurse first before becoming a practitioner. I hope that you can find your way in life that'll help make things clearer for you.

[DiscontentedNS]

Thank you all for your input. I've decided to leave the program and build on my science degree. I think I'm better suited for working behind the scenes with others involved in research in treating those with rare illnesses. I don't necessarily need to be the one diagnosing. I hope I didn't put others off with my previous post; I feel nursing is a noble profession and believe more are needed to care for others. It just isn't the right fit for me.