Thinking of quitting...

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?