This is so ridiculous

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jun 19, 2001

Hey JenKatt, please lighten up a bit! I'm a sr. student also, and I take my studies and my job very seriously-as do most students who've made it this far (these classes aren't exactly easy)! You seem to be implying that nurses have no life outside their career. While I'll agree it's a job filled with responsibilty, I do try to leave work at work as much as possible or I'd burn out. Addressing the original post in this thread-yes, it's frustrating to have to study over the summer, but try to get at least some in, I'm sure it will give you a leg up in the fall.

JenKatt · Jun 19, 2001

There's a difference kbennett65. I've done nursing school and graduated. I totally slacked off my first semester of nursing classes, and paid for it mightily when it came to the next semester and Med/Surg. I didn't want to spend my summers doing work, I thought my professors were nuts. I had no idea what I was in for. By the next year, i read when I wasn't told too, caught up as hard as it was and soared through my last year. The point? I heard all the crud that nursing students give out. I said it. I know that it's just plain laziness. I learned my lesson and became a damn good nurse, not the best by far, but good. The students who didn't learn either haven't passed the boards yet (2 years later), have been fired from jobs, or on such a tight leash at work that they can't breathe. I've worked with nurses like that and it's pretty scarey. So no i won't lighten up. You are dealing with people's lives. You can kill someone if you aren't educated.

Am I advocating not having a social life? Heck no. But when you are in school you are there to learn not party. So yes you lose your ability to go out every night.

Now that I've graduated I go out and have fun. I still spend a certain amount of time studying and keeping up with my skills. If you want to be a good nurse you have to. Nursing is constantly evolving and changing. If you expect to never have to pick up a book again and learn after you graduate, get out of nursing now.

zannie · Jun 19, 2001

tattoo chick (by the way, I just got my first tattoo 2 days ago) ;-)

I hear ya!!!! I haven't educationally gotten to your point/level yet, however, I know it's such hard work and I understand your frustration........

I agree with you..... Obviously you're a hard worker to get where you've gotten, however, if it's all work and *NO PLAY EVER* you're going to burn out!!!!!!!!

Don't lose your fun playful side!!! :) :) I know you'll still take your job and schooling very seriously. :)

--zannie :)

BrandyBSN · Jun 26, 2001

I personally do a lot of reading during the summers, and I get ths sylibi as soon as it is out from the printers.

But I understand tattoochick too! we all need a break, so take as much of a break as you can while still staying current on your books.

Some people on this forum have been a little hard on you, but they are partially right too. It is easier to get ahead than to try to catch up if you are behind.

All work and no play will burn you out, but finding a good balance will make life easier come classes :)

Good luck!

Brandy

Senior BSN Student

Truman State University

cheri2 · Jun 29, 2001

HI:

At our campus, when you get accepted to the nursing part of the program...the clincials, that is when the real work begins. We have orientation months before our classes. The instructors hand out a huge packet of things you need to know before you first day of class. They expect you to do the work over break and be ready to go. For instances, in our dosage class, we are required to do the studying due to a test on the very first day of class. We were all informed that we should know this stuff since it is basic math. This is their way to weed out the weak and see who has the drive to excel by doing the work ahead of time.

I have taken classes straight through, even summers and I know it is exhausting. To me it is not an issue because this is a career I have always wanted. I knew it woud be difficult and time consuming from day one. I am a full time mom of three...which two are special needs twins and if I can do this..I feel anyone can do it. It is all a matter of organization.

Good luck to you

puzzler · Jun 30, 2001

OK--just my 2 cents worth.

Why can reading not be fun too? You know what they say about all work and no play? Well, it is true. If you look at it as work, it will be. If you look at it as something you want to do, then it will be fun.

Do not do the reading because you HAVE to. Do it when you are in the mood and curious about what will be happening next semester. You will learn and retain more of the information that way anyhow. You obviously are a good student or you would not be where you are today. I think you just needed to vent a little (we all do).

Go out, have some fun. Enjoy your life while you are young (my husband says youth is wasted on the young. In other words, "If I had known then what I know now, I would have spent a little more time enjoying life instead of always working").

When you are a little more rested I bet you will not be able to stay away from reading those books (LOL)

Good luck

prmenrs, RN · Jun 30, 2001

There is no reason that you can't get your reading done and have a fun summer at the same time. Take your book/articles/whatever and a highlighter and go to a relaxing outdoor type place (even if that's your backyard), some sunscreen, soda and snacks, and go for it. Divide up the work into measurable smaller bites, try to get a certain amount done every day or so, and check it off on a chart so you can see your progress. Every so often, take some time to enjoy the scenery, rest your eyes, etc.

I think the instructors are actually doing you a favor; you'll have that head start next fall, and be thanking your lucky stars you did that work ahead of time.

Do other stuff, too--movies, friends, maybe some crafts--to relax. You have a lot invested already in this nursing thing, don't slack off now!! You're almost there! :cool:

NurseAngie · Jul 2, 2001

Hi Brandy BSN, Your quote could also read: Mouths are like parachutes. They only work when they're OPEN. Have a great day.