9 more weeks to go. Burned out bad

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2006

You're the only one who knows exactly how you feel, but there are arguments on both sides. Stopping and working for a while might allow you to regroup before you charge ahead with more school. On the other hand, it might be hard to go back, as you said.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!

Trauma Columnist · Aug 27, 2006

What about taking a couple of weeks off at least? It is so hard to do this straight through. I did it and than waited another 10 years before going back for the advanced degree.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Aug 27, 2006

I graduated this year from an LPN program that took me 3 years to do (it is an associate degree program), I worked 40 hours a week and did school besides. In case anyone is wondering how I did that, I was a distance education student. I also was so burned out that I have decided to take a year off then straight into the RN program (if accepted of course). I only have 3 semesters to go for my RN, but I needed to take some time off for me and my hubby. It has been wonderful to not worry about studying and taking exams. You need to do what feels right for you, sometimes a little time is all that is needed.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2006

I completed an intense one year long LVN program about 10 months ago. I have been working as an LVN ever since I received my license, but tomorrow I will attend school for the first time in nearly a whole year. I am going to take 15 units of English, Psych, Growth & Development, Sociology, and Philosophy (all of which are prerequisites or corequisites for the local RN programs around my area).

I took a 10-month break. You will know what is best for you. Good luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2006

Bite the bullet, gather your strength and resources and go for it now. The year is going to pass anyway. Next year are you going to be an RN or wishing "dang I wish I'd gotten it out of the way". On the other hand there is no shame in taking much needed time off to recoup.

If you have to make a decision now, go ahead and apply and set yourself up. Then let it go and concentrate on the next nine weeks one day at a time. You can always drop if you can't handle it. Part of burnout is looking too far ahead at the mountains in front of you and becoming overwhelmed, rather than the single steps we're taking today.

Butterflybee · Aug 27, 2006

You say you are burned out really bad. That alone says wait. You need to want it, be ready for it, and up to the task. Once working if you dont want to do it then dont but only you and you alone will know when you are ready.

You will be fine!! You probably just need a rest from it all right now.

charebec65 · Aug 27, 2006

Suffering from burnout here too but I found a happy medium, I think. I graduated from my PN program on 8/10 and start working on my RN on 9/6. That gives me 3 weeks off....more or less.... there has been reviewing for my NCLEX which I have yet to take.

My 1st quarter I'm only taking 7 hours as I'm going back for my IV certification in October. I also plan on working part time. As I already have a degree, my schedule will be less rigorous as I don't have to take the Gen Ed units. I can't officially be accepted into the RN program until I pass my NCLEX but there's no substantial wait once I do.

I thought about waiting but was afraid I'd not do it. It took me 3-4 years to work up the courage to go to PN school... Good luck!

Jules A, MSN · Aug 27, 2006

I also burned out really bad my last month but within a week I felt refreshed and ready to roll. I'd apply and when the time comes if you don't feel ready to go you can always decline the spot. Good luck, Jules

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 27, 2006

You know what is best for you. Also, if it is your dream to become an RN, then, taking a much needed break is not going to interrupt your goal. One thing to consider is that after completing these 9 weeks will be studying for NCLEX-PN. FOr some (such as myself), it was a stressful time, and I burned out even further by the relentless questions and reading material on a daily basis. But again, it was not my personal goal to become an RN, so, after completing the course and taking NCLEX; I considered myself to be totally free from school.

Have you considered taking a semester off, rather than a year? This way, you can rest and begin to plan your future as an RN student. Purchasing the material and reading at your leisure ahead of time may be an advantage as well. You may have time with your family and see from there. Again, I firmly believe that if you are determined enough, you WILL become an RN, may it be within the next year or more. Best wishes to the future RN! :0)

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2006

I would take a couple of weeks off ,clear your head but I caution on taking to much time off or you will end up like me...7 years later Im still a LVN.. However, at the same time you cant go into RN school already on burn out..its a hard situation. Good luck I hope you find some peace and relaxation..

flwannaB · Sep 3, 2006

Thanks to all for the responses and encouragment. I have spoken with a few of my instructors and they assure me that is normal in the last quarter of school. They tell me that in my last six weeks, we will all be as happy and energetic as we were when we started school. I have decided to stick with it and continue with my education. I just need to keep my eye on the prize. I can't wait to be a nurse!!! :nurse: