Why did I decide to do this?

KristeyK · Jun 14, 2011

I've just learned to feel as if I am treading water. I have streamlined a few school related things, and have figured out which classes I can study the powerpoints on for tests, and which ones I can answer all the summary questions throughout a chapter for the tests. (I do my best learning in the lab and at clinical, otherwise I'd REALLY feel like I'm falling short. lol) My grades are fine, but yeah, I feel like I need to use a float from time to time.

Certifiable, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2011

Sounds like you have the same coping method as I: when drowning, do nothing. I KNOW it's really unhealthy, but what can you do... when things pile up, i find other things to keep me busy :)

But I'm trying to stop that habit... Oh wait, something just dawned on me--- I'm also on AllNurses too---oops! gotta go study---bye

lrlat · Jun 25, 2011

What I have discovered after 2 years and FINALLY beginning the program is .....that constant fear of failure is what keeps people like us pushing as hard as we can and giving it ALL we have ! Good Luck....and BREATHE!

LuxAeternaRN · Jun 25, 2011

Some fear can be a good thing! It keeps us on our toes. You almost have to train yourself NOT to freak out - if that makes any sense. Accept the fact you're going to feel completely overwhelmed, as if you're drowning, etc... If you feel yourself starting to panic, stop what you're doing and waste a little time. It may be that your brain needs a break! Also, you may not be able to see what you're accomplishing now but each project you do, each test you take, each careplan, each clinical is helping you become the nurse you're supposed to be. Once you graduate and pass NCLEX, you'll look back and feel SO good about what you've accomplished. Nursing school is crazy and makes you feel you've lost your marbles lol But it's a great ride, soak it up and learn as much as you can!! You can do it :)

sistasoul · Jun 25, 2011

I am not a student any longer but I remember that feeling well. Each and every person in my class had some kind of a breakdown at some point. I had several mysel and almost dropped out 3 times. Nursing school is hell but it is only because of all of the extra "Half of the stuff they have you do in school there is no time to do it when you are actuallly workig as a nurse. Nursing school teaches ideals and not reality. How about doing admits, discharges, dealing with families, MDs, and all of the other departments in the hospital. The nurse is responsible for everything. A respiratory therapist was in a mans room giving him a breathing treatment. This Patient told the RT that his phone was not working. The RT came out of the room and told the nurse. All that was needed was for the phone to be plugged into the wall. And to make matters worse, the patient was in a precaution room. It was infuriating.

If nursing school was based on reality new nurses would be better off and not shocked when getting their first job. Nursing school equals too much busy work and not enough or reality.

greenfiremajick · Jun 25, 2011

Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and revel in the seemingly small victories..... and remember to drink lots of water! :clown:

Uh remind me why I decided to put myself through this hell again!? To do 5 years worth of work crammed into 4, with all the competitiveness, the student loans, and the constant running around like a chicken with its head cut off. The instructors all told us when my cohort started our first semester of junior year that we would all ask ourselves at some point what we had gone and gotten ourselves into... but you know, knowing that doesn't make it feel any better. There's so much at stake (financially and otherwise) that I'm constantly in fear of failing. The irony is that I am well from failing. I'm actually doing quite well, but by comparison to my classmates, some of the best students around (my school is not east to get into,) I feel completely inept. How do I keep it in perspective? I feel as though I can never have a victory, because there's always some other project waiting for me that I have to scramble to complete. I am unable to meet my own expectations for myself because there isn't enough time in the day... Where to start? It's so overwhelming I find myself wasting time doing things like... posting in nursing forums. Does anyone feel like they're barely treading water here?

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · Jun 26, 2011

Now you see, I think of it as a hurdle race. You jump one, and then the next one comes along. Sometimes you trip, but you get back up and keep running. Keep your eye on the finish line!