Wondering if anyone else is feeling this?

Published

Specializes in Clinical Partner and CNA.

I hope this isnt already a thread, I've tried looking with no luck. I was accepted into nursing school back in April, I start Aug 28th and can't wait. But I'm getting nervous, right now I'm only taking 1 summer class, Microbiology and I will be done in 2 weeks. I have 2 kids, 1 and 5 who keep me on my toes. I am married, but my husband works a lot so that I can focus on school. The past few weeks I am so tired all the time. I try to exercise every day, no caffeine anymore, and just had blood work done a few months ago and everything was great. If I'm this tired already how am I going to be able to handle nursing school? Does anyone else feel like this? If so what do you do? Thanks for all of your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

HA! I was exhausted during school! Now during my vacation I'm sleeping until 11am, lol! Must be making up for lost sleep. I shouldn't say that as really I'd be in bed between 11-12 and up at 7 or so, except one day as my clinical didn't get out until 10, and it was an hour drive home, then med surg 2 the next day at 8am. So that night I'd maybe get 5-6 hours of sleep. I'm the type of person that is always tired as well. I can sleep 10 hours and still feel groggy. A multivitamin helps as does exercise as you mentioned. I just think 2 young kids and a busy hubby makes for a tired mommy. But you'll manage. Just invest in a good concealer for those under eye bags, lol! And if you find a good one let me know what it is :clown:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Clinical Partner and CNA.

lol a good concealer that's a good piece of advice. Do you drink energy drinks or caffeine to help keep you going? Thanks for your advice :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I drink one cup of coffee every morning. During school I would also get coffee but not for the caffine, more for the taste! They make the most scrumptious caremel/carmel (?) mocha drinks ever! I actually can't wait for school to start as I miss my latte's, lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Clinical Partner and CNA.

I may have to try that too :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok. I'm an advocate of herbal rememdies. They have helped me TREMENDOUSLY!! When many of my classmates went to the Dr. for ADD/ADHD medications, I went to a nutrition store. lol

I would say that our levels of energy are equal and my test scores are similar or have exceeded theirs.

THANK YOU, JESUS:-)

I would recommend that you go to an Herbal store (NOT a major chain like GNC). The people at GNC are knowledgeable, but their products aren't the best, in my opinion. If you do go to a GNC, I would advise staying away from the GNC branded items.

A mom and pop's herbal store wil be your best bet. They can offer you many products. Of course, herbs aren't regulated by the FDA so they can't state that they "cure" xyz or do something specific. You still also need to be aware of any contraindications. I swear by herbs!

For whatever ails you, just do a little online research. Go to an herbal store and ask questions and they can direct you.

I wouldn't advise caffeine. There's nothing wrong with a cup of coffee in the morning or every so often, but it shouldn't be what you're using to get through the day. It actually does the opposite after a while and will leave you completely drained and in a mental fog. You can't have a mental fog in nursing school. lol

I use many different herbs and for different things. I don't use them everyday or at the same time.

Not everything works for everybody. I've found that some herbs that other's have recommended to me AND that have excellent reviews, don't work for me. It's just trial and error.

I will say that you do need to get a multivitamin and use it daily. You can get those at Wal-Mart or if you want you can get a pricier one at an herbal store.

For energy, you can ask about Ginseng for starters. Solaray, makes a good brand. I hope this helps and Pleeeeeeeeease, do not overload on caffeine. You will be EXTREMELY fatigued if you are drinking more than a cup a day. I promise.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
HA! I was exhausted during school! Now during my vacation I'm sleeping until 11am, lol! Must be making up for lost sleep. I shouldn't say that as really I'd be in bed between 11-12 and up at 7 or so, except one day as my clinical didn't get out until 10, and it was an hour drive home, then med surg 2 the next day at 8am. So that night I'd maybe get 5-6 hours of sleep. I'm the type of person that is always tired as well. I can sleep 10 hours and still feel groggy. A multivitamin helps as does exercise as you mentioned. I just think 2 young kids and a busy hubby makes for a tired mommy. But you'll manage. Just invest in a good concealer for those under eye bags, lol! And if you find a good one let me know what it is :clown:

Chocolate, you too!lol Find a good herbal store. You will be amazed at the wonderful things that this earth has to offer that we often overlook. There are wonderful, natural products that will make you feel like a new person. I used to be just like you, needing to sleep for extended lengths. It was nothing for me to sleep 12-13 hours on my day off. That got old and I had to find a better solution to drinking a pot of coffee everyday, taking no doz's to stay up and study. I feel like a new person. I have so much energy! I can remember things. When I study, I can retain the information. I think more clearly. It's amazing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Organize down time into your day, no matter what. Even if that means a 10 minute bath at the end of the day. No don't bring in study material, because that 10 mintues is your solitude.

I am also a parent, I have a 4 year old, and I was surprised by how many mom's are in the BSN program with me.

Make a good organized schedaule, tell the kids that this set of time is mommy's study time, but this set of time is play time. And keep to that promise. That way you won't miss out on them and still get to study.

As for sleep, you may have to learn to shave some time off, but always aim for at least 6, try for 8 especailly on clinical days. I know the others have mentioned coffee and herbal remedies, just do what you know your body can handle. Wake up, jump in the shower, do some exercise to get your blood pumping. Then have a cup of joe.

I know you mentioned blended mocha's but they can be load with extra calories and hidden fats, and well, the freshman 15 is easy to gain while studying... extra stress always leads to the munchies and extra snacking!

Don't forget to take time for you.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Green tea tablet every morning but if you are trying to get away with no caffeine they aren't the way to go. I actually starting taking them to try to naturally help my blood pressure. It's a vasodilator so it's supposed to lower your bp. I also started taking a multivitamin and 1000 mg fish oil. I don't know if it's one of those or a combination but I haven't felt better in years. Surprisingly,I think it has affected my mood because I'm not as snappy and cranky. I just generally feel better. Hope this helps. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sleep? What is that? ;-)

I have three kids, working and going to school. I start nursing school this fall and I only have two years to go. My life has been a blur this past year or two.

You will just have to accept lack of sleep, and being exhausted but it WILL be worth it. Go for it!

Also, I live off caffeine. I do one cup in the morning and then another cup or two later in the day!

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion