This nursing school thing just seems out of my grasp.
I want to do my best but keep waiting to hear of bad news like I bombed a test or something. Well I should hold my tongue because our first test is this coming Thursday for Pharmacology, and I'll probably blog about it good or bad.
Anyway I feel like a chicken with my head cut off running around with my days all swirling together and I don't know if I'm coming or going. Maybe it's just me and the way I handle things but I feel like I can't let things slip like I use to with my other classes (once in awhile) but that I need to stay on top of things so much so that I'm paranoid I'm going to ruin everything.
Uggh I hate feeling like this, it’s a cross between feeling helpless and terribly worried that the instructor will see through my facade of temporary smarts that has gotten me thus far.
Recently I was intrigued to read on another’s blog of wanting to practice for NCLEX questions (I’m with you on that one) and some advice that was given to them of going over 10-15 NCLEX questions each night. Really each night, do we have that kind of time? I have a hubby and kids and time like that isn't available for me, but more reserved for those fresh out of high school with no kids, hubby’s or jobs to concentrate their time on. How could someone like me plan to get it all done, do I start sacrificing my precious sleep?
Lastly this week I had my first clinical at a nursing home and got to “visit” with a patient in hopes of gathering health history information from them. While I was pretty nervous to walk around with my fancy scrubs and lab coat on, it didn’t seem too impressive to the patients or staff for that matter (humbled yet again).
What I also learned about myself is that I need to really practice allowing for silence, especially with the elderly. I find that I want to help finish their sentences, or I don’t want the interview process to be too uncomfortable or difficult for them to remember important dates and names.
My trick -- I put the kiddos to bed at 8 PM, then I spend the next 4 (or more) hours working on school work. I also LIVE by my planner. I have everything school-related in there...and each week I make a separate list of things that need to be done for the week. I am constantly checking that list to make sure I get my things done. I try not to panic or think of the overall picture...break it down to a week or even a day at a time.
ReplyDeleteIt's been working well for me thus far. Just have to remind my family this is temporary, just bear with me for a couple of years.
Like Kendra says, a good planner is a must, but you know that.
ReplyDeleteWhat you're feeling is normal, and 10-1 says everyone in your class is feeling the same. This is excellent practice for real life. Make a list, prioritize, and then act. It's that simple, don't make it harder than it has to be.
You CAN do this, others have gone before you, and you will soon join us on the other side.
10-15 NCLEX questions shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes. Do them over lunch at school with class mates. Stick a prep book in the bathroom, do a few while you pee.
The idea is to learn the nature of NCLEX questions, not cram all the knowledge in your head.
Biggest thing of all, BREATHE.
No seriously, take some deep breaths.
Good advice Kendra. I really don't know how the gals with families do it. It can be gruelling even for those with no other obligations.....I am wishing you both all the best! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteKendra – What great advice! I think I’m going to try the route of losing a little sleep to get better adjusted with my assignments and readings. I do use my planner exclusively but I must just be looking at too broad of a picture instead of taking it week by week or day by day.
ReplyDeleteXY – *breath* I think my classmates are afraid to admit feeling the same as I do. *breath* Thanks for your NCLEX advice; I like the idea of keeping it in the bathroom because sometimes that’s the only place I can think straight (sad I know). *deep breath*
I’ll remember to keep breathing, making my bed, and taking a hot shower when things get overwhelming.
CC – Thank you for your well wishes, if I can get through this I can get through anything. Whatever doesn’t kill me should make me stronger…right?
One thing I did was break my to do list into very small parts. Instead of listing "Write research paper" as one item, I write 1. Read article A 2. Read article B 3. Write introduction 3. Write body 4. Write conclusion. etc.
ReplyDeleteThis way, when you are tired and don't feel like completing an entire assignment, you might be willing to do one small part of it before you go to bed. This also allows for more crossing off and therefore a higher feeling of accomplishment. It's all about the mental game.
As part of my "chapter" whatever topic is being covered on the test, I would do the NCLEX questions and read the rationals for that section in Saunders Comprehensive Review. It really helps and its not actually "extra"
ReplyDeleteEVERY single nursing student feels exactly like you do. The reason you don't know is because we are a very conpetitive bunch of type A's :-)