Should I quit nursing school?

Question

I’m suppose to graduate in August. First 4 semesters were amazing. I felt I was learning a lot doing great. Straight As. 
Now I’m slowly deteriorating. Anxiety everyday. Crying episodes everyday. My teacher doesn’t lecture or teach us. All he does is assign us 13 chapters to read each week, no study guide or any direction on what material to focus on. I’m so overwhelmed. At this point I’m debating if I even want to be a nurse anymore. If I’m this unhappy daily, how happy would I be when I’m an actual nurse? I thought this was something I wanted to do. But I guess it’s not. The horrible feelings I get thinking about it makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry. My chest feels like it’s going to explode from anxiety. All I do is sit at home alone all day and read and read and read. I feel like I’m falling deeper and deeper into a depression. I try to write positive affirmations and I try to meditate to relieve my anxiety. It doesn’t help. I still feel like I’m going to explode. This semester started in March, I have now lost 8 lbs. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I’ve reached out to my schools counselors and they are no help, all they tell me is “keep studying, take deep breathes”
I don’t want to regret my decision if I do quit. But I also am so tired of being so unhappy and anxious 24/7. I wish I could take a mental break and just breathe and relax and not worry. I’m so overwhelmed and scared and unhappy..

Anonymous · Answer

At least if you become a nurse, you won’t be asking the question “do you want fries with that?”

Jim2 · Answer

I would finish it, especially since it's only August. Then decide if you want to be a nurse. I think it is very common to change your mind about what you want to do. Maybe a few years later in life, you will decide it's your life calling. So stop worrying, and just go with the flow. You do not have to become a nurse if you don't want to, but at least you'll have the education if you decide to, and you will have accomplished and completed something.

If someone is pressuring you, they should NOT be doing that. Trust me on that one. Even if it is Mom and/or Dad. You need to be the one to decide what you want to do. Don't pressure yourself, either.

Lan · Answer

If you got into nursing school then go all the way, no matter what.

garry · Answer

to much studying and not enough sex , thats the problem , get a nice male medical student , he will get rid of any stress you have ..It doesnt hurt you know , think it like being immunised , feel a sharp jab , a little bit of blood then a squirt , same thing isnt it .

Anonymous · Answer

You probably should find a different, less stressful, type of work to do.

Anonymous · Answer

No one can decide for you.  Pls do not depend on Yahoo Answers and never mind the vicious rude comments. Here're my thoughts:  1) Get professional help now from a psychiatrist or psychologist.  Professional counseling is not a minor thing so find a qualified professional.  2) Keep up with your studies and don't flunk out.  You are only 4 months from graduation.  3)Be kind to yourself.  There are difficult days but also realize that there will be better days ahead.  4)Don't do drugs or abuse alcohol.  5)  Taking a leave of absence is less drastic than flunking out or quitting.  But a LOA is not a minor thing and talk it over with the psychiatrist or psychologist.  6) Someone commented on plastic surgery in Mexico.  Don't do it!  Plastic surgery will not make you happy.  Don't make this kind of decision while you are upset.  If you do decide on plastic surgery find a plastic surgeon in your area where you can return in case of post-op complications.   Take care!

Anonymous · Answer

Welcome to the real world..nothing in life comes easy. Quit making excuses. Either suck it up and finish it out like an adult or drop out. How are you gonna treat patients if you’re anxious 24/7? I guarantee you will see some depressing things as a nurse.  But if you can’t handle the schooling you probably shouldn’t be in the profession anyway. I definitely wouldn’t want a nurse like you. I’m sure  McDonald’s is hiring

Anonymous · Answer

Your posting history is sad.  Your depression is NOTHING new.  If you are as unhappy as you sound drop out, pull yourself together and maybe some day go back.  My concern is that your mental health is deteriorating, but your other concern is having plastic surgery in Mexico.  How will changing your appearance change anything?  If it is TRUE that you have an arrest record, which you've posted, do you even know if you are eligible to be licensed as an RN?

Anonymous · Answer

It seems strange that your first four semesters went good and you got straight A's, and now things are the total opposite.  What's important to know is what's causing the horrible feelings you're getting.  Is it the actual coursework and the things you are learning that is making you question your career?  Or is it that you've been at home for so long, where you're alone and overwhelmed by reading?  It's only four more months until August, so maybe if you keep reminding yourself it's not that far now, you can get through.  And once you've graduated, you'll be happy you put in all the hard work. But, if the thought of nursing is what's making you anxious, depressed, scared and unhappy, then you might want to take a break. You can always go back into studying and complete the course. You'll know when that time comes, if it does.  If it doesn't, then you may want to choose a different path.  I hope there are some nurses on here who can give you good advice.

? · Answer

There's something wrong with you that has nothing to do with being a nurse or your teacher. You're probably clinically depressed. There are some very good, short-term medications that kick-start your brain into producing the right hormones. Go see a doctor and get some treatment. You don't have to be miserable.

Should I quit nursing school?

18 Answers