Any nurses on here... how do you do it? I mean seriously...
 

I just completed my first year of paediatric nursing... (barely) and I've now withdrawn from the course. I just can't do it, I mean hard work is one thing, but having to do academic work, as well as 12.5 hour shifts and watching children die... It's hell on earth doing it six weeks at a time let alone making a full time living out of it. When I'm on duty at the hospital I get home around 9 or 10pm and get up at around 5.30am. Although you only do 3 or 4 days a week, the days I get off I'm too tired to do anything! I just don't know what to do, I've worked so hard this year I don't want to waste that, but I just don't know if I can handle it. There is no life outside the hospital for nurses. I can go back in September, but should I really bother???

hmm it depends upon what it is that you want to achieve at the end and what it is that you find the hardest t present. I assume that you are in the UK, if so the first year is called the common foundation year which means that you can switch between adult, child, mental health and learning disabilties if you really want to. If you find it difficult dealing with children perhaps move to adult nursing. There is generally more freedom and jobs within the adult sector and overall there will be more hands on that you can actually do.

The training is hard, I have to admit that, but it is worth it in the end. I used to work my rota so that I did 3 long days, which was hard work and meant working 7am till 8pm. I used to do that monday, wednesdy and friday. I would have a lie in on a tuesday and thursday and spend all afternooon on those days in the library. It also meant that I had my weekend to myself, or I could use the weekend to do a bit more study if needed.

If however you are still finding it difficult, perhaps speak to your tutor who might be able to recommend things for you. I know our uni had time management sessions which some of the students found helpful. And if you have other difficulties such as depression then it is possible to get extended deadlines.

I dont often get time to drift over to this area of the forum so if you want to chat or anything, feel free to pm me.

Take care
Kim