Ever get so overwhelmed you want to quit?

[Cheeseburrito]

I started the journey towards a degree and a better life last year around this time. Thanks to this forum I received my BALS in September. It took time, dedication, and some money. Thankfully my wife gave me the opportunity to finish the degree unimpeded by work, the same way I did for her almost 12 years ago.

We decided that I was going to be a Physician assistant. However after extensive research we realized it would take too long to get the pre reqs needed to get entry. Even if I did complete them, there's around a 1:100 chance of getting into a PA school.

So we decided I'd become an RN, then a Nurse Practitioner. The scope of PA and NPs are similar, but the RN route made sense because I could work during breaks or when we needed a boost in cash. We chose Excelsior Colleges Paramedic to RN bridge. Unfortunately I didn't realize their core requirements were a bit unusual, so now I'm doubling up on core credits from my BA.

I can't even begin to tell you how frustrating it has been to have to repeat. Not only that, but in order to finish in a reasonable amount of time I have 6 courses I'm trying to finish including 2 EC classes, 2 Uexcels, and 2 CLEPs. I'm overwhelmed, exhausted and frustrated knowing I haven't even started RN training yet. And once that's done I still have to pass the CPNE which has a 12-15 month wait time currently.

I'm so tired and annoyed I just want to bail and go work at Best Buy. I am tired of not contributing to the income. I'm exhausted because I'm depressed and haven't been in the gym in years. I just feel worthless.

Has anyone broke out of a funk like this because of all the time spent in front of the computer at home doing SO much but spinning wheels? I can see the finish line but it's so far away.

[dfrecore]

Is there another path that you can take that you just haven't looked for? WGU has an RN program. I'm sure there are other schools that do as well, and with your BALS already completed, you may find a shorter path. I think you should think about doing some additional research. You've kind of set yourself on 1 path, and it may not be the best one (it may be, but it would be nice to prove that to yourself).

Also, why did you get the BALS? Is there something you can do work-wise with that, and slow down a little on the RN path that you're on, give yourself a break, and then come back fresh with a new outlook on life?

[Life Long Learning]

Don’t give up! Nine months will come.

In my first undergrad degree, I was working 50 hours a week in three jobs (which added time management complications) and taking 12 credits every term (min F/T status). After “four years” I began to drink due to stress (not seeing the end) and I broke up with my girlfriend due to lack of time. It would take me 5.33 years for that first BS degree. I stuck it out and in the end married that girl and was able to quit the part-time jobs for a real career debt free.

You can see the end…….Do not give up!

[MNomadic]

Don't give up! But also don't be afraid to reevaluate your goals and/or how to achieve them.

I've been there. In some ways, I'm there now. It's important to take some time to take care of yourself, whether that means hitting the gym, doing some meditation, or finding a creative outlet.

[Cheeseburrito]

It's definitely the best overall route. Despite the annoyances, it's the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to go. I spoke with WGU and their program isn't the right choice for me. Good thought though. It's highly competitive and only has space for 10-12 students per year.

I got the BALS because I wanted a degree fast that'd set me up for a graduate program, and also something that would serve as a backup in my 2 fields (tech and paramedic). It was also designed as a backup to my backup in case anything changed or I needed to get into the workforce quickly.

Is there another path that you can take that you just haven't looked for? WGU has an RN program. I'm sure there are other schools that do as well, and with your BALS already completed, you may find a shorter path. I think you should think about doing some additional research. You've kind of set yourself on 1 path, and it may not be the best one (it may be, but it would be nice to prove that to yourself).

Also, why did you get the BALS? Is there something you can do work-wise with that, and slow down a little on the RN path that you're on, give yourself a break, and then come back fresh with a new outlook on life?

---

I think that's what is killing me the most. I have nothing outside of this little school and study world. I used to save lives using amazing techniques and skills under duress, and now I save money on my car insurance with Geico. I've delivered babies and had CPR saves. Now a good day is getting up before 8.

I think a creative outlet is what I need most. I like the sound of that.

Don't give up! But also don't be afraid to reevaluate your goals and/or how to achieve them.

I've been there. In some ways, I'm there now. It's important to take some time to take care of yourself, whether that means hitting the gym, doing some meditation, or finding a creative outlet.

---

I've never run a marathon but I imagine runners feel the way I do so close to the end. The see the finish tape and could get there, but they start to slow down due to sheer exhaustion and the body being unable to continue. I need to find a way to keep going.

Don’t give up! Nine months will come.

In my first undergrad degree, I was working 50 hours a week in three jobs (which added time management complications) and taking 12 credits every term (min F/T status). After “four years” I began to drink due to stress (not seeing the end) and I broke up with my girlfriend due to lack of time. It would take me 5.33 years for that first BS degree. I stuck it out and in the end married that girl and was able to quit the part-time jobs for a real career debt free.

You can see the end…….Do not give up!

[Life Long Learning]

I've never run a marathon but I imagine runners feel the way I do so close to the end. The see the finish tape and could get there, but they start to slow down due to sheer exhaustion and the body being unable to continue. I need to find a way to keep going.
..................Cheeseburrito

I have never run a marathon either. You can see the finish.

Remember....War POWs (millions have never seen the finish but keep trying. 50% of US college students quit. Tons of folks have it way worse than you or I. I do not mean to be cold, but who cares if you have nothing outside of this little school and study world. One year from now you will be to really contribute to your family that a string of retail jobs will never do.

[Ideas]

Sorry you have to repeat.

Could you work a little (like temporarily or 2 shifts a month), so you get the positive feelings from saving lives (and some income)? Or occasionally (like every 3 months you work or volunteer for a week).

I think your odds of PA school would be much more than 1:100.

[sanantone]

I'm trying to understand your situation. With a program like WGU, you can't really work. Since Excelsior doesn't have clinicals, you should still be able to work while completing tests and courses. Many Excelsior nursing students are working full-time as LVNs and paramedics. Part-time work should be doable. In more traditional nursing programs, nursing students often do PRN work as patient care technicians because hospitals are usually willing to work with their schedules.

[bjcheung77]

You're actually in a good spot right now, it's just 6 courses or "2 EC classes, 2 Uexcels, and 2 CLEPs". Some schools, if not most, require you to take the entire senior or last year (at a minimum of 30 credits) with them as a residency requirement. I was just curious what was missing that didn't get transferred from your BALS. I highly doubt those that are missing are general education courses and electives, they most likely are health or science related.

[davewill]

You mention not getting to the gym in ages. I would suggest you put getting proper exercise higher on the priority list. It will help your mood, and help you maintain your physical ability to do student and parent duty. As far as the feeling useless thing, don't hesitate to talk to a therapist about it. They can help you look at your own feelings more objectively and work with you on coping strategies to keep from feeling quite so overwhelmed.

Try to keep in mind that you ARE contributing to the household by doing exactly what you and your spouse decided together was going to be the ultimate best for your family. My brother just went through the same thing on the other side, supporting his SO while she became an RN. It was tough at times, but he was nothing but proud of her dedication and achievement.