Something Serious

Classmates/Teamwork
Stress

I want to write about something serious-the mental health of nursing students and how the nursing school experience might potentially affect you. Mental health issues are often hushed up and not talked about. Certainly they are not treated with the same openness as physical illness and there is still stigma attached.  Don't let this stop you from getting help if you need it. Please! A quote from the link at the very bottom of the page: "It is a serious mistake to believe that you can manage depression on your own. You cannot treat any other illness by yourself, so why would you think that you could do so with depression?"

A week or so after I graduated my husband looked at me and said, "I think you have post-traumatic stress syndrome." He was joking, but there was actually a kernel of truth in what he observed. Depression, stress and anxiety seem to be part of the landscape of nursing school for many people.

Nursing school was the fifth most stressful thing I ever had to do in my life. The fact that it even ranks up there with a hurricane, a seriously ill child (twice) and a death in the family is pretty darn telling. This quote sums it up nicely, "Nursing students are more doubtful
 than other college students about their academic performance. They encounter stress in adjusting to a rigorous program of theory and practice. The reality is often far different from a prospective student's image of it."

I saw classmates of mine have to get on anxiety meds or anti-depressants. But I can't stress this enough - if you think you need help-go see someone and get the meds you need. This is not an easy experience by any means. The stress levels can be quite alarming at times. If you have anything else going on in your life to add to the stress, it can rapidly become overwhelming.

Consider this quote from the article linked below that appeared in 'Scrubs' magazine:

"The stress level of nursing students is higher than those in most other academic programs, and some studies have even suggested that their stress levels are higher than their counterparts in medical school, social work and pharmacology programs. The workload of nursing students is profound."

At orientation, Ms. V came in and said, "At some point or other during the next two years most of you will be in my office crying." I kind of sneered at that. Yeah, right! I managed to avoid the office completely for ANYTHING for a year and a half. But guess what?- during my last six weeks of semester four I DID actually find myself find Ms. V's office crying. I was so completely and utterly overwhelmed. I didn't think I was going to come out on the other side. I was having some serious self-doubts. She gave me some interesting advice, the gist of which was NOT TO STUDY SO MUCH and relax a bit (she also gave me a book suggestion, but we won't get into that). In retrospect, I think she was right. It does help to have a little bit of a life beyond nursing. You can love nursing, but school can consume your whole life and being if you let it. It also was reassuring to know that I could talk to someone who could give me advice. 


I am going to say this loud and clear. Your faculty ARE there for you. If you need help, they WILL help you.

Depression In Students

The last six weeks were the absolute worst time for me. In my last six weeks of school, I had the following to do:

 2 tests, 2 finals, one HESI, a trip to Nashville, 3 clincials, one 
(hopefully) exit HESI, jigsaw assignments, service learning 
hours, 3 day NCLEX prep and the NCLEX to go. 

No stress, right?

On the plus side, I lost 30lbs which almost made up for the darn weight I gained during the other three semesters. It also inspired THIS blog post:

HELP ME

At one point I was taking melatonin to go to sleep and then drinking 2 diet cokes every day to stay awake. Not good, people! Try to eat well. Try to exercise. Try to STOP once in a while.

This is another area where nursing school friends can be so very, very important. They understand what it is like. They have felt the same feelings. They let you know that you are not alone. I guarantee you are not the only one feeling the way you do. They can help you through some tough times.

Our Facebook group is supposed to be a resource for this kind of support according to its mandate:

"This group is designed for current Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC) nursing students to seek mentoring and advisement from STCC nursing graduates. The goal is that support from STCC prepared RNs will promote the academic, professional, and mental health status of current students."

Our Group

Dealing With Stress In Nursing School

This is a nice article about taking care of YOU for a change:

A Care Plan For Nursing Students

Free Mental Health Resources In Memphis:

Mental Health Resources

Take the summer between semesters 2 and 3 off if you possibly can. The temptation for me was to try and find an extern position. Yes, it would have looked good on a resume later and given me more experience, but it was not essential. I got hired without it. A friend of mine had just lost her mother and said something profound to me, she encouraged me to go and see mine while I still could. Some things ARE more important than nursing school.


If things get REALLY serious:

The Crisis Center

24 hours / 7 days

(901) 274-7477

or

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

or

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health (TDMH) announced a new statewide number for mental health and substance use crisis services in an effort to create a more user-friendly service. The new number,

1-855-CRISIS-1 (1-855-274-7471)

 For Tennesseans experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.”

The state’s mental health crisis system includes a 24-hour, seven days a week, toll-free telephone hotline, mobile crisis services, crisis stabilization units, crisis respite services, medically monitored crisis detoxification units, mandatory pre-screening agent services and peer support services. State certified peer support specialists work with crisis specialists to assist adults in alleviating and stabilizing crises and to promote the recovery process. 

College Student Stress

NIMH How To Deal With Depression As A Student And How To HELP A FRIEND

FROM THE STUDENT HANDBOOK:

Available Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, Rehabilitation Programs, and Employee Assistance Programs

Southwest Tennessee Community College's Advising and Counseling Office has on staff qualified counselors who are available to students to discuss any drug and/or alcohol related problems. Information concerning specific programs and activities may be obtained by referring to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention program in the Counseling Office. Referrals may be made to the agencies listed on the attached sheet or individuals may contact the agency directly:

AGENCY REFERRALS

Al-Anon/Alateen Information Services..................................................................... 278-5953

Alcoholics Anonymous.............................................................................................. 454-1414

Baptist Hospital Therapy Center............................................................................... 522-4900

Charter Lakeside Hospital Crisis Care....................................................................... 377-4733

Cocaine Anonymous.................................................................................................. 725-5010

Delta Medical Behavioral Health.............................................................................. 369-8190

Family Service of Memphis....................................................................................... 324-3637

Frayser Family Counseling Center............................................................................. 353-5440

Memphis Mental Health Institute.............................................................................. 524-1324

Alcohol and Drug Outpatient Treatment Center....................................................... 275-0056

Memphis Recovery Center........................................................................................ 272-7751

Methodist Hospital Behavioral Unit.......................................................................... 276-5401

Midtown Mental Health Center................................................................................ 577-0200

Narcotics Anonymous............................................................................................... 276-5483

NO CAINE Hotline.................................................................................................. 722-2463

Northeast Community Mental Health Center............................................................ 382-3880

Southeast Mental Health Center, Inc........................................................................ 369-1400

St. Francis Hospital Behavioral Unit......................................................................... 765-1400

Teen Challenge.......................................................................................................... 272-2308

Employee Assistance Program.......................................................................... (877) 237-8574

United Behavioral (Substance Abuse).............................................................. (877) 237-8574

VA Medical Center Alcohol & Drug Center............................................................. 523-8990

Whitehaven Southwest Mental Health Center.......................................................... 774-7811

[I STILL haven't read the book]

Pinning

Beyond SW

Classmates/Teamwork

I LOVED pinning. It was such a nice, fun day. From arriving early in the morning to set up the flowers on the stage and goofing around with some of the best friends I had ever made to walking across the stage to be pinned by Ms. V.

We made it!

Practice makes perfect:

That morning we got to practice what we would do during the ceremony.

First, you get to practice when to stand up and sit down. Remember that your brain is pretty much fried by then and this becomes a Herculean task. Next, we needed to learn how to walk to our chairs. Mr. S said, "Line up in alphabetical order." I kid you not-he actually said that! Then he took pity on us and actually read what order we were supposed to be in. We couldn't even stand up or sit down correctly for goodness sake. Alphabetical order? I don't think so.

Alphabetical order

Ceremony

Our pinning was poignant because Ms. V retired and she said that she graduated with us. We planned a surprise presentation for her. We were able to thank her for thirty-plus years of dedication to her students. She was touched. We also surprised Mr.S with a presentation. He doesn't like surprises as much. Bear that in mind- you still have  an incomplete on your transcript at this point.

Don't Surprise Your Teachers

It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends. My mom came all the way from England. I am so glad I actually passed that final and got to go to pinning. She might have been a little miffed otherwise. I remember obsessively checking and rechecking to see if my grade was posted in PAWS-that was what would make the difference between going to pinning or not. When it finally appeared on the screen, I cried my eyes out and my mom gave me a big English hug.

my mummy and me

So what happens at pinning besides sitting down and standing up?

There are speeches. And then there a few more speeches. We had a wonderful speech by Dr. M about how we are highly trained PROFESSIONALS and about how far nursing has come. This made me proud to be a part of this profession. We are NOT angels. We are professionals. Remember that! Dr. M confused my mummy a little. She thought it was so nice that a doctor was encouraging us nurses, until I explained that he was neither an angel nor a MD, but a doctor nurse.

Our classmates gave inspirational speeches and speeches full of humor. There was inspiration and humor throughout this experience. I think it took us until pinning to see that.

From Jamieka, our inspirational speaker:

On an inspirational note we would like to thank the families of all the students because not only was this a trying time for us it was a trying time on you all as well.   Looking at our spouses, significant others, parents, children and friends you all were our TRUE inspiration, you all gave us the momentum and determination not to just give up and quit. I am always trying to encourage my classmates and boost their faith to help them make it through the program. So to the graduates as we go into this wonderful world of Nursing remember if you can make it through the program there is nothing you can’t do all you need is a little determination and lots of Faith!

And from our fearless leader, President Krystal:

Twas the Night Before Clinical

Twas the night before clinical and all through the house,

Nothing was stirring except for me and the computer mouse.

My uniform was hung over the door freshly pressed,

Thinking that my clinical instructor would send me home if I looked a mess.

The husband and kitty were asleep in the bed,

And I’m sure  having more exciting dreams in their head.

As I take my shower and put on my wrap,

I attempt to lie down for what seems more like a nap.

When from my night stand rang such an awful sound,

I smacked the alarm with a frown. 

As I approach the bathroom to attempt to become tidy,

I kept thinking to myself,  “Thank goodness it’s Friday!”

I pour my coffee and prepare to leave,

Hopeful there are many things I can achieve. 

The moon mocks me as I drive down I-40,

But I will be at the hospital for clinical shortly.  

When to my liking my clinical mates appear,

And we all walk in showing no fear.

A patient seeing little green men in the corner,

You need to check the tox screen before administering that order.

As we walked onto the unit all the same,

The constant beeping seemed more like a game.

Now ventilator, now IV pump, now foley cath,

on call light, on EKG, on rectal tube status.

From the front of the unit all the way to the back,

Now dash away, dash away, dash way to the code.

Residents and nurses across the unit they flew,

When they meet an obstacle,

A patient who is blue.

So up to the crash cart items were threw,

Drawing a rainbow, compressions, and intubation too.

And then in a sound I heard from the screen,

The slight beeping of the heart rate machine.

As the staff members departed from the room,

To their normal duties they resume.

I return to assess the patient that was assigned,

Being respectful to the unconscious mind.

Multiple lines from several locations,

appearing as something foreign,

then thinking to myself “I have learned a lot on this rotation”.

I began my assessment, from his head to his toes,

Being sure I remove his support hose.

A bundle of IV’s hang from the pump, 

I pick up the room so it doesn’t look like a dump.

I find an open computer to begin my documentation,

Sure to mention the PRN medications.

I finish the shift assessment while going through each tab,

and before moving from my seat,

I electronically sign by clicking “assessment complete”.

At the end of the day to our instructor we meet,

She congratulates us for making it through this feat.

We sat together in our last clinical enjoying treats,

Exchanging emails for references before we hit the streets.

As we walked to the garage wearing our coats of white,

The sparkle at the end of the tunnel is becoming ever so bright.

We make it to our spaces and I get in my car,

I take a moment for myself to say, “Thank goodness I got this far.”

As my anxiety builds knowing school is coming to a conclusion,

And it seems I am in a constant state of mental confusion.

Looking cover the material that was Ms V's part,

Often makes me question, “Is this nursing or abstract art?”

Mr. S came to class to teach us all the adventures of MeeMaw,

 And contently saying “Focus on the slides y’all”

Dr. M comparing angels to our profession,  

Often emphasizing the nursing education progression.

As we all stand before you dressed all in white,

Happy Pinning to all, and to all a good night!!! 

A big part of the ceremony is the pledge we say:

We say it while holding candles, all together, dressed in head to toe in our white scrubs. The last time we do anything together as a class. Look around and remember those terrified faces during orientation. Think about just what we actually achieved-it's amazing.

I  Pledge Allegiance...

We stood in line to get the actual pin and cheered as each one of us went on stage. These were the people I had spent hours of my life with for the last two years. The people who picked me up when I was down, who encouraged me, who helped me. The people who knew what it was like to go through this experience. The people I had become incredibly close to. The cheering was not loud enough to express what we felt about each other.

Mr.S handed us our pin on the way up. Everyone remarked how much he seemed to know and care about each student. Ms. V pinned us on stage. She had words of wisdom for each one of us and we felt like she really cared about us. I kind of felt like she needed a step ladder to pin some of us. Ms. L will definitely not have that problem. Mr. K handed us our candle on the way off the stage. He was another favorite teacher of ours and it was wonderful to be congratulated by him as the rest of the faculty cheered us on (or maybe they were cheering because they were finally getting rid of us? As far as I know, our composite picture is still on the wall and not shoved behind a garbage can in the conference room.)

The SNGA provided the reception for us. I was touched that they specially ordered kosher cake so my family could participate. That was sweet. And it was good cake. I have two teenage boys among my kids, I think they ate half of one cake.

Kosher cake

 And then we all went out and had a HUGE party of our own. Oh, wait, no we didn't because we had to GET UP EARLY and be at a HESI review class at 8 am for three days. Joy oh joy.

After pinning, I still didn't feel like I had totally graduated. I didn't even feel like I had totally graduated when I passed the HESI. Still didn't feel like I had totally graduated when I passed boards. I finally felt like I graduated when my license was framed and on my wall.

[And in case anyone is wondering, here are the stats. People in my class who went all the way through without repeating a class-THIRTEEN. People in the LPN-RN track who went all the way through-NINE.]

Our bulletin board which has such inspirational sayings as "Yellow" written on it.

SNGA

Classmates/teamwork

SW Business



YOU HAVE A VOICE
You do have a place to make yourself heard. You have a way to bring grievances to teachers.

From a representative:

SNGA is a very under-utilized resource. We basically acted as student-teacher liaison, bringing any student complaints/concerns/ideas concisely to faculty... We played a big part in the test date changes, to accommodate the majority, for example.
We also do (mostly by email) respond to and offer guidance to any student needing help.
Funds from dues go to anything voted on as being prudent and beneficial to the student body. This semester was the t-shirts and coffee machine for students (which we didn't get to see too much of). And of course, there are the Nashville trips, senior photos, etc. so basically SNGA is a student voice and guidance, and gets other things done as listed above.

The last president of SNGA gave a great description of what they do. Thanks, Krystal:

Members President (always 4th semester) Vice President (always 3rd semester) Secretary Treasurer 2 Representatives from 4th semester 2 Representatives from 3rd semester 2 Representatives from 2nd semester 2 Representatives from 1st semester These officers and representatives are your voice. They are able to bring your questions, concerns, and ideas directly to the instructors. Members are available via email, and are able counsel students regarding the nursing program or SNGA. Dues help with activities/items planned by SNGA Welcome back party Pinning Ceremony Conferences with TNA and NASA Food that is provided for activities Coffee machine SNGA meetings are held monthly SNGA also prides itself in community involvement – donating to organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Day Care Center, volunteering within the community, speaking about the program within the community.

Here's the official word from the Student Handbook:

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

All students of Southwest Tennessee Community College enrolled in the nursing program are members of the Student Nurses Government Association (SNGA). Students are expected to participate in the activities of SNGA.

Membership dues are collected at the beginning of each semester of the first and second year. This fee is used for supplies and operating expenses for the pinning ceremony and for other community projects in which the SNGA is engaged.

PAY THEM- they pay for a lot of stuff, including pinning!!!

STUDENT NURSES' GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

We, the students of SW Department of Nursing, in order to initiate school spirit, to motivate ideas, to encourage quality citizenship, to promote student welfare, to assure the rights and privileges of students and to communicate openly and honestly with the administration, faculty, and staff of the nursing department and SW.

Purpose and Objectives

        *to unify the nursing student body

        *to be the representative voice of the nursing student body

        *to serve as a means by which student needs, concerns, and               opinions will be expressed

       * to open and maintain a line of communication between the               nursing student body, the faculty and staff of the SW nursing             department

        *to learn about the democratic process

        *to encourage and promote student representation 

        *to encourage and promote nursing student involvement in all             nursing department and college-level programs and                           activities.

 All students of SW Department of Nursing are members of the SNGA. A designated SNGA representative is responsible for the collection of dues.  Dues are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

  An active member is defined as follows: 

*Any nursing student who holds office within the SNGA

        *Any nursing student who volunteers his or her services to     work with the SNGA in a non-elected function

        *Any nursing student who votes during an SNGA election or     student body meeting

        *Any nursing student who voluntarily attends meetings called  by the SNGA officers or students

         *Any nursing student who serves on a faculty organization  committee

General qualifications of Officers and Representatives:

   *All officers must maintain a dedication to the purpose and   objectives of the SNGA within the confines of the rules and regulations of SW.

   *All elected officers and representatives must be in good  standing with SW and the SW Nursing Department

        * Members of the Nursing Faculty serve as Advisors to the  SNGA.

Participation in Student Government Activities and Program of Learning

Students have the opportunity to serve on Standing Committees. Through the Student Government Association, students are invited to serve on college and department committees. All students who are current nursing students are members of the Student Nurses’ Government Association and are encouraged to become involved in all activities and in the governance of the College. The Department of Nursing encourages students to become active in professional organizations.

Enjoy What's Enjoyable

Classmates/Teamwork

Just remember this quote from the Student Handbook and you can't go wrong:

"HAIR MUST BE A COLOR NATURALLY OCCURRING IN HUMANS"

Here is an excellent article on surviving nursing school:

Surviving Nursing School

and I do mean EXCELLENT.

This was MY nursing school experience. I went back and looked at my status updates for the two years I was in nursing school. It's hilarious to watch my evolution.

The Whole Of Nursing School In Two Minutes

I have some really, really good friends from nursing school and I love them. I enjoyed being around them, talking with them, learning from them. We were all very different which was a wonderful thing. We had baby showers, and coffee and laughed in the hallway. 
There were aspects of school that were very rewarding. I often went home touched by what I witnessed in clinical. I had experiences I would never have had otherwise. I  had to go out of my comfort zone and it has been great. I  met and talked to people I may not have had the opportunity to meet and talk to otherwise.
I have learned exactly what I am capable of and it often surprised me.
So despite the difficulties and the sleepless night, there are some wonderful aspects of the whole experience- enjoy them.

Find A Study Buddy

Classmates/Teamwork

Studying/Testing

There's a quote I like:  "Make for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend, and judge each person favorably." This means that every person can teach you and you can teach every person. Sometimes you miss things when studying alone. Sometimes it helps to have to teach a concept to somebody else. The person should be serious and not waste your time. I found through the semesters that 2-4 people was an optimal size. It's hard to accomplish things with a bigger group. Make it a regular thing. Find some conducive places- we used the main library, Starbucks, Panera, the study room at school, the benches outside when it was pretty and the great study rooms in the University Center at UM.

Using Study Groups

Benefits Of A Study Group

Study Groups For Nursing Students

Effective Study Groups

Have A Sense Of Humor

Classmates/Teamwork

Beyond SW

Seriously, y'all there is SO much to make fun of around there. You have to laugh or you'll cry, as they say. We did, however, learn very early that it's best NOT to sit next to Shawn in class if you want to not burst out laughing in the middle of a lecture. But it is possible to have SOME fun.

And here is a shameless plug for my OTHER blog:

Keep Calm and Focus On The Slides

Stuff Nursing Students Say

I Will Survive Nursing School

Nursing Student Song

Make Your Own Facebook Group

Classmates/Teamwork

 

There is an official Facebook nursing students group and it's a wonderful resource:

The Official Group

But we had our own group and it was the best thing ever. We posted everything from study sheets, to practice questions, to memes, to discussions of things we did not understand. We made fun of everything and laughed  A LOT. The night before a test and waiting for grades we were hilarious. It was a sanity saver. Now school is out, we are still posting-about our jobs, our lives, when we want to get together next.

How To Make A Closed Facebook Group

Start it early and invite everyone.

Be Nice To Your Teachers

Classmates/Teamwork

Sometimes I think they knew more about us than the KGB did about dissidents in the USSR and I KNOW it's hard sometimes to be polite when you're steaming. I know they can be mean and frustrating and, yes, unfair, but they can also be a really great resource. Be polite and respectful and appreciative. Some of them are actually human and quite decent. LISTEN to what they are telling you,even if you don't really believe it. They actually do know what they are talking about 99% of the time. Ms. V. kept telling me I WOULD pass AH2 and the HESI review would help and to relax and not study so much- and guess what? She was right. I actually DID listen when told to concentrate on passing AH2 and not the HESI, and thank goodness I did.

So, if you fail a test, make an appointment to find out why and then USE the advice you are given. And NEVER send that angry and disrespectful email.
After school, I have become friendly with more than one teacher and they have been wonderful resources for me even post-graduation. 
They WANT their students to succeed. I promise. I have heard that more than once. They are happy when we pass the NCLEX and get jobs. They are more than willing to treat us with respect if we do the same to them. 
Be aware that there are rules, they have to enforce them. They are not unreasonable, but you are not 'special' and sometimes the rules cannot be bent for you, sorry-that's the way it is.

Things Teachers Wish You Knew

Here is a quote from an unnamed SW faculty member on how she'd like students to approach her:

Say things like- "I may have misunderstood but I thought I heard you say"______. "When I heard that I felt _______ " just so they approach it in a positive way and use lots of I's...never "you" did such and such....teachers don't like that. they get defensive!

And Another teacher has this to say:

One thing I wish students would do is get things done early. 
Just because a student waits until the last minute to get 
something done (ie. application for graduation and advising 
emails), doesn't mean it becomes an emergency for ME.

I have many things to do, not just lecture

Students should understand the large amount of time that goes into planning course content, evaluating clinical 
paperwork, and administrative duties.

Also, I'm not the complaint department when it comes to 
other faculty. It's never a good idea to complain about one professor to another.

When confused about a topic or concept, first try to look it up, but I'll always answer a student's question or direct them where to do some research.

Lastly, when doing research for clinical paper work DO NOT use online sources which are meant for lay persons. --yes we can tell--

http://www.medscape.com/ is an excellent, free resource.

See, they are human. I watched a teacher prepare slides for a class. It is a huge amount of work. HUGE. They are dedicated because they want more than anything to see you succeed. They DO. They will bend over backwards to make that happen if you meet them at least halfway.

How To Communicate With Your Professors
What If You Plan To Email Your Professor?
Effective Email communication

What College Professors Wish you Knew

Why You SHOULD Talk To Your Professors