Depressing school news (and how I'm managing it)
I think I mentioned recently that I had a meeting scheduled with my BSN program advisor. Well...the outcome of the meeting was a slightly gloomy Kristen.
I had dearly hoped I could finish my program by December (oh, how I want to be done!!!), but sadly, it's not really possible without jam-packing my summer with multiple classes (instead of the one-at-a-time I'm doing right now).
I really don't want to load up on more classes; I'm already on the verge of drowning!
So, I reluctantly opted to push my graduation date forward to May of 2027. WOMP-WOMP.
In other bad news, my school no longer offers the CLEP-like option to test out of ethics (a required credit), so I have to go back to the community college and take an ethics class.
Annnnnd in other dumb news, I will still be one credit short overall to graduate, so I will need to take a tiny one-credit class at the community college (I found one on something like...metabolic health.)
Or I suppose I could take some random CLEP test? I haven't decided yet what I will do.
(I'm opting for the community college for these four credits because it will be cheaper than at my four-year university.)
Anyway, the summary is that I am a little displeased at how my next year is shaping up. I have a whole 'nother 365 days of being in this BSN program, and that sucks.
Soooo, here's my plan for reframing and surviving.
First, some reframing:
I am grateful I have this opportunity
I didn't think I was going to be able to get a college degree at all! So, I am thankful to be here, even though I am learning very little in these BSN classes.
I am grateful that most of my school bills will be paid for by my hospital
At least I'm not paying for my suffering. 😉
This is longer than I want, but it IS temporary
It's not like I have four more years of this to get through. In the grand scheme of things, one more year is not a lot.
I don't like the program, but I am doing fine in it
I may not be learning much, and I may be complaining (a lot), but at least I am not struggling to pass! The work is annoying and tedious and takes many hours, but it is not particularly hard.
I will just keep reminding myself of all these reframes when I feel blue.
____________
Surviving (and maybe thriving?) plans
I have been managing my work and school load since August, but I have had very little free time. I work my shifts, and then when I'm home, I grocery shop, do laundry, cook, do homework, write blog posts, exercise, and sleep.
I am being very responsible, and I am doing a good job of taking care of my body, but I have not been doing much of anything fun.
And I think I need to switch things up if I'm gonna be living this school life for another year.
I am going to go down to two shifts a week in August
That means I only need to get through one more semester (this summer) of balancing my current workload (three 12's a week) with my school load.
Also, in August, my nurse residency program will be over, and that will take one more thing off my plate.
I am going to go on some local adventures
I had hoped to visit some more states this year and cross them off on my map, but I think that's going to have to wait for now.
However, I think I could manage some short 1-2 night trips to semi-local places, and that might help my life feel less like it's 100% work, work, work.
I am going to do some schoolwork at other places
My schoolwork is all online, so I'm going to make a point of visiting some coffee shops to do some of my work. That way, I will not be spending so many hours just sitting at my desk here at home.
I'm hoping a change of scenery will help my life feel slightly more interesting.
I am going to schedule some time to watch a show or read a book
Even if it's just one hour a week, I would like to consume something that is...just for fun! And to that end, I'm going to write it into my weekly plan, like an appointment.
Otherwise, it's not going to happen.
Hopefully these self-interventions will keep me from getting too far down into the depths of despair. Wish me luck!
I applaud your reframing and yes it'll take longer than expected, but it's worth it!
That 1 credit- can it be something fun or have to meet a specific requirements? I once took a random hula hoop class for such a requirement.
One of my favorite (and ironically one of the toughest) courses I took for a writing credit was on the history of comic books. It was an intense workload with an intense professor, but it was fascinating and exposed me to a lot of history and authors/artists I never knew about before.
That does sound fascinating! I had to take a class in data analysis which I found very intimidating, but in the end I was very grateful for that class. It taught me so much about demographics, data interpretation and understanding of data in general. Now, when I read about studies in news articles, I always check which percentage of people were chosen, what demographic, where the
study took place, how it's being presented and what the data will be used for.
I was going to suggest the same! Make that 1 hour credit something as far removed from your coursework as you can, especially if it's something you can do with your hands (i.e. ceramics) or by moving your body. That hula hoop class sounds amazing!
Completely agree! At the very least, I'd look for a class and professor where you an expect an easy A with minimal effort.
Gee, thanks Shelly. Now I have the Chipmunks' Christmas Song playing in my ear. Alvin wants a hula hoop!
Yes, it can be completely random. So I will choose something wildly easy. Ha. And I think a hula hoop class is so funny!
You’re already musical, so take a guitar class! Something artistic and it will be a fun break and maybe a new hobby. I just started guitar at age 37 and I love it!
Your class reminds me of my 1 hour credit classes. I took a course in identifying trees. Another in the history of the Wild West and the last one was history of my hometown.
Not business courses but it was a break from the usual classes.
This news was heavy-hitter on the midst of a busy season! Sending hugs.
Thank you for sharing your reframe and action plan because I think a lot of us can relate to major disappointment or unexpected news, and how we absorb and then pivot is everything!
Agreed! So true, Heather.
And I'm sorry for the tough news, Kristen. I wonder why the advisor hadn't caught those requirements before. Maybe it's worth double checking again on the chance there was a mix-up (wouldn't that be lovely)?
I'm kinda with PD here: I'm not sure why you got this news relatively late in the game, Kristen, and I think that a double-check might be a good idea. In the meantime, I join everyone else in admiring your reframe/action plan, and I like the idea of taking an easy-peasy course for the one credit. Although I didn't need it to make up a credit deficit (since we didn't have course credits at my beloved and now lost Elysium of an undergraduate college), I did once indulge myself in a course on massage, taught by one of my fellow students. 🙂
I took beginning ballet when I was in college for an easy elective class. Am I now a ballet dancer? No, far from it....but it was fun!
I will double check, especially about that one credit because man, I had SO many credits from the community college.
I’m sorry that this update wasn’t what you had hoped. I do think going down to 2 shifts a week is an excellent idea. For sone reason I thought you had to work full time for another calendar year, but I guess that year flew by!! 😂
You will notice two shifts a week is very different! I am not a nurse, but I do remember nurses at my hospital who needed to decrease hours, and 2 versus 3 shifts is huge! I think this alone will be a big help!
This may or may not be helpful, but consider one day a week as your “life catch up”.
Grocery shop, crank out laundry, bills, errands as much as you can do in one day- but then schedule something fun for that day, too. Even if it’s meeting up with a friend or going to a movie.
Try not to do schoolwork during your immersive life productivity day. I have done this in the past when I worked 4 days a week, and on my Wednesdays off I did it ALL.
I'm sorry, that sounds so stressful! I remember enjoying Ethics classes
at school and during my master's but I wasn't working then!
This might sound slightly corny, but I recommend waking up fifteen minutes earlier than usual and taking five minutes to meditate. I always feel more centred for my day when I remember to do that (apart from a day whereI got my work schedule fixed up!).
If it's possible, I recommend scheduling a day once a month where you do nothing related to work or life stuff and simply recharge - or maybe simply a morning or afternoon?
*mixed up!
Sending hugs your way from one nurse to another!
Your situation reminds me that I have to avoid going down the rabbit trail of disgruntle for the "requirements" for degrees (bachelors or masters) that seem to benefit no one except the schools that facilitate them. Almost like, the hospital scratches the back of the school facilitating sending them students (and money) then the school scratches the back of the hospital by sending them " trained employees" that meet the criteria of the accrediting surveyors from the government!
No one argues that education is good but if someone only benefits, say 10%, then was it worth all the time, effort and money to anyone except the school to undertake it?
(Grateful I was able in my early 20's to do the BSN before "life" started !!)
Stepping off my soapbox now😀😆
EXACTLY! Well-put—“that seem to benefit no one except the schools that facilitate them”.
I'm sorry to hear your bad news. I think dropping one of your weekly shifts will be a big help and until then I hope your nose to the grindstone approach will get you through. You deserve a break after so many years of living at full speed.
Please double check with your advisor. Many schools limit the number and/or the type of credits you can transfer in once you matriculate.
Oh yes, she is the one who suggested the community college for these credits, to save me some money.
If you decide you want to read with your free hour, go somewhere. Coffee shop or library......... I live near a small university campus and I often go there, they have an amazing coffee shop/study /outdoor area that I really enjoy. That way you will avoid jumping up to do laundry, or all the things that will pop into your heard that you think need doing. I love being there to read, and I leave my phone at home !!
Your plan sounds very good, Kristen. And going down to 2 shifts will make a huge difference. Hang in there. I agree with Sophie in Denmark's suggestion of a few minutes of meditation - it really can soothe the soul.
Boooo. Disappointing, indeed. But you have a handle on how to get through it, which is all you can do. Head down, eyes on the prizes, the only way out is through, etc. All the things I tell my children in such situations. 🙂
Oh wait! I have one! Would it be helpful to plan something for when you are DONEdone in a year? Like a trip, since you mention that those are on hold? It's always good to have a reward in mind when working on something unpleasant.
I agree on the "reward" strategy-- I always plan a reward for myself when I have to do something unpleasant!
That is a good idea! Something bigger than a local air bnb. Hmm. Maybe I could plan an international trip with my buddy Mia.
I'd first see which way the wind is blowing re: Americans in Paris or any other foreign country.
I second this idea! Good to have something to look forward to at the end of it all...
I think all your coping strategies are admirable. I went through something similar when I earned my MLS as a single working mom. The deadline kept stretching out. I had to take classes that were not necessary. I had an hour-long commute to class, too, so it was all pretty stressful.
I had carpool buddies and our shared misery helped a lot. So I would recommend leaning on your friends whenever you can.
Don't focus on the end date. It will come. Enjoy the journey, whatever there is to enjoy about it.
Forgive yourself when you feel grumpy and put upon. You're going through a lot!
And don't ever forget to pay yourself on the back!
That's a great reminder to pat yourself on the back! You're doing A LOT.
If you drop down to two shifts, jamming your least favorite season/summer with classes still isn't feasible, right?
Maybe reframe it from another whole year to five additional months tacked on. Because while it IS another year to finish, the time hasn't extended that much - just ("just" I know ha) another semester.
Finding the small joys and planning many of them will help the weeks pass.
Finally, confirm that whatever single credit class you choose works. I needed one additional art class for three credits and took photography .
Very expensive between the film, paper, processing chemicals, lab time, etc., and very time consuming. Oh, that's not good. You need a non-applied art. So I had to pay for another three credits and endure another class. Had they clarified that first or had I confirmed my class which was under the art class listings would work, money and time saved. Though I did learn a lot in that class. It's probably one of few I remember ☺️
Good luck in your path forward and great job with reframing. That's a good reminder for me when facing some issues.
When I was in grad school full-time online and working 3 part-time jobs for 50 hours a week, I made sure I had 1 day a week just for me. One of my part-time jobs was work from home, so I would run laundry while a search was whirring, or sweep up during a lunch break. It also made it so I could grocery shop at random hours during the day when it's less busy (this was before grocery pick up or delivery was a thing). I basically shoved everything into 6 days so I could have 1 day (it was Wednesdays) to myself. I would sleep in, savor my coffee, take a bath, read a book cover to cover, snuggle with my cats. It was a day to myself with no housework, no errands, just me. I wonder if you could sort out and schedule a day, or even a half day, like that.
I'm so sorry to hear that frustrating news. When I was getting my MBA & working full time, I felt so uncomfortably stretched every day. I planned fun exercise that was also either an "outing" or meeting up with a friend. This was just something I'd do occasionally due to schedules, but I would: meet my friend for a workout class or a hike (something I enjoy so much, I still do this with friends) & then grab coffee with them afterwards at times. I loved combining the social element with exercising.
I took a really lovely yoga and relaxation techniques class for my one credit hour wonkiness during college. I also fondly recall my plant propagation class taking place in the university greenhouse during the dark winter nights.
Pick something kind of fun and off the wall for that lonely credit and you might surprise yourself.
Ouch, that is a bummer! I feel for you. Your self interventions sound reasonable and doable. I would add: take breaks regularly to do nothing whatsoever, except rest.
And definitely keep the lawn people!
Hi! When I was in undergrad, I too needed a 1 credit class - I found a golf class. Now, is it the most frugal choice to pay a college credit hour for golf? Probably not, but I enjoyed it, the class got me outside and in fresh air, and it wasn't difficult to pass. Sometimes, the "fun" class does make sense. Since you enjoy weightlifting, perhaps there's a 1 credit lifting class or similar type class. Sometimes, when you just need one credit, the fun, kinda silly sounding class is worth it.
Oh, that's so funny...a golf class. Ha. I wonder if there is a one credit exercise class. I'll poke around and see.
Oh Kristen, I'm so sorry. That is rough news, but I really think that you made the right decision to take it slower instead of overloading yourself. School is ROUGH, but so worth it in the end.
Question that I know seems silly: would it work to take a semester off and graduate in Dec 2027? I know that seems like the opposite of the goal, but you'd get a little bit of a breather and in the grand scheme of things you'll still have your degree next year, even if it's later in the year. Just a thought.
I have considered it, but on the other hand, I do REALLY want to be done!! I don't know...I will keep the option open, depending on how I feel. I hope that once I'm down to two shifts a week, I will feel better.
Doing work at a dif location helps me feel
A bit more festive.
Show suggestion: Kanopy app. Only 4 episodes: North and South ( BBC version).
Hang tough!
How important are your grades to your career? I mean is the degree more important to have than the actual grades you make? I know this idea probably flies totally in the face your personality, but maybe you could relax a little about studying for all A’s. A B here and there might be ok. Maybe you are required to make near perfect scores in your program, I don’t know. But you know the old joke about what you call the med student who graduates last in his class. They still call him Doctor! If this suggestion is offensive, I apologize in advance. Just something to think about. I love the way you are so intentional in how you reframe your disappointments into something positive! You are doing an amazing job.
Grades may not directly impact career in this case, but they may impact successful completion of the degree. In my program, anything below a B was considered an F and required the course to be repeated. Yes, we are all doctors in the end, but even the person who graduated at the bottom never got a grade lower than a B.
That’s why I said maybe the grades did matter. It was just a thought. Point taken.
Oh... nooooooo
That's so annoying! You had your eye on the prize and were hanging in there so well BUT NO. Thing is, it is literally a couple more months. This time next year you will be done and finished. Also! Reducing your shift load a bit will definitely help. I know it's frustrating because you actually like working and earning, but for the next few months, I think you will be far, far less overwhelmed.
Gah!
I assume you can't go down to 2 shifts until you have been there a year and that is why you are waiting until August?
I know it would extend it even longer, but could you defer your summer class until you could be on 2 shift schedule?
Otherwise, I think you are on the right track with things like scheduling fun and outsourcing your yard work. I would consider whether there are other items you could outsource. Prioritizing getting outside will also help!
Perhaps have one blog day be just a thought starter and let folks chat in the comments?
Yup, we are required to work full-time for the first year and my year is up in August!
There are already many excellent suggestions in the comments. I completely agree with taking a class as far removed as possible. My final year of undergrad in a very demanding double degree program, I needed one credit. I took bowling. That was fun!
My other suggestion is that you have reached the point where comparing the cost of something in money versus the value of your time is going to tip over more and more towards your time. Hiring the lawn service is a very good start. I would look around to see what other tasks you can outsource, even if only temporarily. This benefits two people: you, and the person to whom you are giving an opportunity to earn money.
I have been reading frugality books and blogs for a very long time, and putting very little of what I learned into practice. I used to beat myself up over this until I realized that I was earning more in one hour of private music teaching than I could possibly save in numerous hours of frugality effort. I save money where I can, and I shrug off the rest because my time has a value. It is honestly more frugal, if you define frugality as maximizing financial resources available to the household, for me to add another student than to spend hours preparing or repairing something that I can pay somebody else to do.
Amen. Your time and sanity are as important as your bank account. I am so pleased to be able to hire a house cleaner to take care of floors and bathrooms, and have that extra time to do other things without allergic sneezes. My cleaner is so happy to have the job we have become good friends, and she is part of our family. I don't know why wo many women who could afford it are so weird about hiring help. There is nothing personal about dirt or chores, and my cleaner does a better job than I ever did.
My suggestion for re-framing is, don't look at your BSN classes as purely "I'm learning very little". but actively look for things in the curriculum that are useful- even if it's just a statistic you can add to your patient education on a subject (for example, one of the side effects everyone is warned about with lisinopril/ace inhibitors is cough. it has an incidence of 4%. not nothing, but not something to spend much time worrying over either). You never know where your career will lead. Current Ginger wishes she would have taken more Oncology classes, and took better notes in Rheumatology...
It’s great to know that some institutions take ethics seriously! I’ve really started to wonder lately.
Remember that this is just a busy stage of life. In my case, at your age, the class work was long over, but I still had three kids in elementary school. Different choices lead to different stressors. It seems like you’re coping well!
Oh Kristen, I am so sorry to hear about your rough school news. Talk about taking the wind out of your sails! I'm sending you some virtual hugs today! But, I also have to say that I'm super impressed and proud of you at how you are managing this disappointment, though; you have some wonderful ideas for how to cope and manage. You inspire me! I am praying for you right now for courage and for continued energy and inspiration. You got this!! In the end, you are gonna have SO MUCH to be proud of!
This sort of busywork, bureaucratic requirements, Because-We-Said-So stuff is EXACTLY why I ended up with only a 2-year degree after 5 years and 4 colleges. I did not have a clear goal nor a good plan for getting a piece of paper that qualified me to do nothing in the way of earning a living, so I gave up. I deeply despise this time and money-wasting foolishness and commend you on your perseverance, along with your excellent plan of attack.
One more thought (gripe, actually): How does it happen that you are told to do A/B/C in order to finish, and then the next time you inquire, you must also do D/E/F? Who is giving out wrong information here? SOMEBODY, STOP THEM!!
I am outraged on your behalf, Kristen! (can you tell? I need a disgusted face emoji here)
Oh, Kristen, I feel for you! Sending you a great big virtual hug.
Even though I did not take nursing courses, my university also required some idiotic courses that did not help anyone. One professor even commented he thought it was because the education dept. wanted more revenue. (They got paid more when more students enrolled in classes in their dept.) There is absolutely no common sense in doing such things. No wonder so many guys dropped out; they were tired of all the BS (and I don't mean bachelors of science!)
I've also long questioned why, when the nation has a severe shortage of RNs, they require LVNs to retake all the courses they've already mastered instead of taking tests to show their competence. If they could clep out of stuff, they could save themselves time and money and get on the floor as RNs a lot quicker.
Along the same lines, why don't they allow EMTs and Paramedics to CLEP out of a lot of nursing courses, too. In my state, EMTs and Paramedics are paid very little, which to me is a scandal and a disgrace, esp. because they save peoples' lives. It's not an easy career, so thank goodness they're willing to sacrifice hours away from their families to be in those difficult working conditions. These "ambulance attendants" first responders ought to be earning as much as nurses, IMO.
Anyway, this is a huge injustice that you have to jump through additional hoops of fire to attain your goal. (Why don't they just let you write a paper about ethics in nursing, and be done with it?) You've gone through a lot, you've come a long way, and you will overcome this bunch of obstacles as well. I'm so sorry it was bad news, but please know you have many, many people in your Commentariat who are cheering you on. And putting you on their prayer lists.
This one credit that you will be short - does it have to directly relate to your major or can you take a class just for fun? Since you have to take the one credit, maybe it would help if it would be something fun and unexpected (if it doesn't have to relate to your major).
I've made this deal with my son. His required classes (math, science, English) all need to be honors or AP if that is what is offered, but his electives can be whatever he wants and he can have fun with them. This balance has worked out and he's not burned out at school because he always has a fun class to look forward to.
I've always wondered why there's the trend to requiring BSNs now. RN programs seen very rigorous and much more effort than would be required for other AA degrees. Hearing you say you aren't learning much saddens me that you are required to do this. Do you have any insight into why this trend for BSNs has begun?
I honestly am not too sure; I suppose some research has been done on this, but I can def say that for me personally, it does not seem to be adding much to my practice!
Many hospitals want to achieve Magnet status, and that requires a large percentage of their RN's to have Bachelors degrees. Their is a belief that the BSN program teaches higher critical thinking skills and leadership. So many of the charge nurses I know (myself included), do not or did not have BSN's for years, despite being in leadership roles. Many have gone on to get their BSN, and honestly, for most, it was just a lot of paper writing, some community nursing exposure and some leadership classes. In my area, a local University did a program at our hospital, but the cost was about $10k for the 1 year. Others did WGU online (like my sister did), and by then, our union training fund helped with the cost. For me, since I was already a pediatric nurse (another course many BSN programs include), had spent years as a Nursing Supervisor, worked as an educator and clinical nurse specialist, as well as having been a charge nurse for most of the nearly 37 years (next month!), that I've been a nurse, I decided the $$$ and time wasn't worth it. Our hospital did not pay more for the BSN until recently (a whopping $1/hr), and my certifications get $1.35/hr extra (x2), so I'd lose $0.35/hr if I counted a BSN in the 2 we are allowed to be compensated for. Now our hospital requires all new hires to get theirs within 5 years. I'm sure my choices would have been different had I wanted to work elsewhere, or in management, but I'm a "lifer" at my first place of nursing employment. 🙂
I’m sorry that your degree is going to take longer than expected.
I work six days a week and I try to get my cleaning done on either Saturday or Sunday morning before I leave for work. I toss laundry in at night when I get home and hang it before I go to bed. That way on my one day off I can sleep in a little and do something outside. Even just taking a walk helps.
I try to batch cook things I can freeze so I have chunks of time that I just need to pull something out of the freezer for dinner.
I also plan time, even if it’s only every other week, to get together with friends.
My work comes in chunks (several months of work then a lay off for a chunk of time) so I have a pattern down.
It’s not always easy but knowing there is an end in sight helps. You need to give yourself some you time and you will be surprised how fast the time goes by.
What a bummer! When I've had an overwhelming schedule I try to focus on self care. It may sound corny (and I'm a retired teacher so take with a grain of salt), but this has worked for me: make a BINGO card for yourself with 20 or 25 boxes. In each box, write in one self care item-while frugal is best, it's ok if a few are a spendy (hot bath, pedicure, nap, reading a favorite book from your childhood) whatever is self care/nurturing for you. Over the next 12 months, try to complete your bingo card.
Oh, that's a fun idea!
If you are still in school, won't you be able to get your discounted symphony tickets? In terms of studying, yes do it some place different like a local library, coffee shop, an early AM park session. You could also schedule your fun reading outside! Plan a breakfast picnic, get in a walk, and then rest and read!
Oh, the fun reading outside is a good idea! I did take a book to a park last summer pretty often because I could read and watch the sunset. I should do that again.
Wow, that’s so crazy and I’m so sorry for the shocking turn of events! I’m sure it felt discouraging. I love all your ideas involving a change of scenery to study- and you will also get to drink coffee and treats at the same time. I don’t know if you enjoy studying outdoors but maybe putting a picnic table in your yard would be a fun place to study? I do that sometimes with headphones. You have made it through so many challenges. I’m praying for stamina to make it through a few more months !
Hawaii?
Paid leave?
Going down to 2 shifts a week will be life changing! It will free up so much if your time. You have a good plan in place.
RN to BSN programs are, well, BS but it will be over before you know it!
LITERALLY! I have been saying this exact same thing. Ha.
It may suck for now, but, long-term it IS more beneficial (financially and career-wise) to possess a four year degree.
First, perhaps it would help to think about the fact that your first two courses were unrewarding does not mean that all the classes will be (maybe they will, of course, but you don't know that yet.) Maybe you'll stumble on a good teacher or some interesting material in a future class.
Also, when I was in a similar situation in grad school, it really helped me to observe a sabbath. It wasn't religious at all, but from 9 PM Saturday night to noon on Sunday I gave myself permission not to do anything related to my studies or any of my three jobs. Even though it was only a few hours, it really helped!
I REALLY hope one will feel useful! This is actually my fourth class (they're eight week classes) and I'm just about 0/4 so far.
I do think my last class is going to be interesting because it will involve some clinical hours.
Is doing an independent study an option for the one credit? You could dive deep into something you would like to pursue, something wild, something mild?
Hmmm, I have never considered that! I wonder if it is an option.
perhaps you could squeeze in another visit to lisey or she could visit you. sorry you are being clobbered at the moment,Anit but the commentariat is all behind you. thank you for creating this commentariat. your post arrived in my in box just now so i am way behind in the comments.
Look how far you've already come, Kristen! Your idea to "reframe" the situation with gratitude is key. You don't HAVE TO get a degree, you GET TO (and you've made amazing progress already). You don't HAVE TO buy groceries, but thank the Lord you have money in the bank to buy food! You don't HAVE TO clean house, but thank the Lord you have a lovely home in a beautiful area you enjoy. We will be cheering you on. You can do this! This next 12 months will fly by! Start every day counting your blessings - even something as simple as sweet Chiquita's antics!
Yes!
On the plus side? Since you will be a student at the local community college there ARE perks. Like the following:
1) free or nearly free plays, concerts, sports games, art shows, lectures, poetry readings, library, dvds.
2) as an enrolled student you COULD probably use the gym for free, also the pool, tennis, basketball courts, you could also take yoga or ballet for MUCH less than at a gym or dance studio
3) sometimes students receive discounts at local restaurants, stores, car insurance
At the community college where I went . Students receive discounted LA Galaxy (soccer) and LAFC (football) tickets, reduced-fare transit via the U-Pass, and local food and service discounts with a student ID and free career development fairs and mentoring.
To get more fun reading in I listen to books on my way to/from work. Is that something you could do using Libby or some other free app?,
I think it's definitely a bummer that school is going to take an extra year. But, it's a marathon not a sprint! Cutting back your shifts and getting more fun in your life should help. I remember working full time and getting my master's at night (2 classes a semester) for 2.5 years. I was BURNT AS TOAST by the time I was done. (I did it that way because it was paid for by my job.) And I was in my 20's. Ahem.
My son is in college and he changed majors - so he's balancing trying to get his classes in time to graduate on time by taking extra classes in the summer. I still think that there's a non-zero chance he will need an extra quarter (or possibly year, because classes in his major are only offered once per year).
And def on the CC route! I'm pretty sure my 2nd kid is going to go to CC for 2 years (free) before transferring to a 4-year university. Your 529 thanks you kiddo!
YOU ARE DOING GREAT
Many moons ago I earned my BSN after a 3 year diploma program. I went to school FT for 2 school years and worked 3 8 hour shifts/week ( this was before 12 hour shifts were a thing.) I didn't feel that it benefitted my practice, but the community health course ( clinical visits in homes) was interesting.
Bummers. I sympathize. It may be only a tiny comfort to hear that for my two masters degrees the bureaucratic part of finishing the degrees was the most tedious. The requirements are developed in good faith, I hope, but I'm not always sure. Schools are like dynastic families; nobody weeds out the dumb policies or requirements. Your strategy sounds good for plowing through. I found it helpful to seek out pleasant library spots; many of the old Carnegie libraries have wonderful spaces to work in, and they made me feel like I was taking a Step Forward for All Women. For recreation, maybe you can be part of a music trio or duo? No performance necessary, just joyful jamming.
Three 12-hour shifts equal a 36-hour week, do I have that right? Is this your first experience working full-time outside your home? Just that takes a great deal of adjustment, without factoring in time spent with college classes. I remember working as a real estate paralegal 40-60 hours every week with two pre-teen boys at home. Saturday would be grocery and other stuff shopping and Sunday was laundry day; I'd have to work to take the kids to a movie or another outing on Saturday afternoon. And there was absolutely no way I could have enrolled them in an organized sports program -- getting them places would have been impossible in those days. It does get better, and it does get easier to schedule some fun stuff in with all the rest. Once on a Friday afternoon we were headed south out of Washington DC to see a movie but got stuck in stop-and-go traffic for an hour on I-95. The boys and their friends and I sang along with every song on the radio and talked about life, and it turned out to be an amazing gift.
So you can drop down to part time and not full time and still maintain health benefits? I worked 44 years in hospital nursing as I needed health insurance.Also for at least half those years I worked part time at a physician office to save and to pay off my house. Happy if you can go down to a part time position but I would have never have been able to save for my retirement and buy my house.
I'm posting this late so you might not see it, but is it possible to take a semester or two off? Can you pause the BSN for a little while, to give yourself some breathing room? Or is the BSN required to keep your job or get paid well? I have taken academic breaks in my life (a full year between B.A. and Ph.D., plus a LONG several years at home with kids before getting back to teaching). They can be lifesaving!
The most interesting class I took for my BSN was medical ethics. The book was new so $$$$. I got it from the hospital library but could only keep it for 2 weeks. I read the whole thing, took notes, did 12 assigned papers and then spent the next 11 weeks enjoying great discussions. I'm sorry for the negative news but glad for all the positives. It will be so worth it.
Spend some time planning a longer or bigger trip for when you are finished with your BSN—you can start by researching places you want to go, then picking activities, hotels, etc. a little at a time. For me, the planning and anticipation of a trip is also part of the pleasure of travel, and then of course the trip itself is your reward for all of these hurdles you are jumping!
Also, another random thought - for a fun goal, how about seeing how many close-to-you national parks you can visit before you graduate ? 😊
My son took forever to get through college and was ready to quit several times. I told him part of the challenge of college is just putting up with stuff, changes and schedules changes in classes. It shows that you can roll with the punches. When you get that degree it means you put up with a bunch of stuff to get it. It shows you have fortitude, determination, and a “won’t quit attitude.” I know this change is disappointing, but you’ve done tougher stuff, right? I know you’ll be fine. Just schedule some thing fun once in a while and do something for you! Get a massage, a facial, or just enjoy quiet time or during this upcoming year.
In my senior year of college at Eastern Oregon State University in La Grande I was told that I really didn't qualify to graduate because of poor grades when I thought I was ready for the 'big time' school (Oregon State University in Corvallis, where I was told to leave because of a GPA under 2.00--I'd flunked one class per term because--spoiler alert--I was no more ready for OSU than your average house cat would be!!).
I agreed with the assessment that I didn't qualify to graduate, however the timing was rotten--like 2 to 3 months before graduation date--and they finally agreed to 'let' me graduate.
Two years later I decided to get an A.S, in Hotel Restaurant Management, graduated from that program with 3.6 GPA and was mad (at myself) that it wasn't a 4.0 GPA. And a few years later was planning on an ISQA degree and again was a 3.6 GPA.
When I expected more of myself the grades came easier and I enjoyed the classes.
I would suggest regularly planning some fun things to do with your girls or with friends too. Even if it's just meeting for coffee or a walk.
I took wine tasting-3 credits. Homework-come up with 1 original toast. We did indeed taste wine. Learned a lot!
I can’t help but wonder if there are a couple of things about the BSN program that make it tedious for you. You’ve frequently mentioned how well rated your associate program was and this may make the current work seem tedious.
However, as a person who returned to school for a new degree in occupational therapy, I can say that the intricate nuances of an advanced degree may not currently be apparent but overtime you’ll see their use in your medical knowledge base as your own level of practice continues to grow.
I guess the thing that is frustrating is...so little of what I am taking right now seems to have much application at all to my practice. For instance, this class has largely been about how to be successful in college, which is sort of a weird class to give people who already have their RN!
When I got my degree, I set goals with rewards. When I completed specific assignments I knew what my reward would be. It worked. 🙂
I also staffed out certain things, like I found a place that would do all the laundry, dry it and fold it, I'd just drop it off and pick it up, and did online grocery pickup, because at the time I was a Navy wife (so, no husband most of the time) and had kids at home. That kept me from drowning.
You may already know about this, but you can get a free voucher through modernstates.org to take any CLEP test for free. If you need a CLEP credit, the easiest one would probably be Analyzing and Interpreting Literature since there isn’t a lot of studying that goes into prepping for it (the test is similar to how the SAT is set up – they give you a passage to read and then ask you questions about that passage.)
It sounds like you have a GREAT PLAN for making these next months a bit less tedious,a lot more satisfying!!
1. A 2 night trip to ANYWHERE different is a huge mood booster!! DO IT!!!Splurge on a nice meal for yourself, out somewhere,while you are there .. maybe a yummy lunch, not dinner! I enjoy beaches,but maybe you prefer mountains or even a city like Philadelphia where you can visit some historical sites and parks. I love Reading Market and the Art Museum! YOUR CHOICE!! SPEND some of your hard earned money on some FUN FOR YOU!!
2. BRILLIANT to go to some fun coffee shops to do some of that work,especially your school work.. another change of pace and scenery!I have my favorite here in my town,called MAPLE HOSUE..gorgeous outdoor patios,comfy chairs…
3. I love my TV series that I follow.. I am retired and maybe 3 times a week I have a 3 PM date with myself to catch up on 2 shows. My indulgent down time! I am loving For All Mankind with its alternate history time line .. it is juicy!! FInd ine that wisks you away from reality!
4. Going down to 2 shifts will be HUGE.. you won’t have so many back to back to back shifts that can wear one down!
5. YOU’VE GOT THIS!!!
Please share where you got your US map bulletin board! I love it!
Amazon! https://amzn.to/49nuDsH
I bought a separate set of gold pins because for some odd reason it did not come with 50.
I’m sorry. What a bummer! Could you maybe plan a really fun, big trip for post graduation? It would give you something awesome to look forward to AND plenty of time to save up $$.
The hula hoop class really was fun and a great workout.
There are tutorials on how to make your own weighted hula hoop (pvc pipe and special tacky tape).
I really love that you are being proactive in making a plan to hopefully help make the year ahead better 🙂
Hiking and massage at Berkeley Springs, WV is a reasonably priced w.e. getaway.
This is a very late response, but I hope you read it anyway. I've been in a master's program since 2022. I initially started it for a career change, then I got a better job and decided to keep with it anyway. Then I got cancer and had to take two full years off. Did I mention I also have a five-year-old and a full-time job? I am SO DONE with school, but I too still have a year left. I will also be graduating in May 2027 (or maybe even summer 2027, depending on my thesis). All that is to say at least one person is right there with you! Just keep pushing forward. It has to end at some point!