Okay, so I just needed to get this out somewhere because wow, this semester is testing my patience. And no, I’m not just being dramatic. Anyone else feel like they’re running on three hours of sleep, six cups of coffee, and zero will to live?
Between uni lectures, endless assignments, and clinical placements, I swear I’ve had about two proper days off in the last two months. And don’t even get me started on the group projects... why is it always one person doing everything while the rest mysteriously disappear into the void?
Clinical Placements Are No Joke
Don’t get me wrong—I actually enjoy being on placement. It’s where things start to make sense and you’re like, “Ohhh so this is why we learned about that one weird condition I never thought I’d see in real life.” But it’s exhausting. You’re expected to show up on time, be alert, ask questions, take notes, and somehow still study when you get home. Meanwhile, I’m just out here trying not to fall asleep standing up during handover.
Oh, and bless the mentors who are kind and supportive. You guys are the real MVPs. But when you get one of those mentors who acts like you’re wasting their time for asking questions ugh. That’s a whole different level of stress. I literally had to fake confidence one day because I was scared of asking something "too basic." I get that they’re busy, but we're literally students. Let us learn.
Assignments on Top of Assignments
Now here’s the kicker: as if placements weren’t enough, we’ve got essays, reflections, care plans, and my personal nightmare Concept Map Assignments. Whoever decided those were a good idea, I need to have a word. I mean yeah, they kind of help you understand patient cases better, but the structure? The way everything needs to connect perfectly like a spiderweb of medical chaos? Not it.
I spent hours trying to link a patient's symptoms to their meds, diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes and by the end, my brain was just one big scribbled flowchart. I get the logic behind them, I do but when you’re juggling everything else, it feels like another mountain to climb.
Mental Health Check-In: Not Great, Honestly
I’ll be real I had a bit of a breakdown last week. I was behind on assignments, had a night shift the next day, and was spiraling about whether I’m even cut out for nursing. I cried in the shower (classic), ate half a pizza, then forced myself to finish my clinical reflection at like 1:30AM. We don’t talk enough about how heavy it can all get.
The pressure to be perfect to know all the answers, to always be professional, to show up no matter how tired or sad you are it builds up. And if you don’t take time to breathe, it’ll hit you like a truck. I’ve started journaling a bit, trying to go on walks even if it’s just to the shop, and I’m honestly learning to say “no” to stuff that drains me.
Some Random Hacks That Helped Me Survive (Kinda)
If you’re feeling like you’re barely holding it together, I got you. Here are a few random but lifesaving things that helped me get through this term:
- To-do lists, but like... realistic ones. Not “write entire essay” but “open Word doc and write 100 words.”
- Voice notes to myself while walking to placement. Sounds weird but hearing myself talk through a case actually helped stuff stick.
- Using apps like Notion or GoodNotes to organize info in a way that looks nice. I’m more motivated when things look pretty, okay?
- Finding YouTube channels that explain stuff in normal language, not textbook jargon.
- And yes... once or twice, I got help with smaller assignments because I just couldn’t. There are sites out there that offer Concept Map Assignments support if you’re in too deep. I only used it when I genuinely had no choice, but it saved me from failing one week. No shame.
Final Thoughts (If You’re Still Reading lol)
So yeah, that’s where I’m at. Tired, stressed, a little behind on readings, but still here. If you’re in the same boat, I see you. Keep showing up, even if it’s messy and imperfect. Nobody talks enough about how hard this degree really is—not just academically, but emotionally too.
We’re learning to care for others, but we also need to care for ourselves. Even if that means skipping a lecture to sleep in once in a while, asking for help (yes, even paid help if you need it), or taking a break from studying to go get a coffee with someone who reminds you why you started this in the first place.
Let’s be real with each other. It’s okay to admit that we’re struggling sometimes. Doesn’t mean we’re failing it just means we’re human.
Hang in there, y’all. You’re not alone