having doubts...

[atomicflowers]

Okay, so I just got into my school's nursing program after waiting for 2 years (FINALLY!!!!) so I am pretty excited about it

...but I'm having doubts on my DG membership. not really "doubts" because I absolutely LOVE Delta Gamma and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm just afraid that I'm not going to have enough time for it. I know nursing isn't the hardest major out there but it was very demanding and time consuming compared to a lot of other majors and I have been told nothing but "be prepared to do nothing except study" and "say goodbye to your social life," etc etc etc. There is another girl in my chapter who is a nursing major and she'll be a senior this year, but I rarely saw her last year - she hardly came to our events, COBs, even meetings - because she was soooooo busy studying. Even other friends in other sororities claim that they are pretty inactive because of the amount of work that needs to be done. Nursing books, the uniforms, everything - those are pretty expensive, too, not to mention that my tuition is slightly more expensive than your non-nursing student due to extra fees and the medical malpractice insurance that we get from the school.

What should I do? Not having the time is what is really bothering me and the finances are starting to get to me too - school is my top priority. Any DG nursing majors out there? Can anyone offer me any sisterly advice on this?

Thank you all so much & <3ITB!

[CutiePie2000]

I would try to talk to the "girl in my chapter who is a nursing major". She will be able to tell you what her experience has been and this should help you. If you are unable to reach her or set a time for a friendly chat,
I'm sure that there are other nursing majors in other sororities...see if you can have a friendly chat with any of them and see if being a nursing major affected their time committments to their respective sororities. This should serve to help you make an informed decision.

When you write: "I rarely saw her last year - she hardly came to our events, COBs, even meetings - because she was soooooo busy studying. Even other friends in other sororities claim that they are pretty inactive because of the amount of work that needs to be done", it's highly likely that that will be the situation for you as well, but only you can decide what works for you.

Let us know what you decide to do.

[JennRN]

Ok, first of all, Congrats on getting in!!! You must be so excited!! Are you going to start this fall?? Do you know what kind of nursing you want to do (or maybe it's too soon for that, lol!!). Oh, I am so excited for you!!


Now, with all that being said, let me be totally honest with you. This is the hardest thing you will ever do. No, I mean that. When I first got into school, someone who was already a nurse told me that, and I didn't listen, but man, 2 years later I completely got it. There are going to be plenty of times where you ask yourself-how did I get here/what the hell did I get myself into/how do I get out of this mess-you will constantly be stressed out, and yes-you will constantly be studying-between the pre-clinical work, the clinicals, the post-clinical work, the classes, the studying-girl, get ready!!! But in the end, when you get that BSN, it's like, you made it through a war, and it is worth every tear, every freak-out, every sleepless night! It is so worth it all, and I can't imagine doing anything else! What you'll learn, what you'll get to see and do-amazing.

After all that, I will say-your social life will not totally disappear, but yes, it will decrease. It has to if you want to make it through this program. I still managed to work part time a little bit, and I still went out on the weekends with friends, but you don't have as much time as you normally would. It is do-able-you just have to figure out what works for you. Some folks have to study more than others-but that's true of anything in life. I agree with CutiePie-talk to the senior who has been through this-see what advice she can give you. I know your senior year of nursing is crazier because you have your exit exam to worry about, an internship, licensing and the NCLEX, and of course, getting a job! But you'll find out what works for you. Time managment will be your friend!!

Well, I'm sorry this is so long, and I'm on 4 hours of sleep, so I hope it makes sense and isn't too rambling!! PM me with any questions/concerns/needs to vent-whatever!!! And Congrats again!!!

[atomicflowers]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

I would try to talk to the "girl in my chapter who is a nursing major". She will be able to tell you what her experience has been and this should help you. If you are unable to reach her or set a time for a friendly chat,
I'm sure that there are other nursing majors in other sororities...see if you can have a friendly chat with any of them and see if being a nursing major affected their time committments to their respective sororities. This should serve to help you make an informed decision.

When you write: "I rarely saw her last year - she hardly came to our events, COBs, even meetings - because she was soooooo busy studying. Even other friends in other sororities claim that they are pretty inactive because of the amount of work that needs to be done", it's highly likely that that will be the situation for you as well, but only you can decide what works for you.

Let us know what you decide to do.

All of their time committment to DG/their respective sororities are very, very low. With that said, it's almost like why pay $x amount to be apart of something when you can really never be there? I love it so much but that's what I'm thinking, especially since nursing school is expensive and any extra money would really help. I would probably get in trouble too for not having the correct number of service hours at the end of each semester, etc. I don't know. I might just be overreacting and stressing out too soon about it but who knows.

The senior in my chapter is very hard to get ahold of, lol. But hopefully she'll offer me some insight soon! I will let everyone know

[atomicflowers]

Originally Posted by JennRN

Ok, first of all, Congrats on getting in!!! You must be so excited!! Are you going to start this fall?? Do you know what kind of nursing you want to do (or maybe it's too soon for that, lol!!). Oh, I am so excited for you!!


Now, with all that being said, let me be totally honest with you. This is the hardest thing you will ever do. No, I mean that. When I first got into school, someone who was already a nurse told me that, and I didn't listen, but man, 2 years later I completely got it. There are going to be plenty of times where you ask yourself-how did I get here/what the hell did I get myself into/how do I get out of this mess-you will constantly be stressed out, and yes-you will constantly be studying-between the pre-clinical work, the clinicals, the post-clinical work, the classes, the studying-girl, get ready!!! But in the end, when you get that BSN, it's like, you made it through a war, and it is worth every tear, every freak-out, every sleepless night! It is so worth it all, and I can't imagine doing anything else! What you'll learn, what you'll get to see and do-amazing.

After all that, I will say-your social life will not totally disappear, but yes, it will decrease. It has to if you want to make it through this program. I still managed to work part time a little bit, and I still went out on the weekends with friends, but you don't have as much time as you normally would. It is do-able-you just have to figure out what works for you. Some folks have to study more than others-but that's true of anything in life. I agree with CutiePie-talk to the senior who has been through this-see what advice she can give you. I know your senior year of nursing is crazier because you have your exit exam to worry about, an internship, licensing and the NCLEX, and of course, getting a job! But you'll find out what works for you. Time managment will be your friend!!

Well, I'm sorry this is so long, and I'm on 4 hours of sleep, so I hope it makes sense and isn't too rambling!! PM me with any questions/concerns/needs to vent-whatever!!! And Congrats again!!!

Thank you, JennRN!!! I am *REALLY* excited and I can't wait until this fall! I know that clinicals will help me decide, but as of now I was thinking of cardiothoracic, oncology/hematology or NICU, but we'll see What kind of nursing do you do????

I am ready for this challenge. It was a long two-year wait for me to get into this program and seriously all I thought about for those two years was NURSING NURSING NURSING. I didn't even really do much this past school year except for studying (and of course, DG-related things) because I wanted to make sure that I would get into nursing school for this fall. And I did! FINALLY lol.

Thank you very much for your insight

[JennRN]

Originally Posted by atomicflowers

Thank you, JennRN!!! I am *REALLY* excited and I can't wait until this fall! I know that clinicals will help me decide, but as of now I was thinking of cardiothoracic, oncology/hematology or NICU, but we'll see What kind of nursing do you do????

I am ready for this challenge. It was a long two-year wait for me to get into this program and seriously all I thought about for those two years was NURSING NURSING NURSING. I didn't even really do much this past school year except for studying (and of course, DG-related things) because I wanted to make sure that I would get into nursing school for this fall. And I did! FINALLY lol.

Thank you very much for your insight

I do mostly ICU nursing (Medicine and Respiratory with some per diem stuff in Burns as well) but I also did a year on a Rapid Response Team as well. I love it!!! Maybe one day when I grow up, I'll do Life Flight, but who knows. I went into the ICU straight out of school because I knew that was where I wanted to be, and I have never looked back.

You seem like you're on the right track, with the attitude you had trying to get into school-so hold onto it, because you'll need it. And really, if you said that already you've been study study study and not much socially except DG, then I think you'll be fine with the commitment. Like I said earlier, you'll find what balance works for you. Just remember why you wanted it, when times are tough and you want to quit (because you will hit that point).

On a funny note, the shots aren't that bad except the Hepatitis series. That one hurts like a biotch!! But you'll be fine. Welcome to getting a TB test yearly!!

[baci]

Congratulations Big Time!

Let me tell you something and also try and keep it brief. Your entire life will be about stressful situations/periods like these. You will always wonder how you will get through, but you will. It is about growing up and making your way.

I often look back and wonder how I have done some of the amazing things that I have. You just pull it together and get through. Trust me!

I was at a very large, competitive school and went the pre-med route and let me tell you it was taxing. There is nothing harder than majoring in the sciences and staying put with top grades. You compete against some of the most talented/intelligent students at a university. There are countless labs and very difficult exams and getting a B or C just takes your chances away for future opportunities. You just focus and you get through.

I have so many regrets from college in that I did not spend more time with my friends and going to socials etc. You get one chance to do this and if you pass it by you will never see it again. Please try and take a deep breath and focus on your goal and find some kind of balance that works for you. You can do well in your nursing while enjoying your sorority and all it has to offer you. You just need to look within and find the balance that works best for you. Trust yourself.

I wish you all the best!

[AnchorAlumna]

Please, don't resign! Not yet, anyway. Give it a try. Go to your chapter's CMT and explain the situation. They may be able to give you extra excuses for classes etc.
Once you resign Delta Gamma, you can NEVER, NEVER come back.

[DoubleTDG]

What about early alum status, I don't quite know how it works though?

And on a happier note we have had several nursing majors who were able to stay somewhat involved. Many of them said that coming to chapter (pretty much the only thing they could come to) was the highlight of their week.

[AnchorAlumna]

Early alum - you have to be a fifth year senior.

[dgdramadawg]

Originally Posted by atomicflowers

All of their time committment to DG/their respective sororities are very, very low. With that said, it's almost like why pay $x amount to be apart of something when you can really never be there?

Because it's not just for 4 years... it's forever. Like AnchorAlumna says, you can never come back if you resign your membership, so think about all of the alum involvement you would miss out on if you were to leave. For example, I wasn't as involved when I was a student teacher, but it was worth paying the dues that year to still be involved now, 4 years later, and know that I will be able to call myself a DG forever.

I hope that you will be able to make the right choice for you!

[atomicflowers]

Originally Posted by JennRN

On a funny note, the shots aren't that bad except the Hepatitis series. That one hurts like a biotch!! But you'll be fine. Welcome to getting a TB test yearly!!

I thought about ICU nursing, but of course clinicals will help me decide.

lol, and I'm glad that I don't have to get that hepatitis series...I just have to get another tetnus shot (and those hurt, too...but I'm sure not as bad as the hepatitis!), a varicella titre, I *THINK* a diphtheria booster and of course the 2-step TB. and I *HATE* needles (that are going into me...giving an injection wouldn't bother me)...do the TB tests hurt at all??

[atomicflowers]

Originally Posted by baci

Congratulations Big Time!

Let me tell you something and also try and keep it brief. Your entire life will be about stressful situations/periods like these. You will always wonder how you will get through, but you will. It is about growing up and making your way.

I often look back and wonder how I have done some of the amazing things that I have. You just pull it together and get through. Trust me!

I was at a very large, competitive school and went the pre-med route and let me tell you it was taxing. There is nothing harder than majoring in the sciences and staying put with top grades. You compete against some of the most talented/intelligent students at a university. There are countless labs and very difficult exams and getting a B or C just takes your chances away for future opportunities. You just focus and you get through.

I have so many regrets from college in that I did not spend more time with my friends and going to socials etc. You get one chance to do this and if you pass it by you will never see it again. Please try and take a deep breath and focus on your goal and find some kind of balance that works for you. You can do well in your nursing while enjoying your sorority and all it has to offer you. You just need to look within and find the balance that works best for you. Trust yourself.

I wish you all the best!

Thank you very much for your insight

[atomicflowers]

Originally Posted by dgdramadawg

Because it's not just for 4 years... it's forever. Like AnchorAlumna says, you can never come back if you resign your membership, so think about all of the alum involvement you would miss out on if you were to leave. For example, I wasn't as involved when I was a student teacher, but it was worth paying the dues that year to still be involved now, 4 years later, and know that I will be able to call myself a DG forever.

I hope that you will be able to make the right choice for you!

Thank you! Resigning isn't really my plan because actually I think I can make this "balance" work, I just probably won't be around that often. The *MAIN* thing I'm worried about is finances. My mother doesn't want me to take out loans for some reason...I know that there are DG scholarships but a lot of them seem to look for leadership positions and well, I haven't had ANY (no VP/directorship...I probably won't have the time for that now lol)...and my college of nursing offers A LOT of nursing scholarships, but of course they don't start taking applications until the spring :|

[dgdramadawg]

Originally Posted by atomicflowers

I know that there are DG scholarships but a lot of them seem to look for leadership positions and well, I haven't had ANY (no VP/directorship...I probably won't have the time for that now lol)...and my college of nursing offers A LOT of nursing scholarships, but of course they don't start taking applications until the spring :|

One of my chapter sisters did not hold office within the chapter but was a leader in lots of other stuff on campus and she was able to get some DG scholarships... so I think they will look at leadership outside DG, too!

Also, check out fastweb for scholarships... they have tons of stuff on there!