[coonkine]

I just started college this week and have already been accepted into the nursing progam at my university. So that means I'm taking the basics. Anyways, I always hear how hard nursing classes are. I was just wondering how hard. So, compared to A&P, how hard are the nursing classes...thanks, andrew

[MuddaMia]

Well, of course A&P and micro etc are hard classes...but as a comparision to nursing school they are apples and oranges. Nursing requires critical thinking, whereas A&P are more of a memorize and regurgitate situation. The courses in nursing school can be quite a challenge to master concepts and the patho etc. What I find the most difficult is applying the knowledge to the test question and critically finding the BEST answer (there are usually more than one CORRECT answer).

That being said...it is do-able and after you start to get the "hang of it" it is not quite so overwhelming. Good luck to you !!

[BeccaznRN]

Nursing courses are tough! They are way harder than any prerequisite course out there (and micro, A & P, etc. are hard, no doubt about that) but that doesn't mean it can't be done. It's just a different type of learning - nursing courses require you to take everything you have learned and APPLY it. This is where "critical thinking" comes into play and it's way different than just memorizing information and spitting it back out for a test.

[Jules A]

Maybe its just the way my brain works but I didn't find the nursing classes any harder than micro or A&PII, just more material. The classes were really interesting and there was a large volume of work to digest but I didn't think the nursing classes were complicated. I've said it before but it was the politics, drama and all the different personalities that I found challenging. Just don't fall behind on the work that is assigned and you will be fine. Jules

[allthingsbright]

I agree w/ Jules--the amount of material is overwhleming--you have to know it AND use it (critical thinking) so that is what makes it hard!

Plus grading is different--Like a 92 and up is an A, a 85-91 a B, 75-84 a C, etc. Then, we have to pass our final with a 75%--NO rounding or we fail the entire class. Then there are the drug calc tests and the clinicals-YOWZA. Nursing school is intense and different from any other college classes out there.

GL

[redefinition]

They're DOable, but much more thinking is required than in any prereq.

[MMorton]

Nursing school is doable. But like the others have said. In most classes you study and can restate the answers in a test. That is not true in nursing school, you have to think on your feet as a nurse and apply the classroom studies to the clinical situations. I loved nursing school and was able to do this, but it was stressful. You read 50-100 pages a night and go back to class for an exam the next day. It was rigorous. But you have really accomplished something when you are done.

[Conrad283]

Hello Andrew, Andrew here. It can be difficult based on what you make of it. If you think it's going to be difficult then it is going to be difficult. It you take the bull by the horns, it won't be as bad.

Remember to study your ass off and things will go just swimmingly.

[MMorton]

Andrew, very well said. Enjoy all that you learn in nursing school. Attitude is a big part of it.

[WDWpixieRN]

Originally Posted by allthingsbright

I agree w/ Jules--the amount of material is overwhleming--you have to know it AND use it (critical thinking) so that is what makes it hard!

Plus grading is different--Like a 92 and up is an A, a 85-91 a B, 75-84 a C, etc. Then, we have to pass our final with a 75%--NO rounding or we fail the entire class. Then there are the drug calc tests and the clinicals-YOWZA. Nursing school is intense and different from any other college classes out there.

GL

Couldn't have said it better than they did.

Take it day by day and stay on top of the work. I had a previous bachelor's in business and NS makes that look like kindergarten coursework!!

Best wishes!!