I Hate Nursing School

Nurses General Nursing

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I hate nursing school. Our school has a reputation for being one of the top 100 in the country (whatever that means), and in the area, it is known for being the toughest, but now in the last semester, I just hate it.

I want to learn the subjects we are learning, but I'm sick of arrogant instructors, stupid extra projects, and the continous stress of tests--that have to be passed with an 80% or better. I'm all about a C this semester. I couldn't care less what grade I get so long as I pass. I don't care about my GPA, I don't care about anything except passing and finishing this horrible program.

We have less than half our original class that started in level one, and people are failing now in level 4. We had 51 now we have 23. I'm doing alright, but I won't be getting an A this semester.

All I want is out, an official transcript, and then the place can burn to the ground for all I care.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

It's so nice to hear that other's feel the same way I do! I was stewing over this same topic last night and almost posted about it.

I'm in my second semester of a BSN program and hate it with a passion. I love when I get to do "nursing things", but those opportunities are few and far between. So many little hoops to jump through. I'm just keep telling myself that graduation is just a little over a year away!

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I love my nursing school experience. I have heard other nursing students in my area complain and I know I am very fortunate. I hear about instructors at other schools who cause students to cry, get nauseated, diarrhea, ulcers, etc. Our nursing class is very kick back and we all laugh and tell jokes. I LOVE IT!! Our instuctors told us the first day of nursing school that they WANT us to succeed.

But I totally understand how you feel. I was in a program (not nursing) where the school boasted the top 10 in the nation and it was living hell. I couldn't take it and I ended up failing and refused to reapply. Whenever you hear a school saying they are the top X in the country, be careful! Red flags should go up warning you NOT to go there. Word of mouth is essential when choosing a nursing school.

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Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.
Originally posted by Mithrah

Our instuctors told us the first day of nursing school that they WANT us to succeed.

It's funny because that's exactly what our instructors told us during orientation. Unfortunately the majority of them seem to be doing the exact opposite.

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Your postings have really given me something to think about. I'm a teacher considering a career change. Education classes were, for the most part, very much like what you complain about--mindless, time wasting (with a few really great exceptions). I like being a teacher, but I am interested in health care and hope to use my teaching skills in whatever allied health field I might choose. I'm looking at an accelerated BSN program that is highly rated, but I'm intimidated. No, make that scared. Given what's been written here, I am less likely to pursue an accelerated program, or any BSN. Thoughts, advice? (I'm in my forties, and have young children.)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

In my LPN program we were told they want us to succeed, but that only 50% would make it. And they were about right. I feel though that those difficult to sit through classes made it easier to pass boards. I hope my RN program isn't as difficult but I do hope that I am as well prepared to sit for boards.

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Originally posted by victoriac

Your postings have really given me something to think about. I'm a teacher considering a career change. Education classes were, for the most part, very much like what you complain about--mindless, time wasting (with a few really great exceptions). I like being a teacher, but I am interested in health care and hope to use my teaching skills in whatever allied health field I might choose. I'm looking at an accelerated BSN program that is highly rated, but I'm intimidated. No, make that scared. Given what's been written here, I am less likely to pursue an accelerated program, or any BSN. Thoughts, advice? (I'm in my forties, and have young children.)

The thing about accelerated BSNs is that not only are you in class/clinicals all day, you then have to come home and study all night. So, not much free time. I, too, looked into this. I have a young child also and so I am in a part-time eve/weekend BSN program. Nearly everyone in my program works and/or has a family. So far, we are all managing. I'll tell you, part-time nursing school takes as much if not more time than "regular" college (btdt). As you know, ratings aren't everything--find the school that meets YOUR needs. Good luck!

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I agree ADN......

Nursing school is the pits! Once you are really into it....all you do is eat, breathe, sleep nursing school stuff. I got so frustrated at one point....I almost took a turn into the LPN spin-off program. Not knocking on LPN's by any means...but I am glad that I stuck it out and finished the program. I must say that the hardest part for me were the clinicals. I would get soooo damn nervous before going that I would literally throw up. I was always scared of the "new stuff"...i.e: new procedures, etc. We also got drilled regularly on all the meds, etc...(as I'm sure most do). I would be up until 2 or 3 am...making drug flashcards and reviewing procedures....Then I'd try to sleep , which was impossilbe because I was soooo nervous....and then i'd have to get up at 5am to drive to the clinical site....yikes. Not to mention all the homework, etc....from my theory classes. No....I don't think i'd do it all again...but boy am I glad that I stuck it out and graduated. When you are done with all this madness...you will have such a sense of accomplishment....it will be a great feeling!!! So stick it out...do the best you can and make it thru!! Good luck to you...

Luv,

Snoop:kiss

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Originally posted by LydiaGreen

Tweety, not a slam, just an observation. I really don't think the OP is a slacker or he/she wouldn't be in their last semester of nursing school. There are times when you simply cannot do it all. Reading 700 pages may not be as beneficial as reading and LEARNING 500 out of 700 of the pages. A person can read all of the assigned pages and retain nothing.

You're right Lydia, didn't mean come down like that on him. I know ADRN's just venting and not a slacker, that was kind of tongue in cheek, but reading it over, does sound like an insult.

Just wanted to remind ADRN of the NCLEX and to not let up too much trying to get that C and "piece of paper". Getting that piece of paper isn't enough. You gotta get that other piece of paper call a license. :)

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Wow. I love nursing school. We too lost several students but I'm totally enjoying this learning experience. Mind you, the students we lost were because they failed one or several courses--and all of them because they didn't show up for all the classes and just generally slacked off. My class is great too. We've got a great group of students who are extremely supportive of each other. Our instructors have said that they have never seen a class as 'tight' as ours is. And they want us to succeed and go out of their way to help us and are always available for remedial help if needed. They're extremely supportive and I've sat down with instructors to talk and also to the Director of Nursing--it's that comfortable! Sure I'm stressed a lot (esp last semester when I had such a heavy course load) but I hung in there and managed it. Not bad for someone out of school for 30 years! I'm in a diploma program that's been around for 102 years...with even the piccys of the old classes in the hallways to prove it. It's been a great experience for me and I'm proud of myself to have achieved what i have so far being a non-traditional (aged) student.

Cheers

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I liked certain parts of nursing school. I hated where i had to do MEd surg clinical, but most classes were pretty cool and busy work can help your grade out. I had quite a few classes that were just exams in the end and I wished I had a paper to do to boost my grade up. Meanwhile, I was ill in between that; had to have 2 surgeries, 2 different semesters off. I crammed in summer and winter sessions at my school just to graduate on time. It's tough out there; just stick with it, cause in the end it's all worth it.

Christine

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I must say that I have a "dislike" for nursing school as well. Although I know in the end I will be better off, it's still hard to convince myself of that right now. And, I have always found school very stressful. But for some reason I just keep going back to school. Maybe I just love the torture!! No, I guess I just do not want to limit my job opportunities. And, I also have a friend I have dragged back to school with me also...at least I'm not in torture alone!!!!

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I hating school period, but only b/c we're having killer makeup for days missed for ice and snow. I've got some awesome professors, this semester, but of course, we do have a few who manage to make a few people quit. We're still at about 65, start out with 77, in our second semester. The hardest part for me is taking anatomy and nursing at the same time. I'm very worried about how it will be when clinical starts. But, like I said in the nursing student forum, only 460-ish more days to go (I think it's 463). We have a supportive group of students, although there are clique's, but we mostly get along. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Good luck to all of you! -Andrea

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