A day and life of a nursing student

hopefulwhoop · Jul 10, 2011

My first semester was the hardest because all that work took some getting used to. It probably wasn't that much work, but I really wasn't used to that at all. Second semester was much easier. I will say this though--try to like your classmates 'cause you will be spending A LOT of time with them--class, clinicals, studying, community service, you name it! Actually, my closest friends today are people I met in Nursing school :-)

NSGstudent12 · Jul 10, 2011

My first semester I had class tue-fri. You get up early, sit in class for 3 hours on some days, and 6 hours some days. You feel like you never have enough time to read the hundreds and hundreds of pages that you are supposed to read. You more than likely will gain weight that first semester, you spend more time with your classmates than you do your family. I do not have kids, but the ones of us who did said they barely got anytime with them. You will study your butt off just to make the minimum on the test, it's VERY rare to get an A on a test! It was the most stressful time in my life so far but I was sooo happy to see that I passed! To me, my second semester was even harder though! I knew a little of what to expect but the information was alot more difficult. I had med-surge and I barely passed..Thank goodness! Anyways I'm starting level 3 in August and I can't wait!

silverbells_star · Jul 10, 2011

It varies at each school, my last 3 years has been nothing like what tomigirl just said. I very rarely read any of the books, I study the notes. I get A's on most tests, but some B's too. I think it's been fun, it has been alot of work, but still fun. I wouldn't stress to much about it, every program is different and you're pretty far out.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 10, 2011

My first semester was very time consuming and hectic. I had class (6 classes total) every day of the week, even friday. Class started at 8 am and the clincal (once a week) started at 7:30. No one was wide awake during the morning classes. There was one class that was 4 hours and one was 5 hours. On top of all the time spent in class, there were also two labs that were 1 hour each.

I was always studying or stressing about a test which many times was on the same day as another test. There was an overwhelming amount of information to remember. It would hurt my grades to keep up with all the reading, because if I read everything I didn't have enough time to study for the exams. I pretty much had to guess what the teacher would test us on and read that info in the book. The tests were all multiple choice and nclex style - which means that all the answers sound right just one anwer is the best answer.

The clinical was mostly morning care, but I was great because it gave us lots of exposure and helped us be more comfortable with patients. In the beginning it was crazy, but it got better as the semester progressed.

Oh yeah, an if you're used to getting As, as were most people in my program, don't expect As. Bs are the new As.

mustlovepoodles, RN · Jul 10, 2011

Eat.Sleep.Study. Oh, did you notice there're no social life? Get used to that. There is no social life. Eat.Sleep. Study. Rinse & repeat for the next 4 years.

mrzgirl · Jul 10, 2011

First quarter/semester is definitely the most hectic time since you'll be getting used to the nursing school routine (i.e. study, study, study, sleep for 3 hours wake up drooling on your book, then study some more). I haven't met one person that actually liked our first semester instructors, in fact I think they are the most hated people in the entire college. :devil: All in my class were convinced those instructors were out to do nothing but fail us. So be prepared!

Don't expect all A's the first semester, although it's not impossible. After that first semester things start to get smoother - not so much because the work is easier, but because you're used to it and you've (hopefully) developed good time management.

You may have to make many sacrifices in your personal life, nursing school does not work around your personal schedule, you work around THEIR schedule!! Try to get along with people in your class because they may be the only contact you have with the outside world for 2-4 years! Your family will probably not understand, either, why you have to be so recluse.

That being said, good luck! The best advice I've gotten so far is to block off at least 7 hours per night to sleep. :zzzzz Have a set sleep/wake routine and stick to it! Many people will stay up and try to pull all nighters for an exam, but it's best to go at it in tip-top shape!

silverbells_star · Jul 10, 2011

Yes!! I should have added that too, I would not have survived my 3rd year if it hadn't been for my friends in nursing school. And sleep, sleep is a must.

Try to get along with people in your class because they may be the only contact you have with the outside world for 2-4 years! Your family will probably not understand, either, why you have to be so recluse.
That being said, good luck! The best advice I've gotten so far is to block off at least 7 hours per night to sleep. :zzzzz Have a set sleep/wake routine and stick to it! Many people will stay up and try to pull all nighters for an exam, but it's best to go at it in tip-top shape!

eagle78 · Jul 10, 2011

Hello everyone:
I am not in a nursing program yet, I am presently taking my prerequsites for a program which I hope to enter in Fall 20013 or Fall 20015 it is all going to depend on how many courses I need for a BSN program.
What I woud like to get a little insight into is what is the day and life of a nursing student like. I mean what was your first semester/ year like? I look forward to hearing from you regarding my inquiry. I hope that you have a nice day.
Carmen

Welllll, by 20013 who knows what the life a student will be like...

Just kidding, I know you meant 2013, just could not resist... :cool:

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jul 10, 2011

moved to our student secton.

see the knowledge posed in the general nursing student discussions forum