advice on preparing for nursing school

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I've just finished up my prerequisite courses this summer and have been accepted to a nursing program! Unfortunately I had to push the start date back to Jan instead of starting in Aug due to financial issues and receiving no aid so I've been working like crazy to save up and have a nest egg by the time school starts because I know I'll have very little time to work. The only thing with this is I'm nervous about taking months off until the program starts because I don't want to fall out of school mode and am also worried that I'll feel behind everyone else and forget things that I've learned that others will be fresh with. Basically does anyone have any advice on what I could be doing to prepare myself during this time? I bought the required text books already and have been reading the required readings but I don't know if that makes much sense getting that far ahead when you have no teacher to explain things to you. I've worked really hard to get to this point since I am 34 years old and this is my second time doing school since I am not a fan of my first degree. I don't want to mess things up and want to do this with 100%! It's nice to finally know what you want out of life and a career and I want to do my best so any advice on what I could be doing to better my chances at succeeding in nursing school is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Don't be so hard on yourself. It seems as though you're being very responsible & doing everything possible to succeed, including amassing some savings prior to beginning your program.

One caveat. Textbooks frequently change from one semester to the next. Don't be surprised if you have to buy new editions of those books you've already purchased.

Wishing you absolutely the best of luck on your nursing education journey!

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Specializes in ICU.

There is really nothing you can do but just sit back and relax. As you have seen, you cannot read ahead of time because none of it makes sense, plus most professors will tell you what they want you to know. Medicine is always changing and when books come out the information is already 3 years old so some of the information can be out of date. You will be fine.

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I know you're worried about falling out of "school mode", which I understand. I had a while between pre-reqs and nursing school. I'm a second career student too and I graduate soon. My best advice is to take this time to spend time with family and friends, relax, and have fun while you can. Once you're in nursing school it gets harder to do all those things. Trust me, there was no difference between students who were fresh out of pre-reqs/other degrees and those who had some time off. Take time to "recharge your battery" so you can give it your all when you start in January. You wont regret it!

Congrats and good luck!! :)

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thanks for the positive feedback guys! much appreciated to the nerves I have about starting

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