beginning nursing school in the fall...scared!

GaNicuRN14 · Jul 12, 2013

Thanks for the encouragement everybody! That made me feel much better. We made it this far so I know that we can do it. Its just a little terrifying at first when you don't know what to expect but we should all be proud of ourselves. Good luck to all of you :)

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

Aw, thanks. :) But, seriously, your post is a great encouragement. Probably one to be bookmarked for future freak out moments.

Then I have done my job. :thankya:

Thanks for the encouragement everybody! That made me feel much better. We made it this far so I know that we can do it. Its just a little terrifying at first when you don't know what to expect but we should all be proud of ourselves. Good luck to all of you :)

::tsk-tsk, shaking head:: What did I say? Don't even refer to it in the past tense. Banish, banish! :)

swansonplace · Jul 12, 2013

Great job getting in. Age has it's advantages. The experience of how to manage yourself and your resources should do it.

S. Hall, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

Everyone, listen up!
Listen to yourselves-- "freaked out"-- "terrified" -- "super anxious" -- "incredibly scared" !!
Some advice. You will learn in school that you never tell a patient not to be scared (or in any way deny his/her feelings) because, well, all people are entitled to their feelings. So I won't tell you not to feel the way you do.
I WILL tell you that there's nothing ahead of you that hasn't been done by many thousands of people before you. I will tell you that despite what you think, nursing faculty really are interested in seeing that you learn to be a nurse, and learn it well. They will help you if you ask...but you have to ask, it's part of being a grown-up professional, and you'll learn that in school too even if it's not in the formal syllabus.
I will also say that a little anxiety is a good thing. It makes your eyes focus more clearly, it jolts your liver to dump a lot of good sugars into your bloodstream to feed your brain and muscles a little extra...all useful and functional responses to stress. However, being panicky is not functional.
You are in charge of your brain. You can tell it to shut the heck up when it starts getting you revved up. Tell yourself you are ready for this challenge, lots of people have done it before you, and by god, you're good looking and people like you. :) BANISH those words at the top of the page. Never let them leave your lips or your fingertips again. You can train your brain to be better at this, and that's how you start. It will feel better and work better for you. :)
Have fun!
:flwrhrts: :flwrhrts: :flwrhrts: :flwrhrts: :flwrhrts: :flwrhrts: :flwrhrts:

This post is truly encouraging. Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

Good day:

I just started my journey towards doing my nursing prerequisites this past June 18th; I'm 50 years of age as of this past May. Prior to this past June, the last time I was in a school environment was 1984.

What I did to lesson my own fears of going back to school after such a long time is as follows:

1. I attended every free workshop the school offered to learn or otherwise refresh my understanding of time management, reading college text books, taking notes, test taking, etc.

2. I watched various youtube.com videos on how to study, how to take notes, etc.

3. Now, once I started, I've found the following to be helpful:

A. Time management matters tremendously. I try to schedule time for everything; and if someone were to look at my calendar they might tease me for how detailed the structure. But I've found it helps. I print out two weeks of my calender at a time to hang near my study area so I can see how I'm doing.

The foundation of the calendar comes from the various course syllabi in terms of what chapter are going to be covered when (back tracking so I can read them in advance), when are papers do (then back tracking as to when I should start working on the papers to get them done on time or before time if there's extra credit for turning them in early), when there are exams (then back tracking so I can dedicate special exam study time over time so there's no last minute cramming), along with any other class related dates. I also look at the school's calendar to note days off, when tutoring is available, and so on.

B. If a professor allows you to record lectures, record the lecture. While recording take as good of notes as you can. For taking notes, if the professor puts it on the board, write it down. If they repeat something twice or more, write it down. If they tell you something is important or will be on a test, write it down.

Then when I'm hope, I edit the recording for a meaningful name (combine files when appropriate), and then transfer the mp3 recording to my smart phone where I can then listen to it (it's louder than the tape record) when I'm on the road, studying, etc.

I try to re-listen to the lecture at least once a ay.

I take my handwritten notes, and then type them up. While I'm typing them up, I color code vocabulary words, high light important phrases, etc. I also use Google images to grab images that fit my into my notes that may help with my recall.

C. While I typically will block out 2 to 3 hours for study, I further break that down blocks:

* Read / Study for 20 minutes.

* Then take a 5 minute break away from the study area doing something physical (run in place, do a few minutes of weight lifting, just walk around the house).

* Then take 5 minutes to do a quick review (I try to do this out loud) of key areas read / studied.

* Then rinse and repeat.

Try to combine as many study habits / tools as you feel comfortable; and it may be different for each class.

D. Sit in the first row so you can see better, hear better, and have less distractions.

E. Participate in every class; don't worry about how others view your participation. Do pay attention to cues (body language, tone of voice, etc.) from the professor as to how to best participate; but do participate.

F. As situations permit, get to know your fellow class mates. Help them out if they need help; and ask for their help if they come across as if they know what they are doing.

You can do it; just apply yourself consistently.

Thank you.

mind_body_soul RN · Jul 13, 2013

It has been my personal observation that classmates with prior healthcare experience had to unlearn a lot of bad habits in nursing school. Those with CNA experience may be faster at changing briefs and bed linens at first but by the 2nd semester the playing field is pretty much level. As others have said, nursing school should teach you everything you need to know, but take charge of your own education too. Volunteer, read ahead in textbooks, subscribe to nursing journals, heck, there are even some great videos on youtube, and of course, you can always get answers on allnurses. I was terrified my entire first semester of nursing school, and now I have one semester left. Time really does fly. Worry about learning to be a safe and effective nurse above all else. I haven't hurt any of my patients, even though I may have frustrated more than a few with the length of my assessments or asking them 1000 times to tell me their name and DOB. :)

Swansonplace has some great advice! I live by my planner, if it isn't in the planner then it doesn't get done. Nursing school is the time/place to hone your time management! In school I freaked out about having 2 patients, now I am working in LTC as a LPN for the summer with 35 residents to worry about! Nursing school will probably be the most stressful thing you've ever done...until you are actually working as a nurse :yes: Just realize that nursing school gets easier over time as you learn to prioritize and deal with your stressors. It'll be okay, y'all can do this! GrnTea also makes a good point, a healthy dose of anxiety can keep you on your toes.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2013

It has been my personal observation that classmates with prior healthcare experience had to unlearn a lot of bad habits in nursing school.

Seconding this! We had a CNA in our group who was applying to nursing school with us and she failed fundamentals and wasn't allowed in. Her GPA was over 3.90 and she had tons of volunteer work and work experience. She was an awesome person and it was sad that she didn't get in. I almost feel like it's to your advantage to have NOT had healthcare experience when applying to nursing school because there are no bad habits to unlearn.

tiff989 · Jul 13, 2013

I am very nervous and extremely excited also. This is my second attempt. i failed A&P last year so I had to wait a year to enroll. But with this said all things are possible if you try. We can do this!!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 20, 2014

Bump!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

BUMP!

Are we having fun yet?

Frenchie,RN · Jul 14, 2014

Another newbie right here...about to start 1st semester next month and I am READY. I've been plugging away at pre-reqs for years now, so the fact that it's finally time to dive in is exciting!

Thank you, GrnTea, for that encouraging post. It's great to know that a little anxiety is actually helpful! I'll try to remind myself of that when I'm shaking in my boots (internally, of course) during clinicals. "Chill out, brain...pay no attention to that racing pulse - we got this!"

To all of the other newbies out there: forget about those pre-program nerves! Go in with a focused and confident attitude, don't be afraid to admit when you need help, take many deeeep breaths as needed, and just give it everything you've got. We can do this.