Does everyone feel overwhelmed when they start nursing school?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I started this past week and all of the homework I have seems so overwhelming. I have been working for hours and hours all week (which I did expect) but I feel like I havent got anything done. I am really excited and interested in what Im learning I just wish I knew how to study and prepare properly for the test.

I have to say my personality is to put everything off until the night before a test or something is due. Thank goodness I feel motivated to get things done. I just want to learn how to use my time effectively. The program Im in only about 40% will make it to Nursing II. I definatly want to make it I just worried how I will.

Any suggestions or comments would be helpful.

Thanks

I hate to tell you this, but you will feel overwhelmed until the end, or at least I have. You just need to learn how to prioritize. I am SUCH a procrastinator but I bought one of those really big desk calendars and wrote down day by day what I was going to do (ie. 4-6 pm Med Surg reading, 12-3 Careplan, etc.) and it really, really helped me alot. Maybe it will help you too. Also, don't try to read entire chapters. Listen to the teacher in class and take good notes, then go back over the notes and mark in your books the important things that he/she said. That helps too.

No, not everyone feels that way. There are some students that are in such severe shock that they don't recognize the feeling.;) Absolutely. The reading alone is overwhelming, do not get behind. Then comes the critical thinking questions on exams. We usually had more than one correct question. One is just more correct than the other. Do yourself a favor and buy Saunders's NCLEX-RN 3rd Edition study guide to get a feel for the questions.

Mike

Specializes in CWOCN.

Try to stay away from negative, dramatic, overreacting, draining students. Don't share your work with other students unless you are getting something out of it. Treat yourself well.

Take the suggestions the professors offer. Pay attention in lectures - I bought a digital recorder which is great for reviewing. It enables me to be a better listener in class. Start studying for a test 3 days before the test, not the night before. The professors will be clear what is required for the tests. Remember you are going to be a nurse, not a doctor (I have to tell myself this daily).

Read the material before the lecture. Manage your time and remember this is your career and everything you invest will enhance you professionally, as well as economically.

Good luck!

I definitely remember what it was like when I first started nursing school. I went to the #1 party school in the nation, and I remember the Friday and Saturday nights when my classmates and I would call each other and complain about how pathetic we were studying. It definitely DOES get better, it just takes time. Hang in there.

+ Add a Comment