FINALLY, The Time has come!

[Jasonat6034, BSN, RN]

I have known that I was going to pursue a career as an NP since my Junior year of college. I have spent more than 100 hours shadowing nurses, NPs, PAs, and physicians of various specialties, and I have no doubt that this is the career for me. Well, I graduated from college in 2011 and I am FINALLY starting my nursing education this fall. I have applied to nursing programs every year since my senior year of college and I have been accepted to every program, but finances have prevented me from actually ever starting. I am happy to say that I will be starting a 2yr BSN program in just over a month!! I nervous, excited, and relieved all in one. Would love to hear any words of wisdoms as I begin my nursing education. Thanks for all that reply!! Also, best of luck to my fellow nursing students!

[drkncurly1]

Congratulations on your acceptance! My advice would be to prioritize your schedule, and set aside at least 2 hrs a week for yourself to relax and enjoy your family. The stress and pressure of nursing school can get overwhelming if you don't take a day off every once in awhile. Good luck.

[Jasonat6034, BSN, RN]

Thank you! I keep hearing that time for relaxation is key. I'll definitely be sure to incorporate that into my schedule. What is funny is that in sooo excited to just get started, but I know when the time comes I won't be able to wait for the semester to end.

[i♥words]

Don't buy books from the school's bookstore. Buy them used online and save. If you just want new, Amazon will still have them cheaper usually. Many instructors say it is beneficial to get new books so you can get the access codes to the extras on the publisher's website, but I rarely, if ever, have the time to use those. I would also hold off on buying study guides. Many instructors recommend them, but, once again, finding the time to actually use them is difficult. You can always buy them later if you feel you need them.

Write everything down. The worst thing is waking up in the middle of the night realizing you forgot to take a quiz/send in an assignment/study for something. I use a weekly planner and make checklists.

Learn about the NCLEX. We didn't even talk about things like select all that apply questions and questions where every answer is correct but you have to determine the most correct answer. I think after the first test everyone was a little shocked. Do yourself a favor and look up a few tutorials online.

Answer all the end of chapter questions in your textbooks. They will help you study and practice NCLEX questions.

Understand anatomy and physiology in order to understand pathophysiology in order to understand nursing diagnoses and interventions. After stumbling through several tests I realized that taking the time to study the basics helped me understand the why behind diagnoses and interventions.

Don't take it personally. Clinical instructors sometimes yell and say things like "you don't have what it takes to be a nurse." They may point out your cockiness, your shyness, your inability to keep your hands from shaking, or the color of your hair. I'm holding out hope that most comments are meant to help students become successful nurses, but... there are some people who are just plain rude. I focus on being polite and avoid stirring the pot.

Always volunteer. When a nurse calls to your clinical group and asks if anyone wants to see something/insert something/remove something, volunteer! Instructors and nurses realize you are learning, and if they are asking for volunteers, they are willing to help you.

Remember: Nursing school is not the hardest thing ever. It is two years of your life, and it goes by fast.