Hi I'm new and need some inspiration

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi! I'm from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area and I'm brand new as of today to this board.

Here's my story: I am 33 years old, happily married with a 2 year old beautiful little girl and I just started taking my prequisites (A&P I for now) in the hopes of getting into nursing school either this January or next year. I am very lucky in that I have worked and continue to work as an administrative assistant in a major hospital in Philadelphia that is paying for 100% of my tuition, but already I'm starting to have doubts about going to nursing school.

The problem is that I am extremely nervous about starting school since I've been out of school for such a long time and I'm already overwhelmed with just this one class that I'm taking now, which again is A&P I. I'm already starting to have doubts as to whether I can do this or not :o. Is this normal? Should I be feeling this way already? Don't get me wrong b/c I really am excited about becoming a nurse, but why am I doubting myself so much??????

Please help!!!

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Welcome Juliababy! The "one class" you are taking right now is a TOUGH class, so don't beat yourself up for struggling w/it! Also know that you are not alone in your nervousness, everyone in my class got nervous over different things, I mean really worried and stressed, and they are all very eager to be nurses! I think that since you are really excited about being a nurse, that will make a big difference to how your classes go. I know there are other people on here who are moms also (I am not) and would be able to give you more specific advice as to how they manage. Good Luck, and come here often for support and encouragement- it always helps me out! :D

Specializes in SICU.

Hi juliababy, welcome to the board!!! Don't get discouraged, A&P is not an easy class!! I found it to be one of the more difficult classes simply because of the volume of information you're required to remember! Don't give up! Keep plugging away, and concentrate on the classes that you're taking right now. You'll get there, I know, I've been working on pre-req's for three years and started when I was 30 (with 2 little boys)!! I'm getting ready to start a BSN program as a junior this summer. Hang in there, and keep us updated!!!!!

:D

Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Welcome !

Yes, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and nervous. I did A&P first also, just to get it behind me... I knew once I had that and Microbiology out of the way, I could breathe easier for all the rest.

And Itoo, when I first started, looked at all the material I would have to cram into my peabrain, and thought.."surely NOT ! Are you CRAZY for having started this?" But once I started really getting into the material, I found it sooooooo interesting I couldn't stop ! I ended up LOVING A&P ! And micro, which I first thought I would HATE. Actually, I ended up loving each and every new course ! I was learning sooooooo much, and loved the feeling !

That was 3 years ago.. and I graduated last Dec. I stuck with it and so can you.

Yes, you CAN do this, and yes, your feelings are very common and natural. So go for it ! :)

Welcome to you Juliababy! I started my prereqs at age 32--with 2 preteen boys. I am now 34 and have just finished my first yr of nursing---only one more to go--WHHHOOOOHOOOO!!!!! Anyway, I too was nervous, but I want to be a nurse so bad I can taste. I didn't let anything intimidate me. There are a lot of "girls" my age in my class and some much older. My boys are now 15 and 12 and believe me it is not easy, but as I said before I am determined to make it and if you want it bad enough you can too. I have come to believe that our age enhances the entire experience as we have more life experiences to bring along with us and incorporate in our learning. The older students also seem for the most part to be more focused and determined than the fresh out of high school set. You can do it! Just take a deep breath and jump in! Good luck to you and come here often because this is a great place for support!

ps....I just happened to finish this year with the highest grade in the class ...92.12%...not too bad for an older gal huh!

Juliababy,

Don't get discouraged, I started A&P two weeks after i graduated from High School and I felt the same way. There will be lots of days where you feel like you can't go on, but it will all be worth it in the end. Good luck and hang in there!!

Specializes in NICU.

Hi! Welcome! I, too, am a fairly new member, but have been lurking for a few weeks! I am 33 years old, married and have two children, ages 9 and 2. I am just starting at my local community college! I have no college behind me, so I have a whole bunch of prereqs to take before I even begin to THINK about getting into the nursing program! I am determined to do it, though. It is scary thinking if I will be able to handle it, but I really want this badly! I am nervous about going back, since I've been out of school for 15 years. I am going to take several classes online, so that will help. I work at home doing medical transcription, so I will be trying to fit that in when I can to pay for some of this! I'm hoping this Fall to start a really big class load to get through this quickly. This Summer I may take just one or two classes...!

You can do it!

~Ann~

:cool: Hang in there sweetie---you can do it. I too was in my 30's when I went to school had 2 kids, worked part-time and drove 75 miles one way to school, not to say I had it any worse than others but just to let you know it can be done!! There were several times I wanted to quit but Thank God I never did, it was worth it---so hang in there you will survive, Good Luck.

hi juliababy. i finished that class last semester. it was hard!!! i squeaked by with just a c. hang in there, i think the really cool/fun times will be once we're in. i've got 2 kids, 8 and 11. they are so proud of me, and when i'm doubting, they always lift me up. hang in there! :p heather

Welcome! I haven't read the responses so I apologize if I've repeated what others have said, but don't be so hard on yourself! It's going to take some time to get back in the groove of school, and with two little ones, it may take even longer! A&P is a hard class, so that is another factor.

As a 31 year old wife and mom to a 4 year old and 2 year old, I know how it feels to be pulled in a million different directions. You can do it, just keep your eye on the prize and trudge through. Sure, the house may not be clean and you may not be up on "must see tv", but you will have accomplished such a huge goal that I am sure you have wanted for a long time. You can do it, you really can! You have very important tools in your belt, Life Experience, maturity and reaons to succeed (your kids!). Keep your chin up and you'll do fine.

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

You CAN do it! I am a mom as well (I will be 30 this year) with a 5 year old (not in school yet) and a 16 month old. I dont work outside the house (cause I just cant with school IM not that smart I guess...lol) and I do go to school full time (14 credit hours per semester). I take 2 evening classes and 2 online classes so my husband can help watch them :) I have LOVED being back in school! I think you will enjoy it more than you think!

My house is not as clean and I cook simplier meals on the nights I have classes. The only time I get to study is after the kids are in bed so its not always fun or easy in that respect (since I would rather lay on the couch and watch tv than study...lol) but this is the last day of my semester and I am walking off with 3 As and 1 B.

I think your fears are totally normal but once you get into the groove and improve your study skills and time management as the semester goes along your fears will ease once you see that you are doing it and you will feel more confident. I freak out before every semester thinking I am taking to many classes and will fail but I never do. Good luck!!

Marilyn

Specializes in Adult Med-Surg, Rehab, and Ambulatory Care.
Originally posted by jnette

Yes, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and nervous. I did A&P first also, just to get it behind me... I knew once I had that and Microbiology out of the way, I could breathe easier for all the rest.

Me too! You can do it. I went back with 2 small children, and over the course of my studies I've added another wee bairn to the crowd. :D

Good luck, and welcome to AllNurses! :)

+ Add a Comment