Reflections of your first semester?

2thefuture · Dec 18, 2014

My first semester was definitely a roller coaster. We had four classes, in which I passed with all B's. The classwork wasn't as hard for me as the skills checkoffs were. I didn't do to well with having someone watch directly over me and I would get really nervous. Throughout the semester, I cried then was happy then cried again. The teachers were helpful but they were also rude and talked badly about students and CNA's. Now that it's over, it was definitely worth it and I did enjoy the learning experience and clinicals!

Have a good christmas break everyone and good luck on getting into the ASN program AspriringNurseMW!

imbatz, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2014

I just finished first term with 3 As and a B in Pharm. For me, the first few weeks were crazy, like I would never get my head above water. I just kept telling myself "this too shall pass." One day, I wasn't stressed anymore. I think it was after my first clinical skills check off. I got into a groove, studying, and not worrying about chasing the As. Just realize that its gonna be nuts at first, but that you will get through it.

baseball mom · Dec 19, 2014

I just finished my first semester with all A's woo hoo ! I think recording the lectures really helped me. I could listen to them in the car if I needed to. I was scared of pharmacology so I bought the required book early and started learning it before the semester started. I'm glad I did. No math anxiety when you already know the stuff.

augurey · Dec 19, 2014

I just finished my first semester last night! I don't know how, but somehow I managed all As :) I nearly jumped off the couch and screamed when my final grade was posted last night for my last class lol

I can't say I found anything particularly easy. I mean, I think it will be the easiest semester and it's just going to get more difficult, but it still wasn't easy by any means. I had to adjust from being out of school for nearly 10 years to learning how to study again, manage my time, juggle a family, getting on a different sleep schedule, etc.

I think the biggest challenge for me was to learn to get through test anxiety and to not let everything overwhelm me. It's still overwhelming, but if you let it over you, it's just that much more difficult and makes everything seem that much more impossible.

I went into my first semester terrified of failing out. I actually sobbed after my first night of classes saying I was too stupid to do this and that I should drop out before I fail out. This semester was really about me finding confidence and knowing that if I work hard, I can get through this. There's always that possibility of failing out, but if, at any point, it does come to that, I at least know that I tried my absolute hardest.

I feel like reading a lot through a lot of posts on AN before starting really helped me out. They say that you really can't prepare for nursing school, but I feel like I was able to start school with a different perspective going in. I feel like I was able to become more self aware of what I was feeling. If I was upset about something or didn't think something was fair, I'd think "What would they say about this on AN?" which helped me work through my thoughts and feelings. If I hadn't learned to think differently before going in, I really feel like this semester would have been a little bit more challenging. Where my other classmates got upset, I was able to see it in a different light that made things easier to get through.

Danilu14 · Dec 21, 2014

thanks for this! I have 2 small children and I was already feeling guilty about abandoning them, and not being around. I hope I can balance as well as you did!

16mm · Dec 21, 2014

I have two small kids and somehow managed to get all A's as well the first semester of my BSN program! I think the key is making sure you know your study habits and being serious about getting your stuff done. Time management is essential. I can not stress that enough. You also have to be very disciplined. I actually rarely studied while my kids were awake unless there was a test for one of the *hard* classes coming up (mainly Patho or Foundations).

I studied mainly at school, but also during naps and after bed time. That was it. But when it was time to study I cut off my phone (when home) and got down to business! It's definitely doable, but I will agree with others who say the first semester is probably the easiest, at least in a program like mine. I have medsurg next semester and I hear that's a "whole 'nother beast".

Good luck!

AspiringNurseMW · Dec 23, 2014

I cannot study with my two kids. It's like they have a radar for when mommy is busiest and they switch to needy kids mode immediately. Lol. I feel so lucky because I work from home so I take small breaks to study on work on smaller school assignments or my online classes.

dorkypanda · Dec 24, 2014

AspringnurseNW, I'm also waiting for my adn program to start as well since it begins in late August. reading these make me feel motivated to work harder and study more often and become a hermit crab.

gearedup · Dec 27, 2014

I just finished my first semester, and I'm not going to make light out of it: it was hard! But it is doable. It does get hard sometimes to balance family, just remember to focus on quality time with your spouse and children. I forced myself to have at least 1 hour of high quality time a day minimum. I usually had more. Time management is key! I also highly recommend that you have some sort of exercise regimine if u don't already. Even if its just 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week. I started halfway through the semester, and my focus was much better and I was happy. I exercised with my son! Take time to at least take a few minutes for yourself now and then. Even if its just to take a longer shower with a new body wash, giving yourself a facial, anything u enjoy that makes u feel a little pampered. Study, study, study, but give yourself permission to have a life. I finished with A's and 1 B, and I'm not a naturally great student, I'm 40. It can be done!