OK, so I've only been in nursing school for a few weeks, but I know what it's like trying to scour for information or wonder if you're the only one who feels like _____ (insert random emotion here).
So, for those who might be wondering what nursing school is like...here are my humble observations.
1)From what I can gather, even if you're madly in love with your chosen profession, it's pretty natural to think, "OH MY DEAR GOD, WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" during orientation and the first few days of class. After that, it dwindles to maybe once a week.
2)Even though I researched and prepared and asked people about the work load and shopped for organizational supplies...yeah, it's still about 3x the work load I thought it would be. Yes, I came home the first few days, froze, assumed the fetal position, and couldn't figure out what to do first. (See #1 for my thought process at this time). And yes, after I got myself organized, my sanity returned.
3)I don't care who you are, you WILL feel stupid at some point during nursing school. There are some that try to cover it up with bravado, or pretending to know it all, but yes, you will feel stupid. This is normal, and believe it or not, this is expected. You are a student for a reason. Ask questions.
4)It is in your best interest to choose your friends wisely. Don't hang around folks that drag you down, or soon you too may be moaning, "Like, how unfair is my clinical instructor? She, like, wanted me to be accurate on a blood pressure! The nerve!!" Surround yourself with positivity and productivity.
5)Nursing school isn't just hard on you. Remember the family and friends that support you...and thank them often (even the littlest ones; kids appreciate honesty too).
6)Don't get too hung up on who-wrote-how-many-pages or how-so-and-so-studies-for-tests. Find out what works for you, and find out quickly. Whether it's flashcards or taping lectures or re-typing notes...do what works for you.
7)During orientation, one of my professors said to us regarding nursing school: "You will not watch TV! You will not stay up late unless you have your nose in a book! You will not party and expect to do well in class!" And...she's been right so far. Nursing school is pretty much all I do, because I want to do well...
8)That said, I do take the occasional Facebook break. Or read to my stepson before he goes to bed. All things in moderation...you have to stay sane to get through nursing school, after all!
9)Whether you had a great day (learned a lot, aced a test, impressed your instructor) or a crappy day (bombed a quiz, got corrected publicly, or felt like you were all thumbs with a patient)...this too shall pass.
10)Even though it's hard...and a LOT of work...and some days you question what you have gotten yourself into...if you are in nursing school for the right reasons, you will be reminded - almost every day - why you are there and that you made the right choice.
GOOD LUCK to all current and future nursing students! J
