Very anxious and scared about starting nursing school.

[CaptC]

I'm starting nursing school in January and I have to admit I'm rather nervous. My fears mostly revolve around the school workload which if it is anything like a&p it will be brute force memorization with very little application which often felt like luck when it came to testing time. It wasn't luck I got A's with hours upon hours of studying, but it felt like it occasionally, because of how much there was to learn and the breadth that could be on the test. I've been told that there is more application and problem solving in the nursing program, but it is a concern or at least something that I'm mentally preparing myself for. I generally enjoy classes where I get to apply rules and knowledge instead of just memorising, but I understand why memorization is critical to healthcare.

The second fear is the job itself. I understand nurses have long shifts, and at my current work, as a delivery man, I go to work ready to go and perform very well, but at hour 8 or so I start to go slower and become less attentive. Turn on the wrong street, need to turn around things like that. In nursing, you can't turn on the wrong street because its people lives. If I'm working 12-hour shifts I fear that I won't be able to perform my duties at the quality that they need to be performed. Yes, I do recognise that I'm worried about this rather early, but it is on my mind and thought it couldn't hurt to get other people perspective on these concerns and tips that could help alleviate them.

Thank you.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Certain classes will require the level of memorization that you experienced during A&P. However, other classes will be more hands on and practical. Expect to be challenged.

You will learn to build up the stamina. You may find some specialties with 8 hour shifts.

[NurseCard, ADN]

A lot of nursing exams will test your critical thinking skills, much

more so than just your ability to memorize. Here's an example:

You're starting your nursing shift and you've just gotten report.

You have four patients. Which do you go to see first?

a) Mr Jones, who had a gallbladder removal today and has very

small amount of bloody drainage on his bandage.

b) Mr Smith, who was admitted two days ago with diabetic

ketoacidosis, is off of his insulin drip, and last blood sugar

was 135

c) Ms. Johnson, who has just told your aide that she is having

a little bit more trouble breathing

d) Katie, a nine year old who had a tonsillectomy yesterday and

is supposed to go home this evening

That's the type of question you are more likely to see. I mean,

that's not to say you won't have to do SOME memorization,

and you'll have a lot of math. But there is a lot of application

of knowledge in nursing classes, for sure.

As for the job itself.. 12 hour shifts can be tough for sure, but

I prefer them so that I can have more days off! :) And many

facilities do still offer 8 hour shifts.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

If you have been accepted to a nursing program, you are very smart. You are spot on that many pre-reqs require "brute force memorization". I have been there done that .. it proves you have the focus that is required.

You are correct that nursing is a challenging profession. Save your worries, until you actually start practicing. In the meantime.. get through school.

Best wishes with your studies, you can do this.

[CaptC]

This actually makes me feel a bit better. I'm still going into my first semester very cautiously. I could ask a number of questions about specialities, masters degree programs, etc. However, it is probably best if I just take things one step at a time.

[Shookclays, ASN, BSN, CNA, RN]

This actually makes me feel a bit better. I'm still going into my first semester very cautiously. I could ask a number of questions about specialities, masters degree programs, etc. However, it is probably best if I just take things one step at a time.

Are you in a BSN or associates degree? I have finished all of my pre-reqs this semester and will start my first semester of clinicals in January.

[CaptC]

I'm in an ASN program, but my school is going to offer a BSN sometime before I graduate which is convenient. I might be one of the first to receive a BSN from my college which is pretty cool.

I hope to have my BSN or close to it by the time I start my first job. Pretty much every nurse I've spoken with has told me it is a must.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to our General Nursing Student forum for more feedback.