What can I expect the first semester?

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I just got accepted into nursing school for the fall semester(Aug. 2006). What can I expect during the first semester. I hear that it's the hardest one!!!

Specializes in Surgical/Telemetry.

I personally didn't think the first semester was that hard content-wise, but it was definitely an adjustment to manage being in class and clinical with outside-of-school life. Good luck :)

Specializes in Neurological/Neuro-ICU.

I agree with the above poster that its more of an adjustment, but I wouldn't say the content is easy, because anything new is going to be hard, but in comparison to later content, yeah its pie. Fluids and Lytes got me. They call it Fundamentals for a reason. In the first semester, you learn the basis for everything you'll learn in nursing school.

Good luck! The two years I was in nursing school was the best time of my life! (And the worst! lol)

Specializes in L&D, Antepartum.

Everyone's perspective is different. Some people think the first semester is hard, others 3rd semester. It also depends on your school. In our school first and third are the hardest. First is hard because you are learning to think a different way, take tests differently and are being trained in a lot of things that are prepping you for the rest of the semesters. Third is the hardest in our school because you are rotating out of three different sections so you are basically taking a final after each rotation or every 5-6 weeks. Third semester is psych, gero, and med-surg III. I'm on my way to second semester and everyone says how laid back it is compared to first. I'm looking forward to it!

Good luck! Don't let the rumors get to you, form your own opinion. Keep your head down, your ears open and (for the most part) your mouth shut. What the instructor says goes.

Specializes in Med/Surg ICU, NICU.

I just finished up my first semester and I didn't find it too horrible either. It was definately a change from the pre-req classes that I had taken and it took me a bit to get adjusted to doing things the nursing school way. The first couple of tests also didn't thrill me due to the fact that they were formatted differently than any other tests I had taken. All that said I really enjoyed it and have already made some really good friends and can't wait for the next semester to start in July.

Good luck!

I got my undergraduate degree in exercise physiology and i've work in cardiac rehab for about three years now. I hop this experince helps me.

Specializes in orthopaedics.

i think your previous will help you a lot in your first semester. it is a lot of the basics (at least my program) vital signs, bed making, baths, back rubs, injections, bed pans, the older adult, then basic med/surg broken hips post op knees other joints. lots and lots of reading. congrats on your acceptance into a nursing program i wish you the best.

Specializes in Telemetry.

glad you asked. i was curious as well. :)

I personally didnt think my first year was hard at all...I took all my pre reqs and ended up with a 3.95 so I hope it stays this way. I have my sophmore year schedual and it is alot harder then my freshmen year lets just say that. I had to take A&P one and two chem one and two and then a bunch of clac courses.

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

I very clearly recall both my ADN and BSN experiences. For both it got more intensive and difficult as I progressed through the programs. By the time we got to the later classes we were held responsible for a lot more than we were in semester 1. The amount of written assignments increased dramatically as well.

I personally thought my first semester was easy. At first it was a shock because u are not used to the tests and critical thinking. From experience and what I have heard, semester 2 is a nightmare. Med surg will make or break u.. I had a rough time but made it out. Im ready for semester 3 (pedi/ob)... Good luck!!!! Take advantage of your teachers and classmates. Get with students who are truly dedicated to studying!!! U guys will need each other..

i just got accepted into nursing school for the fall semester(aug. 2006). what can i expect during the first semester. i hear that it's the hardest one!!!
you will do great, you're previous experience will be very helpful for you as long as you can remember the "ivory tower" of the class room is not the same as the "real world" and therefore you will find yourself asking what the test question is really wanting you to know. i had field experience going in and it did help, but i had to learn to wrap my brain around the situation according to the text book.

there are enough differences from school to school, i believe it is normal for everyone to have a semester they feel was their "hardest/worst". subject content, case studies, and of course the instructor can all be different from one to the next.

1st semester is all the foundation of good health and promotion of good health for me it was one of the better semesters, i would agree w/others the biggest thing is the adaption to your life, getting organized and fitting it all together. if you haven't already you might want to read thread about what a ns needs for nursing school.

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