What is 4th semester like?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 7, 2017

Hi all,
I am going into 4th semester this fall. My WHOLE CLASS is extremely nervous. I was told its a lot of cardiac which I am okay with. I know the flow of the heart, heart conditions, how to (somewhat) read EKGs and interpret the arrhythmia (I learned this in one youtube video the other day).
My med-surg class in second semester was HORRIBLE! It was SO unorganized, the professors ALWAYS argued in front of us, lectures were horrible (basically read off slides), we were confused if they wanted us to know the book or the real-life study (this is what professors were arguing over too). It was just a MESS. we felt like we were set up to fail. We complained to the dean. She ended up leaving though during this past spring semester.
I am just SO worried because of how bad med-surg was. It was truly rough. It was so fast-paced too.
I don't know what to expect for 4th semester. I am a VERY shy person, and I have a hard time communicating with patients (therapeutic) although I sometimes click with patients because they understand where I'm coming from. I'm a quiet person (always have been and I've truly tried to come out of my comfort zone). When I get nervous, I mess up and I HATE it. I feel so dumb! I start getting hot, sweaty, my heart beats so fast, every time!
I know I will survive 4th semester since I've survived all 3 semesters with high B's. I want to review all of med-surg to prepare for 4th but I don't know where to start. Pathophysiology class was SO much info, I couldn't retain all of it. Some I could because one of the professors was SO good at her lectures while they other LITERALLY read off a piece of paper and I just couldn't stand listening and I had a hard time learning from her lectures. Also, all lectures are online but they review fast during class.

Unfortunately none of us can really tell you what to expect for your last semester- it's going to be specific to your school and possibly even to which instructor(s) you have. You said second semester was bad, but didn't mention anything about 3rd. What about what you've heard from the class that just finished 4th semester? Try to keep a positive outlook- attitude does have a lot of influence. And remember- nursing school is only temporary.

My MAIN concern in the real nursing world .. is forgetting the info I've learned and HOW to explain the pathophysiology to my patients about their condition (in a nutshell to where they can understand it). If I don't understand or know it, how will my patients? I don't want my patients feeling uncomfortable with someone that doesn't REMEMEBER what is going on with their body. I've tried notecards and I can't study like that. I'm hearing impaired (deaf in my left ear) so I learn better visually and by on-hands. I have a hard time sitting down and studying, concentrating. I've never been diagnosed with ADD but I've struggled with studying and learning due to lack of concentration.

The nice thing about the real world is that you don't have to remember everything. You're allowed to look at information, and in fact probably expected to, as many facilities have approved education materials that should be gone over with patients. Mine does, and we aren't supposed to use outside information beyond what's already been approved.

Does anyone else feel this way? I don't know how to come out of my comfort zone, or how to talk to my patients correctly.

I'm sure there are many others in the same boat. Practice makes perfect- you can role play with another student or even just another friend or family member.

I know I got off topic a little here, I apologize. I just need to vent with someone. I get so scared every semester. I look forward to the worst all the time and I just panic and freeze up and gt hot and sweaty and all of that. I feel like I'm so stupid. At times I feel like dropping out of nursing school.

Sometimes venting is healthy. However, effective coping methods can help with the panic and being scared. Is it triggered by something specific? A general feeling? Based on that, take a look at what methods others have used that you think might help.

AuburnNurse3 · Jun 14, 2017

I do not think "worry" is the term you should apply to your thoughts on patients receiving care from you one day as a nurse. Every nurse starts at the same point in their career. You need to focus on controlling what you can, when you can, and consult with other nurses, mid levels, and providers to sharpen your clinical skills and knowledge. You do not necessarily have to consult Suzy who has been a nurse for 100 years to gain valuable knowledge. Nurses with 3,5,10 years experience can offer just as much as one with 25. And in my opinion it doesn't matter how long you have been practicing...per say...experience is obviously a key factor in gaining confidence and competence, but also continuing to read, research, advance education, attend conferences, etc. will help develop you as a nurse and a student nurse. As a nurse you can never quit learning. Keep working hard. You obviously made it to fourth semester for a reason. & remember this: When you feel like quitting just remember you are almost there.

Purple_roses · Jun 15, 2017

If you've gotten this far, you're ready for 4th semester. You are smart enough to learn and retain the info, and I think the key is organization (at least that was the key for me).

What plans do you have for staying organized? You mentioned that your previous M/S experience was horrible because you felt disorganized. What strategies have you implemented to improve this?

xmilkncookiesx, RN · Jun 15, 2017

You mentioned that your previous M/S experience was horrible because you felt disorganized

No, it wasn't the students that was disorganized. It was the professors, the material they provided was just so unorganized. The whole class complained to the dean (honestly, not sure if it was dean or DON because it was just interchangeable to them since we previously didn't have a DON until now). but even then, they didn't do anything to help us with the professors.

For now, we are trying to review everything this summer that we TRIED to learn in med-surg. I'm reviewing old powerpoints, researching, youtube'ing, etc. Whatever I can to prepare for fourth and NCLEX. Even bought a NCLEX book (which I LOVE) that has review of each system, meds, etc. So I am definitely doing everything I can

When I get anxiety, I tend to cry. I don't know why! I've never had this until second semester. Now every time before SIM, presentations, etc., I get really anxious.