What is nursing school really like?

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi! I am currently a teacher, but i have applied to an accelerated 2nd degree program. I am really nervous/curious about what nursing school is really like. I have a few questions, and was wondering if anyone could help.

1. I have read a few stories on here about it being so stressful and impossible that many students are on anti depressants. Is this normally the case?

2. When I was in college for education, none of my classes prepared me for actually "teaching in the classroom" (ie how to make lesson plans, manage behaviors, set up a gradebook etc -- yeah the basic stuff!!) It was like a shock that first year on my own because I felt like my education was all based on school theory and research. Is this what I can expect in nursing school - like not much actual experience being a nurse and the skills involved in everyday care? Will I be shocked when I get in a real world job situation?

If either of these are the case, what can I do to better prepare myself mentally/ emotionally/physically for the demands that will be placed on me in the next few years??

thanks~

I am currently in nursing school (first semester, just started 01/17/07) and thus far, it doesn't seem too bad. I've read the fourms on this site prior to starting tmy BSN program and I was scared out of my mind! The only thing that I am currently struggling with is time management. I'm 32 years old, have a 10 year old son and I'm used to working AND going to school. Now, I'm just going to school and I have all this free time and I'm not used to it. I've managed to put myself on a schedule and is now somewhat getting into a routine. There is a lot of reading, and I'm caught up thus far. I'm already 2 weeks ahead in my Patho class. I am currently in Assessment and I make sure I do all the assigned reading and have my lab write up's completed a week in advance.

My program is at a hospital in my area and I interact with other nursing students who are on their last semester and they all seem ok. Also, our school has an accerelated BSN program and I have a friend that is currently in this program doing very well. I also talk with Graduate Nurses and they all seem to be ok.

I think you just have to determine for yourself. Like you, I listened to everyone under the sun regarding nursing school and it freaked me out. Thus far, it's been ok. I know it will eventually get harder and I'm very well prepared for that.

Good luck to you!

I just started semester 3 out of 4 and it hasn't been that bad. It does require discipline as there is a lot to do but it's not overly stressful for me. Some days I have to put basically my entire day into it and others I have a lot more relaxation.

Good luck!

Specializes in RN, Cardiac Step Down/Tele Unit.

Accelerated programs also get the reputation for not preparing you clinically. I am halfway through my accelerated BSN program and that is definitely not true. We do the same number of clinical hours as the regular BSN students, just in a shorter time frame and more clinicals per semester. Accelerated programs are not easy, but are doable. You just have to realize that your life outside of school will be limited for 15 months (or 18 or whatever). You can still have a life outside of school (I spent today doing "retail therapy" rather than studying, but the rest of my week is shot), but you have to be very organized and be willing to work very hard.

I do not find that nursing school contributes to people needing antidepressants. Those who do end up on meds are likely those who would have ended up on them anyway, at least if you believe that mental disorders are biochemically based. Sure, the stress of NS can push you over that fine line to where you need meds if you were borderline, but the stress of life in general would have likely done the same if you took NS out of the picture.

Good luck!

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I think a lot depends on your personality and how you are able to roll with the flow. You've got a degree so you have some idea of the tenaciousness it takes to just see something through. All jobs are stressful to some degree, and for me, I know I couldn't handle teaching and the parents and some of the kids and the amount of work involved both in and out of the classroom!

I just started my second semester of NS and haven't heard anyone say they're on meds....sometimes I think I could use them, but it's more about my personal home life than anything to do with school!!

The time involvement varies as others have mentioned....I'm in an ASN program as I was very fearful of an accelerated program and at this point in my life, wasn't sure I could handle the intensity...but I really think the 6 units that we enrolled in for first semester should've been listed as about 15 units!! Sometimes it felt like there was that much work required! And a lot of it wasn't classroom time!!

I have an bachelor's in MIS and spent 6 years in the IT field. Nursing school is so unlike anything else I have ever done, but I just keep thinking that if others can do this, then so can I.

Best wishes!!

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