What you wish you knew before starting nursing school - Page 3

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  1. Aug 13, '12 by
    Hello Bubblejet50,

    Thank you so much for your insights. I would love to pick your brain if you ever have some free time. I will PM you.

    Thanks,
    Adrienne
  2. Aug 13, '12 by
    I would have to say you need to get experience in a healthcare setting to see if it really is something you want to do forever. If you get a bad job, don't be fooled into thinking someplace else will be better - they're all pretty much the same -
  3. Aug 13, '12 by
    That nursing is the best and the worst profession. Good luck. For me, it was the greatest. I am older now and went from nursing to law school. I will tell you working in a facility before graduation is a great idea. Not only will they know you, but you will know them. I would also recommend getting your BSN as your first degree. Many facilities will not hire a two year grad. I started out as a BSN thanks to my school nurse who told me BSN is the wave of the future. It took forty years for it to be "the future" but the future is now. Greatest wishes for a great career.
  4. Aug 13, '12 by
    Very helpful info, thanks!

    Also BSN, just starting NS.
    nurseclm likes this.
  5. Aug 14, '12 by
    Go ahead and pm me. Thats fune
  6. Aug 14, '12 by
    Thanks for everyone who's responded and I'm glad that other people have found this thread to be helpful. Keep the thoughts and comments coming!
  7. Aug 14, '12 by
    Take time for yourself. That exam question that requires critical thinking will be much easier to figure out if you've slept a least 4 hours. Figure out a regular studying pattern ASAP- home, library, with others, alone? Memorize normal lab values ASAP. Be confident on patho- I have found it a much easier time when my clinical instructor is drilling me about a patient that I am able to walk through the WHYs? And critically think what is priority and what I'm going to do about it. A solid patho background eliminates you fumbling around with those unnecessary papers and books in your pockets. Have thick skin and always be aware of what you do and don't know. ASK QUESTIONS! Don't pretend you know something in a clinical setting if you don't, it's dangerous. Spend as much time in your patients room as you can just chatting with them. Leave your troubles in the car when walking into the hospital- give every rotation 100%, even if you think it's not the speciality for you. Find carpools and study groups... You learn a ton from others experiences. Never say "I don't know", if you're not sure of something, go in your patients room and check on it. You may not know, but your instructor wants to see that you can figure the problem out yourself and have options as to why you think that is so. Keep your friends and family close. If someone tells you they think they're going to throw up... They are.
    quirkyvanilla likes this.
  8. Aug 14, '12 by
    Quote from all517
    Take time for yourself. That exam question that requires critical thinking will be much easier to figure out if you've slept a least 4 hours. Figure out a regular studying pattern ASAP- home, library, with others, alone? Memorize normal lab values ASAP. Be confident on patho- I have found it a much easier time when my clinical instructor is drilling me about a patient that I am able to walk through the WHYs? And critically think what is priority and what I'm going to do about it. A solid patho background eliminates you fumbling around with those unnecessary papers and books in your pockets. Have thick skin and always be aware of what you do and don't know. ASK QUESTIONS! Don't pretend you know something in a clinical setting if you don't, it's dangerous. Spend as much time in your patients room as you can just chatting with them. Leave your troubles in the car when walking into the hospital- give every rotation 100%, even if you think it's not the speciality for you. Find carpools and study groups... You learn a ton from others experiences. Never say "I don't know", if you're not sure of something, go in your patients room and check on it. You may not know, but your instructor wants to see that you can figure the problem out yourself and have options as to why you think that is so. Keep your friends and family close. If someone tells you they think they're going to throw up... They are.

    Best answer yet!! All true!
  9. Aug 15, '12 by
    Quote from all517
    If someone tells you they think they're going to throw up... They are.
    haha...love this!
    nyteshade likes this.
  10. Aug 17, '12 by
    Thanks for all the thoughts and comments!