why is nursing school like childbirth?

maureeno · Jul 20, 2003

human beings, we love to tell our battle stories!

good luck

Bevi · Jul 20, 2003

maureeno..... ah i see..... kind of like... "see what i overcame!"

cool........

yes, cool )

bedpan · Jul 20, 2003

Are people trying to scare me? Or just trying to PREPARE me?

Maybe a lil' of both? LOL

Thinking some of it is kind of like the old "You think YOU have it rough? - When I was in school we had to walk 14 miles uphill in the snow every day - both going and coming - - - " lol

But remember also it is not a cakewalk - No one can just expect to just waltz in and breeze through a Nursing Program! There will be a LOT of hard work, a lot of stress, a lot of dedication required.

We started with 30 students, we now have 25 at the end of the 7th week - First semester Finals begin in 3 weeks so if any one has below a 76 avg. in any course after taking the final for that course our total number of students will drop again.

The reasons people have dropped varies - grades, personal problems, even because they could not or would not dedicate enough time to the Program over their family during this time.

It is tough to ask I guess, but the way I see it is to be a Nurse should be a "calling" not just a career - If someone can't dedicate themself to it during school they will never do so, and quite frankly don't need to be wasting their time in a Nursing Program.

To me, being a Nurse means dedicating yourself to the PATIENTS - that means over self, over family, over co-workers, over bosses, over the job itself. Lives can and will depend on it. That is dedication and has to be evident from the start - Whatever it takes - that's what I am gonna give.

Now, I am just a lowly student - there is a whole lot I don't know - Maybe I am just being naive - Maybe I have my head in the clouds and when reality hits me I will have my beliefs knocked way back down -

Boy I sure do hope not.

memphispanda, RN · Jul 20, 2003

Well, I listened to all the horror stories and found absolutely no one who had anything good to say about nursing school. Plenty who liked their job once they got out though. I listened to them talk about how miserable and awful it was and thought they were either exaggerating or maybe not as bright as I thought they were or something. Boy did I realize I was wrong. For me, it's not so much that it is difficult (it is, but not mind-numbingly so) it's all the paperwork and outside stuff and organization that makes me crazy. I think maybe they ARE trying to prepare you so you don't go in thinking nursing school is just like any other school.

Bevi · Jul 20, 2003

"Well, I listened to all the horror stories and found absolutely no one who had anything good to say about nursing school"

Yes, that's been my experience too...it makes me nervous...i was so excited... and now it's this big (horrible?) thing looming......lol

I find myself anticipating hell.

I don't mind hard work though... and i'm dedicated, soi know i'lll be ok....

right now its all just a big unknown.

In less than a month...many of my questions will be answered i guess!

shelleybelle · Jul 20, 2003

Well, I don't have that many horror stories! I mean yes, it was hard & stressful but NO WHERE NEAR what I expected it to be! I was even told not to go through this particular program because it was so hard. Well, I graduate on Tues night and now that it's all said & done, I can't remember the bad stuff - just like childbirth! Good luck... and whatever you do - DONT QUIT!

Hardknox · Jul 20, 2003

Actually nursing school is a cakewalk compared to being a nurse!!!

Jen2 · Jul 20, 2003

This is my two cents. I look at it like this. Most nursing students are non-traditional. Many of us did not take advanced classes in H.S., therefore making a college Chem. class a huge deal (and it is). I have only been out of H.S. for 7 years and did not do half the things in my general classes that my cousin who just graduated did. She disected a cat in her regular biology class. I on the other hand had never heard of such a thing until my Anatomy class. So yes I do believe it is like childbirth to us, because even though it has only been seven years since I have been in H.S., so much has changed, and they are teaching more advanced classes each year. Therefore, every class we take is a milestone for us. Some of us have been out of school for 20 years or more. Some of us have children and work full time. We are proud of our accomplishments and should be. Therefore giving us bragging rights when we finish a really tough semester.

Carolanne · Jul 20, 2003

I was at the hairdresser's the other day and the girl was taking out the perm rods from my hair. Another girl came over to help. They started to quibble about which way she was opening them to remove them. The one girl said "that's the way I was taught and that's the way I know". Then they got into "your teacher could never have been meaner than mine, she was sent straight from hell to teach beauty school." It just made me smile, they were comparing battle scars over beauty school and it made me realize that a lot of people who make it through a course or school which was a challenge for them will always say "just you wait"!! Just like stories about marriage, having kids, on and on. People want you to think they deserve a medal. Just stick to your own goals, work at your own pace, give it your best shot.

When you've done your best, that is the best!!

happystudent, RN · Jul 21, 2003

hey Bevi!

Just curious.....have you worked as a CNA? or are you entering Rn school cooold turkey?

sen

essarge · Jul 21, 2003

Do I hear "Breath!!!!!!!!" LOL!! I found the trials and "errors" of nursing school and life to be very challenging. Yes, life decided to throw me some major loops since I started but I survived. Now I am in my senior year and know that there will be more challenges but, God willing, I will make it! I found that by taking one day at a time helped me immensely. That being said, I am not a nice person for about a week before finals!!! LOL!

You will find that your priorities will change daily. Sometimes what you really wanted to do has to be put on the back burner for awhile. You will get tired of reading, but you have to. Your diet will change to "high stress" foods. And finally, when an instructor says something to you that you would normally argue about, you learn to keep your mouth shut.

You will survive however and be proud of yourself for all of your accomplishments!