Ask me anything!

skellyfutureNP · Dec 12, 2013

I would really like to know what can I expect on my first semester? Is all the hype true? By hype I mean will I have a life or will it be 7 days a week studying 4 and 5 hours a day?

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

I think the hype depends on what kind of student you are. Do you get understand material the first time, or do you have to study? Do you have a proven method of studying, or do you just kinda do well no matter what? I was an A student going in, and I'm an A student coming out of this first semester. I studied more than I ever had in my life, but it felt like the studying was necessary and important. I needed this information to provide better care for my patients.

With that being said, I still watched my television shows, took my son to Judo (Unless it was the day before the test), and got 7 hours of sleep. But I don't work. I also gave up cooking because I just didn't have the time.

The problem with telling you exactly how it will be is that the learning environment is different for each individual. Here is a good way to judge what it will be like. Go to your college bookstore and ask to see the Fundamentals of Nursing book for the first semester nursing students. Look at it, open it up and see the size 8 font it is written in. It's a lot of material. Great. Now read that in the next 15 weeks and be able to explain most of it. That's just a small part of nursing school. However, it might give you an idea of what to expect academically.

Also, I was pretty cocky going into the first test. I was an A student who didn't really have to put any effort into studying. I got an 86 on that first test. It was a great wake-up call.

ryanalice · Dec 12, 2013

I'm just finishing up my 2nd semester of nursing school. (And 1st semester of clinical.) I find it is really hard. There is just so much material and there are no shortcuts to learning it all for the tests. I'm going to try to really stay ahead of the game next semester. Don't leave all of the studying until the test is coming up - do it as you go. More prepared is better than less. I'm hoping by trying harder with that next semester I can cut down on some of the stress and panic.

I love clinical! Which is good because that's what we will all be doing once we graduate. You get used to the gross stuff really fast. Working with patients is so cool! I was super nervous at first but it's awesome.

I am a mom and in my 30s. I do think that helped, just because I've encountered a bunch of things as a mom, or just in my life. That said, it also makes it tough because I have a lot I'm trying to juggle. So I guess there are both pros and cons to going to nursing school while being a parent.

Anex Jose · Dec 12, 2013

hii ,

i have applied for CAP , NZ and got the Decision letter (Approval/ Eligibility letter ), but due to some personal problem i could not be able to commence the program with in the prescribed time , I want know whether it is possible to extend the validity of the program , if yes what are its procedures for the extension of the Decision letter

nursepenelope · Dec 12, 2013

How do you get a job in the hospital. ..ob to be specific?

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

hii ,
i have applied for CAP , NZ and got the Decision letter (Approval/ Eligibility letter ), but due to some personal problem i could not be able to commence the program with in the prescribed time , I want know whether it is possible to extend the validity of the program , if yes what are its procedures for the extension of the Decision letter

I have no idea. You would have to contact your program coordinator at the school you applied to.

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

How do you get a job in the hospital. ..ob to be specific?

I am a first semester student and I have no idea.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

As you have not started nursing yet, I am wondering what you love about it.

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

As you have not started nursing yet, I am wondering what you love about it.

Well, I really love clinical days. I like interacting with the patients and helping them, although I do know that in the real world of nursing that lovely one on one time with a patient ceases to exist, right now I feel I can make a difference. I've been able to spend what amount of time is needed teaching my patients and helping them understand exactly how to use oxygen, how to self-cath, and nutrition. I like to find the answers to their questions because I am allowed that luxury.

I understand that it's not "real" nursing, since I am only a nursing student and I couldn't possibly understand all the complexities that is involved with the nursing you do, since that has to be the point you are trying to get across. How could a nursing student possibly love nursing? But I appreciate being able to answer your question. So let me rephrase my love of nursing: Thus far in my limited amount of time on the clinical site, I have really enjoyed being a student nurse. But I would rather my love of nursing began when I was a student, because if it doesn't start there, that enjoyment might never come.

Marsha238612 · Dec 12, 2013

Missmollie: dumb question now

Do you think I should buy a rolling backpack?! Did you?! I'm not too fond of the idea:)

Sent via my iPhone using allnurses.com ❤️

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

Missmollie: dumb question now
Do you think I should buy a rolling backpack?! Did you?! I'm not too fond of the idea:)
Sent via my iPhone using allnurses.com ❤️

I bought a rolling backpack and I used it once. Then I went to my normal satchel that I carry, choosing to not take my books to school. If you are going to study at school, it might be worthwhile, but if you think you won't take your books to school, I wouldn't bother.

GrandmaRN2b · Dec 13, 2013

I am starting my nursing classes in January and I am soooo nervous. Do you have any recommendations for supplemental books that helped you? Thank you starting this thread!!!