I want to do well in nursing school...any advice

applewhitern, BSN, RN · May 21, 2013

I was incredibly motivated while in nursing school, because my company folded and I couldn't find a job. That was in the 80's. I quit smoking cigarettes, quit social drinking, put blinders on, and went for it. I also had 2 small kids, but they needed me to be able to provide for them, and nursing was the pathway to that (at that time.) My family wanted me to go into engineering~ boy how I wish I had listened to them! But, that's another story. Really, in nursing school, you pretty much have to let everything else go. I watched my SIL get her Master's in Education while I was in nursing school, and it was so easy, compared to my nursing program.

loveSBK · May 23, 2013

Thank you guys. I am definitely motivated and its been a long time coming. I really appreciate your replies and Im learning from each one of you. I know it will be tough, and the instructors will nit neccessarily be nice but im ok with that as long as I reach my goal. I just got all my books, including the saunders nclex review, and I will definitely will be using it to help me along my studies. I hope I can do well, I will definitely have to adjust my studying habits (for my BS in Biology, I literally studied the night before exams and my hardest topic was physics, everything else was smooth sailing). And I will have to get used to the idea of my gpa taking a hit, but all will be worth it. Thank you again!!!! Ill let you guys know how the first day goes!!! :nailbiting:

murberry · May 24, 2013

Nursing school is grueling and I can't even think of anything to equate it to. The instructors are supposed to be "rude" because if you can't cut it in school, you are definitely not going to cut it as a nurse.
My advice is to study, make note cards/flash cards. Watch YouTube videos to help reinforce or add a new twist to things. There are also websites with mnemonics to help you memorize things like the 12 cranial nerves or the 10,004 signs and symptoms you're being tested on in two weeks!. If this hasn't scared the "you know what" out of you yet you'll need to give up a huge part, if not all, of your social life too (that is if you don't have a photographic memory).......sorry! You'll also need to learn how to prioritize everything from practicing skills check-offs to blowing your nose!
I purchased a NCLEX review book and an app to practice questions (while waiting in line at the grocery store to waiting for a doctor appointment) from a relevant section before an exam. They helped me learn but also helped me to get used to answering the questions they ask on the exams.
Good luck! It can be done! I did it while raising 2 kids and working (part-time).

Awesome techniques! :) thanks for sharing. I love how there are great people like you out there to share your experience. :)