A few thoughts on Nursing School.

ShineyNickelRN · Sep 25, 2012

Have you ever thought that maybe some people do need to hear this too? I have reasons for feeling the way I do about nursing school. I am not a brainiac, I have to work hard to learn the material. I just can't read something and know it (i know of a few who can). So for me it is alot of work because I have to put forth more effort. And thankfully the effort is paying off because I am doing pretty well in school so far. And you may just be lucky enough to be one of those super smart people that get's something the first time your read it. I don't know. But, there are people out there that may be like me and it may be more work for them than others.

Another thing that I have seen is there are quite a few people I go to school with that are taking nursing school a little lightly and have failed all the test so far and they can't figure out why. And I am not trying to accuse them of taking it lightly. They have told me so themselves. The first tests we had some of the students told me they never cracked the book or even looked at their notes until the morning of the test and then they failed. So yes, there are people that are not taking it seriously. So I have reasons for my insane little post. There are just some people (including myself) that just need to realize that nursing school is no joke and to take it seriously.

missk88 · Sep 25, 2012

My only qualm is "kissing your social life goodbye." Maybe your social life won't be as extensive, but if you don't make any time, what-so-ever, you're going to be absolutely miserable and even more stressed out. Going for a twenty minute stroll with a friend while you grab a cup of coffee isn't going to determine your success. It's good to give your brain little breaks here and there so you don't burn out. As for sleep, maybe at some points it won't be as much as it should, but getting good rest should be a priority.I've found that when I pull an all nighter studying I don't do as well as if I sleep part of the night then study. A fresh brain is much more apt to retain information.

pixiestudent2 · Sep 25, 2012

I've been in nursing school a month now and my life has remained the same... But I suspect it is going to get a lot harder.

ames86 · Sep 25, 2012

I have been in nursing school a little over a month and I don't find it that bad. I found a way to make my schedule around my husband and 2 kids, working, and study time. I don't have as much free time as I once did but I do have time for other things. So far I have made all A's so it seems to be working for me.

Stephalump · Sep 25, 2012

Good grief. The op was just sharing her point of view. If you've found otherwise, congrats. I'm sure there are variables. It takes more work to make an A than a B. People handle various amounts of stress differently. First semester of nursing school is different than third. 5 kids is different than none. Different professors come with different work loads.

If you really need a gold star for still having a social life, they sell them in the office supply section of Walmart.

sapphire18 · Sep 25, 2012

Love this post! This was how I found nursing school, too, although I often worked weekend evening shifts and would then meet up with my friends later (barring any huge test or paper coming up), so I sorta had a social life.. just not during the week. But I also lived with my friends near campus so it was easier to see them:)

Good luck, and keep enjoying school!!

rubato, ASN, RN · Sep 25, 2012

I was not, in any way, discounting the OPs experience. I was, however, stating that MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE is different. It's okay to have different view points and outlooks. Nursing school isn't very hard for me. That's okay. It is harder for others. That's also okay. I didn't attack or belittle. I am not tooting my own horn, just stating that there are different viewpoints. If people can't handle hearing someone disagree with them, they need to start learning to accept things. OP, a lot of my fellow students would wholeheartedly agree with you. They are stressed, and have no life left other than school. It's just not everyone's experience.

SoCal student · Sep 26, 2012

I don't need recognition for having a social life, I will, however, take a gold star for trying to help ease some of the anxiety future/new students may acquire from hearing things like this.

Carlalily · Sep 26, 2012

I don't need recognition for having a social life, I will, however, take a gold star for trying to help ease some of the anxiety future/new students may acquire from hearing things like this.

Thank You!!!!! So much

PNicholas · Sep 26, 2012

I love how the OP catches the essence of the confusion/stress/exhilaration of the first month of nursing school! OP I am super smart....yet I too study my tail off. I study every day! Why? I want A's and I want to KNOW my information! That doesn't make us dumb...it makes us great future nurses! Remember your enthusiasm because (I'm 3rd semester) some days you will need it. I have four kids, a husband, a job, and I take evening classes. Some times I don't get to go to every social engagement. Some times I have to miss a school play. Sometimes I have a basket of laundry to wash and a sink full of dishes. I have a great group of friends that I met in nursing school and some days they are the only ones who "get" me! Nursing school will make you cry, curse, feel defeated, rejoice, celebrate, and think that you have lost your mind! Never forget why you are here and don't forget to laugh!