Accepted into nursing school but afraid

Published

Hello,

Before I begin let me give some insight on my college experience.

I graduated HS in 2015 and knew I wanted to be a nurse. I ended up attending a local private school, that was extremely expensive, as a pre-nursing student. All freshman pre-nursing students were guaranteed a seat in the nursing program as long as they got the appropriate grades. I ended up losing my seat because I got a C- in AP 2. My grades in other courses were not stellar either. I was devastated and embarrassed. I could have still entered the nursing program later on, but I would be competing with people for left over seats. I decided to not waste money transfer to a much cheaper state school as a biology major as they did not have nursing. Im in NY by the way and live in the lower Hudson Valley, where all of the other state schools with nursing are either too far away for my liking or too competitive (CUNYs). At that point I had given up on nursing, but I knew I wanted to work in the medical field. At my new school I got my sh*t together and Im sitting at a 3.5 right now. I am also about to graduate. Before my senior year began my heart turned towards nursing again and I decided to take a chance and apply to an associates program at SUNY Orange. Deep down I felt like I was not good enough to get in because I heard it was competitive. Surprisingly, I got in! It's been about a week since I got the news and my excitement has shifted to nervousness and fear. This is a difficult program, as it should be. This is my second chance and I don't want to mess it up, but can't help to feel like I will. What are some ways I could calm my nerves? Also, do you have any tips on how to survive the first semester?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you find that you are an anxious person generally? Nursing school increases anxiety for more people. I think looking at helps for anxiety might be a good way to go. "The Feeling Good Handbook" is a decent self-help book that deals with anxiety.

Nursing school is very intense but it is doable. I suggest looking at every assignment as a learning opportunity and deciding before you start to never put in just the bare minimum.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi!!!

I went into nursing school feeling the same exact way! I know it’s scary but you can definitely do it! One thing that helped me is finding a group of friends in the same nursing program. I honestly don’t think we would have survived without each other. It’s really important to have help from your classmates! You’ll find yourself explaining things to them just as much as they are to you. Also try your best to get on your professors’ good side. If they see how hard you are trying and how much you want it they will be more likely to help you. If you put in the time to study you’ll be just fine!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not quite the same situation, but I went into nursing school about 10 years ago, I struggled while I was in the program, got C's in the first two nursing classes and then failed out missing the minimum passing grade by 2 points. I had done ok in the other pre-req courses, but not stellar. I went on to finish my bachelors in social work with a 3.9 and got a masters in Applied behavior analysis with a 3.8 while working 40-60 hours a week. I'm getting ready to start applying for nursing schools and while I'm more confident that now is a better time, I'm also pretty nervous about failing again. I think you should definitely take a chance and I agree with working to make sure you have a good group of friends in the program and reaching out to make connections with the professors.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 4/9/2019 at 6:27 PM, Matthew RN said:

Do you find that you are an anxious person generally? Nursing school increases anxiety for more people. I think looking at helps for anxiety might be a good way to go. "The Feeling Good Handbook" is a decent self-help book that deals with anxiety.

Nursing school is very intense but it is doable. I suggest looking at every assignment as a learning opportunity and deciding before you start to never put in just the bare minimum.

Thank you. I will look into that book.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
2 hours ago, bmaRN said:

Hi!!!

I went into nursing school feeling the same exact way! I know it’s scary but you can definitely do it! One thing that helped me is finding a group of friends in the same nursing program. I honestly don’t think we would have survived without each other. It’s really important to have help from your classmates! You’ll find yourself explaining things to them just as much as they are to you. Also try your best to get on your professors’ good side. If they see how hard you are trying and how much you want it they will be more likely to help you. If you put in the time to study you’ll be just fine!

Thank you. I will be sure to get a great group of friends.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey! Just wondering how it's going at SUNY Orange. I recently applied, but I don't know anyone who has any experience with the program. Curious to see how you like it. Also, was wondering how long after you applied you got accepted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
25 minutes ago, anniegrace said:

Hey! Just wondering how it's going at SUNY Orange. I recently applied, but I don't know anyone who has any experience with the program. Curious to see how you like it. Also, was wondering how long after you applied you got accepted.

Hey! I do love the program. I am in nursing 2 and pharm now. It is really challenging compared to other schools in the area, but they are preparing you to be the best nurse you can be. They love us at clinicals as opposed to students from other schools. This program is do-able. We lost many people in nursing 1 though. I applied in October and I got accepted by the end of march. The deadline was February 1st. If you have anymore questions I would be happy to help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much! I'm glad to hear you love it. Now to keep my fingers crossed that I get in! What is your schedule like? Are you working while in the program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
9 minutes ago, anniegrace said:

Thanks so much! I'm glad to hear you love it. Now to keep my fingers crossed that I get in! What is your schedule like? Are you working while in the program?

YOU WILL GET IN! The schedule in one day lab, another day clinical, and one day lecture. Everyone has lecture on Monday but the other 2 can be any day. Yes I do work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion