Published Mar 29, 2012
tammy_zeidan09
175 Posts
I am on cloud 9.
I just got accepted to the school of my choice. I am ecstatic beyond belief right now.
I would have been devastated if I didn't get accepted, even though I can reapply, I just would have been so crushed.
I am 19 years old, single mom of an 8 month old. I am currently a CNA on my way to become a RN! I thank God for getting accepted into the program after studying my ass of for the TEAS and passing all my pre reqs with As!
Now my concern:
Everyone in nursing school scares me from how hard it is. I get that it is no joke. I am the book smart kinda girl who always has my head in the books studying for weeks, if not months, before an exam. Though, I hear how common it is for people to fail out of Nursing school. I consider myself to be an "average" student, but the way others describe it to be, is as if you can't be "average" you have to be a genius.
So I post this topic to you Nursing Students for your experience. I get the nursing is TOUGH. For goodness sake, it's medical and involves saving lives..of course it'd be tough. But is something that "average" students cannot get through. I know that prrobably sounds dumb..but I would love to hear true stories and experiences. I am so ecstatic, yet so scared.
Anyway to prepare myself?
Thanks so much in advance.
toucheturtle
46 Posts
I'm currently in nursing school - I've completed my first two quarters. I'm averaging around 3.7-4.0 in my classes. I don't think you need to be a brainiac to succeed in nursing school, you just need to work hard. Make sure you keep up with the work and study whenever you have the opportunity. Don't put off studying or completing assignments because you'll find that it will pile up quickly. Nursing school moves fast, and you really can't let yourself fall behind.
When you're in the middle of clinicals and medsurg, it gets a little crazy. You will have some very late nights during those terms.
Just keep your head down, your eye on the prize, and you'll do just fine.
Good luck and congratulations!
tigo
34 Posts
Congratulations. It seems like you have a lot to succeed in Nursing school for and I think with your habits you will do great!! Good luck!
aachavez
341 Posts
Congrats on getting accepted! It was only a few months ago that I fould out I was accepted, and I know exactly how you feel. I've only been going since January (just finnished my first quarter, A&P1, Microbiology and Human Bio) and I'm loving it. I was never a stellar student in high school and previously in community college, however I never applied myself. Just did enough to get by ok, and enjoyed my time doing other fun stuff.
Its been a few years since I've been in school, so it was a big adjustment. I would have to say my biggest advantage is not working, or having other major responsibilites. I really buckled down, and worked my tail off for my A's. It was difficult, and I know it's just the beginning, but I made thru the first part. Tho I'm still a new student, I do have some of the best advice i've been given to pass on.
It will be hard, give yourself enough time to study and do your homework and really learn. (memorizing for the next test just won't cut it anymore).
Work as little (or not at all) as you can. You will have lots of reading and studying to do.
The job market where I am (and alot of other places as well) is extremely competitive for new grads (there are tons of jobs out there, but most require some experience) SO... When you're in clinicals, treat it as an interview. You never know who's watching and may be in a position to help you get a job someday. Volunteer if you can at a hospital or clinic, more networking opportunities!
Make friends with your classmates, form a study group, but also socialize. I've made some great friends, and they really help de-stress after a tough exam!
Searching around this site, you will find some other great advice or knowledge, and take in as much of it as you can. Read outside materials, continue to always LEARN as much as you can!
Remember, you've made it this far, and if you can focus on your goals, you will be able to acheive them. Some things will come easier to you than others, and you will question yourself if you can 'really do it'. It can be done, and even an 'average student' can do well and succeed. Continue to give school everything you've got, and you'll be great.
shirley123amos
19 Posts
I feel the same way!! I was accepted to Moraine Valley, is that were you are going too? I have two kids, ages 5 and 3, and I know how hard that can be when you are trying to study hard. I would love to meet other people who will be in nursing school with me who also want to do the very best they can in nursing school :)
JBudd, MSN
3,836 Posts
A little worrying is okay, because it makes you pay attention to what needs to be done. Major worry just gives you ulcers.
God knows, you don't have to be a genius to be a nurse! But a good brain does come into play, lol.
What it takes is hard work, willingness to study, and actually cracking open the books. Sit up front if you can, (don't think I can't see people texting and goofing off in the back rows), participate in discussions (so what if you say something wrong, now I know what I need to clarify more). Ask for help when you need it.
And, be sure to take some time for yourself and the baby every week. You'll study better for having some time to relax and decompress.
I have been aceepted to Moraine, as well!!! =]
Thank you all so much for your replies!!! It rreallly means tons to me. I am so excited to start! =]
Thats awsome!! Im so excited for orientation :) We will have to form a study group so we can all support eachother!!
May 4, right?!
Did you drop off your verification card yet? I'm going tomorrow! I hope we see each other and are able to study together..
So nervous! It feels to good to be true.
What did you get on your TEAS, even though that doesn't matter now.
May 4, right?!Did you drop off your verification card yet? I'm going tomorrow! I hope we see each other and are able to study together..So nervous! It feels to good to be true.What did you get on your TEAS, even though that doesn't matter now.
Yes May 4th, can't wait!! Im dropping mine off today since I have class :) I got an 83% overall on my TEAS but an 80% in math and a 77.1% in science...plus the 3 points! So not the greatest but enough to get :) I will PM you my name so we can meet at orientation! It will be real then, still feels like a dream!
Did you take it once or twice? I only took mine once. I was kicking myself in the head bc I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the TEAS all over. I know I would hate myself forever if I didn't get accepted, bc I would have thought, "If only I retook it."
Thank God!
Sounds good!! =] Hopwfully we'll distinguish each other amongst the other 46 students. What building is orientation in again? M? or B?