Advice & Tips on Starting Nursing School

Published

My lifelong dream is finally coming true. I am about to start nursing school. I am so incredibly excited about starting. January 6, 2014 is the start date of the Practical Nurse program that I have been accepted into and I cannot wait to start.

Since the age of 11 I have dreamed of becoming a nurse. I grew up in the Mennonite culture and as a lady it's not important to get an education. Since my education wasn't a priority I was home-schooled with a focus on learning how to sew, clean, cook, etc. But I wanted more for my life. I wanted to help people in their greatest time of need. So after graduating I went to the community college to meet with an Academic Advisor to find out what I needed to do to become a nurse. Because my previous education wasn't that great, I had to start upgrading from grade 8. Over the last several years I have worked and completed my upgrading to meet the requirements. On the day I got my acceptance letter I was dancing around with joy. All my hard work and sacrifices have paid off.

So, I was wondering if any of you wouldn't mind sharing your tips and/or advice on starting nursing school, how to study, stay organized...etc. Basically I want to succeed and survive in nursing school and land a great job. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Practice nclex styled questions the day that you start your nursing questions. If you are taking nursing fundamentals, then do nursing fundamental nclex questions. Do not fall behind on your reading nor procrastinate because it os hard/impossible to catch up. Eat a well balanced meal before every test, organize your home now especially if you have children. You can read chapters ahead to get a head start, pay attention and good luck.

Oh and by the way, congrats on working your way up and following your dreams :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One piece of advice you might need is to brace yourself for an emotionally challenging ride. Nurses tend to be pretty tenacious, and sometimes that tenacity can come across as abrasive. I've had some professors and colleagues who were downright abusive! Please don't allow any of the negativity you might encounter discourage you or damage your spirit. Hold on to the passion you have now and stay focused on why you want to be a nurse. This will carry you through the difficult times.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi quickvanilla, congratulations on being accepted in to nursing school. I admire your courage and determination. You are an inspiration.

I am about to start a nursing program myself. God will see us through.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi DivaLaJuicy,

Wow, thanks so much for all your helpful tips and suggestions. I love them. Especially about the nclex questions. Are there any good books or sources for nclex questions?

Since I still have some time before classes start I'm getting myself ready for the start of classes, I want to start off good.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Cosmo&Wanda,

Thank you so much for your piece of advice about the emotionally challenging ride I'll face. I appreciate getting the heads up on that. I appreciate that. How did you hold on to your passion and stay positive when things got tough?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi mazuvava, Awww thank you so much for your comment. You made my day. I am so honored being an inspiration :)

Good luck on starting nursing as well. Are you going for the RN or practical nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi DivaLaJuicy,

Wow, thanks so much for all your helpful tips and suggestions. I love them. Especially about the nclex questions. Are there any good books or sources for nclex questions?

Since I still have some time before classes start I'm getting myself ready for the start of classes, I want to start off good.

(1) The green Saunders Nclex Comp Review book

(2) Exam Cram Practice Questions Book

(3) Please try out this website, it has 3,295 free nclex questions, you could study by subject, has a lot of select all that apply questions, and gives good ratiobales.

http://nclex.wiregrass.edu/nclexpn3000/mainMenu.do;jsessionid=E10CE6DEEFDCCEDF2206E995BA7D6228

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are welcome. Iam going for the lpn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
(1) The green Saunders Nclex Comp Review book

(2) Exam Cram Practice Questions Book

(3) Please try out this website, it has 3,295 free nclex questions, you could study by subject, has a lot of select all that apply questions, and gives good ratiobales.

Main Menu - NCLEX-PN Review 3000 - Institutional Version

Thanks for the link! Good luck Quirkyvanilla! You have gotten some great advice here. I agree with the others, get organized, try to stay ahead. Be prepared emotionally and stay tough, don't take it personally! Most of all hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the info.

I'm so nervous I start my LPN program Jan 13th. And I wasn't sure what to expect. I feel like this is my last chance to get myself together and I don't want to mess anything up. This was very helpful

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

Congrats on getting accepted! ;) In Jan, I'll be beginning my LAST semester of my LPN program & although it has not been an easy road, it has definitely been worth it so far.Just some tips that I can give from personal experience is go into it with a serious mindset, as I'm sure yall will.Don't procrastinate--try to read/study a little each day.I know this is wayyyy easier said than done, especially when all of the material isn't the MOST interesting *side eye* lol.Break up your study sessions.It's alot of info to retain, so give your mind a break every hour or two when studying.Know how to apply the material to what you would do for a patient--Nursing isn't about right/wrong answers.I'm sure you all have heard, 2 of the answers will be right, but one will be "more" right (if that makes any sense lol--it's aggravating, but that's just how it goes smh).Be prepared for late nights & early mornings--but whatever you do, do NOT give up!Also, I would strongly recommend the "Made Incredibly Easy" books.They aren't too expensive on Amazon (new or used) & they really help to put the info that we're learning, into lamens terms..Which in turn, helps me to understand things for the test, as well as writing out my clinical paperwork, when I'm having to explain pathophysiology, etc, for my patient.I wish yall the best in your future as nursing students & I pray for your success!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion