Advice for n00bs

QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 25, 2012

CHILL OUT!

RN/Mom · Feb 25, 2012

Research the various programs you are applying to VERY well before you decide which one to attend so there are no surprises. If you're in an ADN program (because I can't speak for BSN programs), expect it to be the most stressful two years of your life, and figure out coping strategies (such as extra help from family) ahead of time. Be ready to temporarily make getting through school your #1 priority, and prepare family/friends/employer for this. If you work full-time, talk to your employer about whether you can take extra time off when needed or even take a leave. Be ready for days that you will be ready to cry (or actually be crying) because, despite giving 100% effort, you fail a test or are told from your clinical instructor that it just isn't "good enough." Be prepared for days where you think you're best option is just quitting, but don't -- just stick it out and it will get better! That's my best advice because those are all the things I wish I fully understood and had done before I started the LVN-RN program I am now in. Good luck to you! :)

ixchel · Feb 25, 2012

lvnmum I have a friend on my facebook who posts at least once a month that she doesn't know why she thought she could do it. She's always stressing out I'm going into a BSN program. I don't work, but I do have two kids who are younger. I'm up in the air about whether I will try to get work on campus or not. We could definitely use the money, but I could also use the sanity. I may just take out larger student loans so that I don't have to work.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 25, 2012

And I would have been much more aggressive about pursuing grants and scholarships, not loans---fifteen years after graduation, I'm STILL in debt. Yes, it's a lot of work writing essays and all that, but well worth it!

Despareux · Feb 26, 2012

Wait until my kids were in school full-time.

♑ Capricorn ♑ · Feb 26, 2012

Don't give up.