Advice Please!

RNinthemaking15 · Jun 21, 2013

I've been taking pre-requistes for the past 2 years. I applied into the only program I've ever had interest in and got in first try thankfully-- It can be a very long process. My advice to you would be:

1. If this is your dream, don't give up! I've seen so many people apply and not get in, then say "Maybe it's not for me" and move on to some other career they are not passionate about.

2. If you haven't gotten into a program and have yet to take your pre-requisites, try to take them or at least most of them first. I haven't started my program yet but honestly from all sources I have heard from it sounds pretty intense. At least if you're only taking nursing classes you can focus on only that.

3. Stay calm! I am a person with extreme test anxiety! I have found numerous ways to cope and try and stay focused.

And last but not least- don't beat yourself up too much! Everyone wants to exit a course with an 'A' but sometimes it just isn't realistic. I've passed some things with a B- and beat myself up pretty badly over that.. But I made it into a program.

Best of luck to you in your endeavors!!

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 21, 2013

Don't set your grade expectations too high.. Nursing school is tough; just focus on learning, retaining, and APPLYING what you are taught.

If I could do over, I would have done a lot more "optional" labs, in-services, etc. I would recommend getting involved in student nurse associations (SNA). Not only will it add to your learning, it will give you more of a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

The job market is not good for new grads Hoping this will change for you by the time you graduate.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 21, 2013

Oh, and welcome to All Nurses! We are glad you're here; there is some great info for pre-nursing and student nurses on this site :)