Advice for a student entering an ABSN program

robynmjay · Dec 13, 2015

Hi vivaciousjo!

I am ONE WEEK away from graduating from an ABSN program. It is a rigorous 15 months but manageable if you focus your energy in the right places. I have managed to keep a 3.95 plus volunteering and now working per diem as an NA. my program felt very disorganized, but I hear that's just what nursing school is like. Patho and med-surg were the most challenging classes but also the best classes. They are hard but so so so fascinating as that's the bulk of nursing science.

Make friends and have fun! There was a lot of negativity and complaining in my program. I understand letting off steam every know and then, but it started to bog me down. I cut the whiners out and found some people who made me laugh so hard I cried. That's been crucial to my wellbeing.

You will have lots and lots of homework including tedious care plans. Try to be inspired by what you're doing nothing and studying. You're gonna be a nurse! It should spark some interest in you!

I recommend not getting the MSN just yet. To each her own of course but my idea of nursing and my career in nursing is a little different than it was when I was applying. It might save you money and time to get the BSN and start working at the bedside first.

Good luck! It's beautiful on the other side. [emoji4]

robynmjay · Dec 13, 2015

So sorry for the typos. I got really excited. I can't edit this on my app so I hope you can decipher it! ðŸ¤”

vivaciousjo · Dec 13, 2015

Hi vivaciousjo!
I am ONE WEEK away from graduating from an ABSN program. It is a rigorous 15 months but manageable if you focus your energy in the right places. I have managed to keep a 3.95 plus volunteering and now working per diem as an NA. my program felt very disorganized, but I hear that's just what nursing school is like. Patho and med-surg were the most challenging classes but also the best classes. They are hard but so so so fascinating as that's the bulk of nursing science.
Make friends and have fun! There was a lot of negativity and complaining in my program. I understand letting off steam every know and then, but it started to bog me down. I cut the whiners out and found some people who made me laugh so hard I cried. That's been crucial to my wellbeing.
You will have lots and lots of homework including tedious care plans. Try to be inspired by what you're doing nothing and studying. You're gonna be a nurse! It should spark some interest in you!
I recommend not getting the MSN just yet. To each her own of course but my idea of nursing and my career in nursing is a little different than it was when I was applying. It might save you money and time to get the BSN and start working at the bedside first.
Good luck! It's beautiful on the other side. [emoji4]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful :)