Am I in over my head?

[no-scrubs]

Hey allnurses!

To start off the post I thought I'd let you know I'm new here and I'm excited to start posting and begin networking with all of you! This post is going to be a long one, but I hope you take the time to read this and give me your honest advice.

I'm currently a university student in Ontario enrolled in a program hardly related to nursing, even though nursing was always a career I considered. My 68% in grade 11 Biology was a huge discourager to continue sciences in both high school and university. After two years of contemplating my degree and tons of soul searching, I've decided to give my dream of becoming an RN a go. In the fall, I will begin prerequisite courses for accelerated nursing programs in Toronto (specifically YorkU and UofT). However, I'm scared out of my mind. My study habits and work ethic is great, but math and science isn't my strongest suit. In my first year of university, I took an introductory course in nutrition and very basic genetics course and did well (mid 70s) in both courses. However, that's about all the science I've touched since grade 11. Am I in over my head? Am I really going to be able successfully complete these pre reqs? Even if I get through them and by some miracle get into a nursing program, how am I going to survive it? My biggest fear is doing awful in my pre reqs and having no idea what to do with my career plan. School is a huge financial burden and I don't want to waste anymore time. I want nursing to work out, but-for lack of a better question-am I even smart enough?

[RegularNurse]

You are smart enough.

Staff nursing jobs and undergrad nursing school is not that difficult, more annoying than anything.

[NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN]

undergrad nursing school is not that difficult, more annoying than anything.

Wow. That is completely inaccurate.

OP: If you have good study habits and work ethic, did you have those things when you were in high school? (How long ago was that?) Was it just lack of motivation that led to you doing poorly, or did you struggle with the basic concepts? I know that I had major lack of motivation in high school and barely passed. Since returning to college to pursue something I'm passionate about (nursing), I easily obtained a 4.0 in my pre-reqs and found them absolutely fascinating. I think when you're learning something that interests you and that you are excited about, that it's easier to do well in the class. But if you were completely motivated in high school and just really couldn't figure out the concepts, then you might consider starting out with more remedial classes, maybe even hire a tutor, and work your way up to the pre-reqs. Definitely don't count yourself out yet though! If your dream is RN, then go for it! Good luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

When it comes to education, maturation is a wonderful thing. I have found that older, more experienced, students are better able to focus on the learning process. When it comes to the dreaded 'science and math' courses, I also think that there is a huge difference because the coursework is much more relevant to their ultimate goal.... nursing.

Let's face it, those courses simply weren't very interesting in High School (or in a general academic degree) - they were just part of the "requirements". There's a large body of evidence to back this up (e.g., Bandura's Social Learning theory). Relevance makes all the difference. We all try harder when the goal is personal and meaningful

You're probably going to surprise yourself.

[no-scrubs]

Thanks for your post! Grade 11 was actually 5 years ago. I've always had good work ethic and study habits but I was a lot more distracted then than I am now. My teacher was also known to be a particularly hard marker. I hope you're right! fingers crossed!

[Peachez1, ADN, BSN]

You can do this! Studies are different the second time around when you are more mature.

If you find that you are having a hard time seek out tutors and the learning centers.

If this is truly what you want to do you will find a way to rock out those pre-req's and get into the BScN program!