"You'll hate your life"

[happyinmyheart]

Hello everyone,

I've seen quite a few threads on how to survive nursing school here, but I decided to start a new thread to ask more specific questions.

I don't start the five semester program (BSN) until the Spring (I'm a sophomore). I've made all A's and one B in my prerequisite classes and my general education requirements. I'm a hard worker, and I study all the time. I don't party, and my hobby is organizing & color coding things. I've read about 7 books on preparing for nursing school, started learning med-math, and I'm making sure to succeed in my current classes. I became a CNA so I have a few basic skills, but I never worked as one. I have frequented this thread daily for quite some time. I'm really trying my hardest to be prepared. I'm even having my tonsils out over Christmas so I don't get strep throat anymore.

I am SO fortunate to be able to quit my job for school. I'm living in the dorms (and next year I'll have an apartment). My scholarships and my parents will be supporting me through school. I also have no children or pets. I am part of some organizations, but they don't take too much time.

However, I'm starting to have severe doubts that I can make it through the nursing program. Current students keep telling me to enjoy life because I'll "hate my life and hate myself" in nursing school.

I know that it's going to be extremely difficult and time consuming. However, is it impossible? I was looking forward to this challenge.... But all the current nursing students are telling me to change my major to something easier.

I know that nobody can tell me if I'm capable of this. But would anyone like to share their success story? I would love to hear some right now hah :)

[aeris99]

I'm 34 with two special needs kids, a mortgage and a hubby who works out of town.

I'm also a senior nursing student in a BSN program!

It's hard content, a major change from the pre-req's and so far out of my comfort zone. But I'm graduating in May.

Drown out the ones who complain and stress. Remove yourself from the drama. Keep studying and be ready to reassess as needed.

You can do this :)

[NurseStorm, BSN, RN]

By the sounds of your first post, I think you will do just fine ! :) Being able to focus on your studies without worrying about a job, or kids will remove an immense amount of pressure. You state you're a hard worker and study all the time; these two things will serve you extremely well! Having an excited attitude and learning prior to starting shows more signs of your potential as an excellent nursing student. Another sign for success is that you enjoy organizing and colour coding. I found these two things very beneficial in my studies.

I would recommend learning mindfulness meditation. I have a workbook I bought, and it's an 8 week program you do with cd 6 out of 7 days a week. It helps you develop healthy coping mechanisms and retrain your brain for this. I am finding it very helpful, and I wish I would've known about it when I was in university. Try to still take some time to do something to decompress such as going for walks outdoors, painting, etc. This will also help with stress.

Don't worry about the people trying to convince you to change your mind. You seem to be mature and a focused student prepared to work. There are some people I would advise against nursing, but just from reading your posts you seem like you will be a good fit as a nursing student. Good luck :)