Anyone have anything positive to say about nursing school?

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Besides the outcome at the end; becoming an RN, is there anything positive you've experienced throughout nursing school? I've read so many negative things (and for a person starting her first semester Tuesday, it's not always a good thing to read all of the negative things, though some are reality and help prepare and know what to expect).

So what are some things you liked/loved about nursing school? Anything?!? LOL

anything?!? lol

there are tons of great things about nursing school. sure, it's challenging and we vent about those challenges, but the feeling of satisfaction you get from applying yourself and doing well is so sweet.

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Specializes in PICU/Pedi.

I LOVE nursing school. It's sometimes grueling, and hard work. But I love the subjects and the skills we learn. I like clinicals, and I've even liked my instructors so far. I like most of my classmates. I like to study, although sometimes I wish I had more time with my kids or my boyfriend. I'm glad to be where I am, though!

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Reading all the negative threads on this board had me pretty terrified to start nursing school. I had to realize though that people that come to this board are mostly coming for help during a difficult time, needing help and support. People don't usually start threads to talk about how great school is.

For me, the positives far outweigh the negative. Yes, it's hard but the challenges are forcing me to grow as a person. I was a sahm and wahm for many years so I got WAY out of my comfort zone going to nursing school. It has been nothing but good for me. I love all my classmates and my instructors overall are great.

Sometimes it's overwelming but I tell myself, if I get up each day and do what's on the schedule for that day, one of those days will be graduation. I never look beyond the week ahead and I am able to manage.

Some days I think "I can't do this" but most days I'm excited and happy to be in school.

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I am in my first semester of my senior year. I love it. Although the tests, all the time spent studying, and the lack of a social life sucks the majority of the time. But I have met alot of great girls, learned from alot of GREAT instructors, and will take away information for my career and my life. . . (little corny)

Especially during this economy, it's great to know there will be a job anywhere I go after graduation.

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You will learn more than you thought you would be able to in a shorter amount of time than you thought possible.

Yes, it can be stressful and frustrating, but the good patient interactions will make it all worth it.

And at some point (this happened for me at the beginning of my second quarter) it will all start to come together, the pathophysiology, the pharmacology, the assessment, and the clinical work. It is amazing and really satisfying.

- QNS

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Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.

Some (not all) of my instructors actually enjoyed their jobs and it really showed. I had a couple of good clinical instructors and good lecture instructors that helped mentor me through some tough times that hit me right in the middle of nursing school. It's tough, but I also had classmates that I had formed a bond with to get through things as well.

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I just survived my first week of my first semester of nursing school. Even though I have only been a nursing student for a week, I absolutely love it so far after meeting all of my instructors. This forum really prepared me for the amount of work that I would be required to do, so I have not have as many overwhelming feelings as my classmates. Not only do I have my class schedule and test dates on paper, but I also have my study schedule on paper such as what class I'm studying for and what topics I will study each day at home. However, I pretty much study every class every day, but it keeps me on track at least, lol.

You definitely have to be careful reading certain experiences about instructors on here. I went in terrified on my first day wondering what my instructor was going to be like. I soon was relieved when I met all of them. All of them are extremely helpful and encouraging. I truly feel as though they are there for us when we need them and want us to succeed. On our orientation day they told us, "You will get out of this program what you put into it". I also feel that if someone is not putting their 200% into the program, they will be straight forward and honest and perhaps give them a "reality check".

Each program is different, and although it is great to be prepared and know how some programs are run and what some instructors may be like, I feel it is important to go into it with an open mind. Understanding and accepting all of the time I will need to put into nursing school is really going to help me. I know I have only been a nursing student for a week, but I am going into this knowing that I will be responsible for human lives and I want to make sure that I have the best education in order to care and advocate for them.

Good luck to you and remember it will be worth it in the end.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

What I loved most about nursing school was the friends I made. I still keep in touch with a few friends from then and we always have that foundation of 'remember when....?' to fall back on.

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This was a great question to ask. Thanks to all of you who responded. I'm excited to start this Fall!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, Case Management.

I have been an RN for - yikes, 27 years! :eek: Funny, but I don't feel that old!!! Anyway...Nursing school was definitely hard, but the clinicals were fun (and the parties thrown by the Dental school students were a BLAST). There have been plenty of times through my nursing career where I questioned my choice; however, the rewards have totally outweighed the sucky parts.

I have done everything from NICU nursing to working at a Level I Trauma center to Case Management. The best part of being a nurse is having a patient &/or family tell you how much they appreciate what you do - even though it's all part of your job! Saving a life - comforting a grieving family member - making a "boo-boo" all better...these are all the things that give you a warm fuzzy feeling. Yes, there are doctors (and other nurses) who can make you question why you are a nurse, and most nurses will tell you we are overworked and underpaid; however, it's all worth it in the end.

And, the one thing that my dad told me when I wanted to change my major: you will ALWAYS be able to find a job as a nurse.:nurse: It may not be exactly the place you want to be, but you will always have a job. And who knew when he told me that almost 30 years ago that we would be in the midst of the worst unemployment numbers in years?

Good luck with school! :p

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Nursing school is a great way to experience different units of the hospital and give you an idea about what type of nursing you want to do in the future.

Nursing school is also a great way to make some wonderful lifelong friends.

If you have any extra time you should keep a diary of your time in nursing school. It is amazing to look back and see how far you have come from the first day. It will go by faster than you think.

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The content/ pathophysiology is really interesting if you are into that kind of thing (I think it is great!)

Also, leaning about drugs and how they actually work in the body is really rewarding. There are a lot of "whoa I never knew it worked like that!" moments.

Of course your patients that are really appreciative for your care are the best part though! It will be fun just have a good attitude and don't get bogged down in the drama :)

Good luck!

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