Asked to speak at nursing orientation

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

Recently, I was called by a nursing instructor and asked to speak at the fall nursing orientation. She suggested I title the talk "Advice to underclassmen." I've got a fair amount of ideas but not really sure where to begin or what to say to be helpful. I go to a community college and there are 4 levels. My thoughts are first level students have absolutely no idea what to expect. As a student has matured and gone through the program, there are some expectations. I will be speaking to all levels. There will be about 160 people. EEK!

Overall, I want to be helpful. I want to be honest, open, and truthful. I've had my "beef" with the program here and there. I don't want to make the talk personal. I want to give a solid perspective of what to expect to the new to students. I don't want the talk to be depressing or all about sacrifice. Any advice out there?

What would you folks think would be good to mention? What advice could I give to my fellow underclass men and women? Thanks for the advice on giving advice.

[Certifiable, BSN, RN]

1.To roll with the punches. The administration may have been compassionate nurses in their day, but their current role of administration doesn't leave much room for "heart"- in other words, nursing school is an academic institution firstly, and the newbies should always keep that in mind when they hope for leniency or "common sense".... there is no common sense in nursing school.

2. Get into a workout routine early on in the year... much easier to keep than the promise of "next week i'll start eating healthier/workout

[LCinTraining]

I'm so waiting to be released to exercise again by my surgeon. I was altering my diet already slightly, and was watching pounds fall off. I just want to get back into shape and maintain my energy through school. Plus I'm told it helps with ADHD. So, that will be a plus. I won't need to go back on adderall which makes me so focused I want to punch anyone who I perceive as getting in the way of what I think needs done. LOL

I'm slowly breaking in my new running shoes though so they don't give me blisters next time I try to run (I killed my feet the first time I used them out of the store).

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

One thing I wish I had been told before nursing school was that it would be a good idea to get an NCLEX study guide. It really took almost the entire first semester for me to really get comfortable with the difference in the questions and I think having that at the beginning would have been a huge help.

I purchased the Kaplan NCLEX-RN book, as well as the LaCharity book this summer and after reading them I am now recommending them to every nursing student I can.

Definitely emphasize taking care of themselves and working together. It's so much better with support!