very curious

RunBabyRN · May 21, 2014

Have you gone through the forum a bit yet? There are a TON of posts answering exactly this.

sweetdreame, BSN, RN · May 21, 2014

Yes do your research...but I can tell you a little of what to expect.

1. Expect to feel stupid...a lot. This doesn't end right when you graduate. It is a process. Repeat this (to yourself): "I'm not stupid, I'm just new".

2. Expect to have a humbling moment...or two...or three. You may be shielded from this in nursing school, but it will happen. You will almost kill someone right when you think you have things figured out. Take my advice and don't get too comfortable. That's when the nursey gods will smack you right down.

3. You will see and do the nastiest, dirtiest, most filthy things...so disgusting that you can't even imagine it now. I used to imagine the poo was chocolate or mud or anything other than poo. Just remember that the gross is less than 1% of your job. It stinks (literally) but you can get through it!

4. Some nurses are mean. Some instructors are mean. Some doctors are mean. Some patients are mean. Don't let it rain on your parade. If necessary repeat the phrase in #1 out loud.

5. Its never okay to stop studying. Even after you graduate. Keep studying, keep learning, keep looking for new experiences. Always ask (at the appropriate times) why, how, what if? Learn from other nurses, physicians, patients, and even other students.

6. Don't forget your roots. Keep a diary or a journal. I sure wish I would have. It would be so interesting to look back! When you are a nurse remember your experiences and be nice to students.

That's most of it...at least what I can think of now! Just work hard! You are going to learn a lot! Good luck and welcome to the BEST profession on earth!!!

RunBabyRN · May 21, 2014

You will see and do the nastiest, dirtiest, most filthy things...so disgusting that you can't even imagine it now. I used to imagine the poo was chocolate or mud or anything other than poo. Just remember that the gross is less than 1% of your job. It stinks (literally) but you can get through it!

Yes, the first time you burp a colostomy bag... That sticks with you. :crying2:

cbazze9709 · May 22, 2014

yes I have somewhat and what I have found so far was great!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 22, 2014

Just know that learning to "think like a nurse" is going to feel foreign & strange until the moment it "clicks". You're going to go through a lot of ups & downs on your journey. Just know that no one is perfect, you WILL make mistakes. How you handle it and learn from these mistakes will help you grow as a nurse.

Keep yourself organized and stay on top of your studies. But also try to have a little fun once in a while. You do need a sanity break :)

Congrats on starting your journey!

vnguyen3 · May 22, 2014

These are all great advice, here's my 2 cents. Don't let anyone bring you down! Patient safety comes first, nothing else before that. There are days where you will want to throw in the towels and give up, DON'T! Anxiety stems from the unknown, look it up, research it, I promise it'll make you feel better.

cbazze9709 · May 23, 2014

I was told to get compression socks, do they really make a difference and is one brand better than the other?

RunBabyRN · May 23, 2014

I really like compression socks. I like Zensah. The cheapest I've found them is at Uniform Advantage's website, but if you're not combining them with other stuff, it may be more expensive in shipping than other places.