Did you ENJOY nursing school?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2011

Me!!! It wasn't all a bed of roses and there was a few rough spots, but for the most part I enjoyed it and didn't find it the nightmare so many feel it was. I can look back and truly say I had a good experience. I went in with a really positive attitude about it, this board gave me a heads up on what to expect and I kept that excitement throughout it.

AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 16, 2011

I have a question though; it won't stop me either way, but I've been curious; is nursing school really the hard- knock life everyone says it is? Did anyone enjoy it or find it tolerable and not want to put a plugged-in toaster in the bathtub halfway through?

I love it! I've had great teachers, have made some good friends, and learned how not to sweat the small stuff. My advice is sniff out the people who are making a bigger deal over everything than need be and STAY AWAY FROM THEM! That way you can enjoy your time in nursing school too.

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Jun 16, 2011

I have only been in for about 5 weeks and I LOVE IT!! It is a totally different experience than pre-reqs. The first day of class the profs told us that we had been in a competition with each other up to that point and each one of us had worked hard & deserved our spots. However, it is no longer a competition but is now time to work as a team.

Our class has done just that. We have a private FB group just for our class, we share our study notes, tips and information that might have been missed. We have a fantastic bunch of student and we are laughing in class everyday! And the faculty is fantastic! I love all my teachers so far. Because we started in the summer, what would normally be a 16 week semester has been crammed into 6. The profs understand we are overloaded, and on one assignment, they actually cut the work in half for us! In another class, there was an exam by a substitute prof that was so 'off' from the rest of the exams, the regular teacher let us drop our lowest exam score. I have found nothing but encouragement and helpful people in my school.

The amount of information can be overwhelming, but with supportive people all around, I am SO excited about the next 4 semesters!

Good luck, I hope you have as much fun as I am having.

Jennifer0512 · Jun 16, 2011

I really have enjoyed nursing school (starting my third and final year!). I have gone through soooo many challenges and it's a lot of hard work, but it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

xxerinxx08 · Jun 16, 2011

I start nursing school in the fall, and to see that it wasn't as bad for some of you really comforts me! To see that it can be positive really makes me feel better :) Thanks for starting this thread!

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2011

One year down, one more year to go. It was a giant roller coaster ride/marathon but likely one of the best years of my life. Wonderful classmates with so many different backgrounds and personalities. So much that made me laugh. I had a blast but will completely enjoy my summer off - no tests, no 3-4 hour long patient preps and no skill demonstrations for 3 months.

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Jun 16, 2011

I HATED NS. All depends on who is in your cohort. The instructors were alright. I was in an accelerated BSN program. Everyone was trying the one upmanship. At the end people were not even speaking to each other. They were rude and would not help each other out. Some students were going on for their MSN directly after finishing. Many of them had the "entitled attitude". Some of them came from very monied families, were in their early 30's and had never held full time jobs. I guess had what is known as "helicopter" parents. They lived off their parents credit cards. I was so glad when it was over. I was even more glad that none of them went to work at the same hospital that I did.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 16, 2011

I did, but I avoided the nonsense drama.

NurseB_, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2011

I really have enjoyed nursing school (starting my third and final year!). I have gone through soooo many challenges and it's a lot of hard work, but it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

I agree completely!! I'm currently in my 2nd semester of nursing school with 2 more to go. It's definitely not easy by any means. There are a lot of days and nights where I'm up studying with no end in sight. There have been moments where I thought I wasn't going to make it but I always try to stay positive and remember what my long term goals are! I absolutely LOVE nursing!! I have a passion for helping people and I know this career path is for me. Definitely make sure that nursing is what you want to do and it would be good if you really have a liking for it. This motivation can get you through the hard times of nursing school. I definitely think you should get connected with your professors and classmates because this will literally be your family for the next 2 years. Form study groups, do NCLEX practice questions and don't procrastinate and you should be fine. Nursing school is not easy but I know it will be worth everything you've been through once your done.

sweetiepeas · Jun 17, 2011

It has been a LOT of hard work but my class has been AWESOME. We all get along and we make each other laugh. It is a real team effort, we help each other out. It has been the best time. It is nice to have friends that are going through the hard times with you. They get it. We cheered each other on and cried on each others shoulders.

Plus it has been a lot of fun too. Some of the patients we've had an people we've met were just plain memorable. We learn a ton!!! I've been lucky to have some really great clinical instructors.

It is what you make of it. By far the best thing I've done. Like someone else said stay away from the drama and choose people that are like minded and you will have a great time.

heartbeep · Jun 17, 2011

Wow! I am so glad I asked! I feel much better about the unknown now.

Thank you, you guys, that is a load off my mind. :-)