Disappointed in Orientation

[peytonsmom]

*sigh* This is a little bit of a vent.

I was all excited yesterday for nursing orientation at my school. I've been waiting forever for this! So we get all signed in and there is pretty much where the fun ended. I know nursing school is hard, I know it will be one of the hardest things i've done, I know it is not for everyone, but did we REALLY need to sit there for over three hours having them repeat it 29384925 times!? I know, I know, the weeding out thing, but for the love of all that is holy couldn't I just have had enjoyed orientation? Did the intimidation need to start NOW?

During the student panel question/answer time I basically got told by the one student that I'm setting myself up for failure because I have a child and work FT. Totally didn't answer the question I asked, just kept repeating that. *sigh*

I have a very supportive family, not just my dh, but my parents, sisters, and inlaws and a job that is semi-flexible. I'm organized and good at scheduling. While in my senior year of highschool I went to community college full time, my highschool partime, worked a full time job and lived on my own. I am capable of making this work. Geez. I hope all of nursing school isn't quite so depressing!

[Rylee2008, ASN, RN]

I'm in my last year and if I can do it anyone can. Honestly, we did have half the class fail or drop, but the ones that are left will make great nurses. I have two other college degrees and nursing was by far the hardest. I have two children and thank god I'm great at time management because I needed it. I also had to learn that I didn't have to have the greatest grades in the class. I always pushed for A's and then a nurse at the hospital told me that your a nurse whether you get straight A's or C's. Good luck if you want it bad enough you'll do it.

[rnay312]

My orientation gave me the exact same feeling. All they did was basically tell me, "You will never ever get through this no matter how hard you work at it." It's very discouraging. They told us not to work, that we would have to study 30+ hours a week, and that we would have no social life.

But school ended up being nothing like that. Sure, the tests are difficult, but most of the instructors are nice and want you to do your best. There will always be the mean or intimidating ones, but know your stuff, don't talk back and you should be fine. I learned that right away - keep quiet and do your work. The instructors talk, they know which students create problems.

I work full time as well, but don't have a child. I can do it just fine. Some days I feel sleep deprived but most I go to school ready to learn. It will all be worth it in the end.

I hope school is better for you than orientation led it to be. :)

[LuckyinKY]

I'll probably get told that I am out of my mind too when they find out I have 2 kids and plan to work full time. I am lucky to have a great flexible job in research and can study while I work. I perform surgeries on rats which involves alot of sitting and waiting so I have alot of time to waste at work. Plus by staying full time, I get 6 credits a semester paid for by my employer.