Doubts about pre-nursing

[wondersofthewing]

I'm currently a pre-nursing student finishing up my pre-reqs by next year, but I'm starting to have doubts as to whether or not I've on the right path. I've always wanted to go into the medical field to help comfort people, take care of the sick, etc., basically many of the same reasons other fellow pre-nursing students go into nursing for. However, I'm not science smart. I don't quickly absorb material and need to really put in quite a good number of hours of studying in order to receive a satisfactory grade. I'm fine with the studying and my grades, though not spectacular, are above average, but I understand that classes are science heavy once you get into the nursing program, and I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't pursue nursing since I don't easily comprehend science material on the spot. Has anyone else on AN felt this way? I've read in some posts that some people aren't just meant for certain careers no matter how much they try and I fear I may be one of those people. Do I need to be "science smart" to make it in nursing?

[phuretrotr]

You don't need to be science smart to be a nurse. You do have to learn the material though. Your nursing classes may shortly go over the pathophysiology and A&P of a certain subject, but you will need to understand the "why" to what they are teaching you. The only way you will do that is if you can apply your knowledge of your science courses. You don't have to be a genius or anything. Just keep your science books for future reference so if you have to look up a certain system or function relating to your nursing material, you can. Once in the nursing classes, you will start to remember certain things and will be able to explain them better. Don't be discouraged by hard work. It just shows that you have come that much farther.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I'm not science or math smart either! I can write a killer term paper though! Lotta good that is in nursing school. However, I made it through pre reqs with a good enough GPA to make it into the program, so some of it must be clicking. You can do it, don't doubt yourself. Just figure out the best study habits that work for you. I am a tactile learner so I plan to spend extra time in the lab. I wish I had done that in A & P I, because I only got a C in that course. It was a five week session though so I forgave myself for that and went on to make an A in A & P II in the regular semester. I also get easily distracted while studying so I have saved some of the threads on here with study tips to help me succeed in nursing school.