Feeling discouraged...

Never ever get discouraged!! What they are good at did not just happen over night. I work with a lot of nurses and they tell me their stories about how they started and it wasn't just something that they learned over night. It takes time and perseverance.

I take longer to study as well! My husband tells me all of the time to NEVER compare myself to anyone because it will only make me feel less if I don't know what they know. People learn different ways. Some are faster than others. That is not to say that you are any less of a person. It's normal take it easy and study without thinking about how long it takes you. Nurses tell me once you become a nurse you will find a field that comes easy to you and hard for others.

Great idea that you haven't told anyone that you are pursuing nursing. I am the same way. Some people don't do well when they know you are trying to better yourself.

There is nothing wrong with keeping it to yourself.

Why is it discouraging to work hard? I don't understand what you are "venting" about? That school is a challenge? I do not know what you expect it to be. The key word you say is it "seems" to come natural to others. You are assuming what you do not know. This is good training for being a nurse. You need to not assume things. Focus on your own grades and your own goals.

I've been in college, i have a degree, I know the expectations. I'm venting to vent . Haven't you been frustrated over anything and wanted unload on someone? i work hard for most grades i earn. Sometimes i wish it came eaiser. Thats all..not looking for real answers. If this isn't the place to make such posts then maybe I'm in the wrong place

try different study methods or even change your environment, for instance did you know the best time to study is in the morning? your brain is much more engaged during the early hours of the day, buy a dry erase board and write whatever you need to memorize and keep writing it until you can do it with your eyes closed. Thats how I passed all my pre reqs with a 3.8

You are among company. When I talk to classmates being in the same area grade wise, they typically study 1/2 to 1/4th the time I put in. Everyone learns differently even if you have the same learning styles. I'm in my 50's, so I account it for my age that it takes longer and much more repetition to sink in.

DO NOT cut yourself down in terms of "being smart enough." A lot of it is discipline, desire, and attitude over outright intelligence.

Don't let the stress of others or school get to you..... I too was in that boat very recently and I work at a hospital as a PCT and hear nurses all night long stressing. If you truly want to become a nurse do it because you are passionate about it don't let anything steal your courage and determination. I'm doing prerequisites as well and no its not easy and i take 2-3 hours too but i know its all for the greater good. you just have to find that motivation and consistently use it to be your driving force behind your education.

YOU CAN DO IT!!! :)

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.- Earl Nightingale

Just take the time that you need to study the concepts and material. It is okay if it takes you longer. I can relate totally. I study 4-5 hours daily to learn all the material we are covering for a lab practical or lecture exams. But it is what I need to do to succeed. I am getting it slowly and in the end I always make the grade I need for the nursing program. I am not an A student like I wish but I have learned that I am giving it my all. And that is all you can do, is give it your all and you will find your place in the nursing world.

I'm another long studier! I used to feel like you too when I thought about the length of time it takes me to study or write a paper compared to someone else in my class and our grades turn out the same. But my teacher told me in response "you are the one who commits that info to long term memory and someone else may only remember it for the exam."

So it's not a reflection of how smart you are compared to anyone but it can mean that you are the one who will remember it down the road.

But if you keep thinking you aren't smart enough and keep being down on yourself for how long it takes you or whatever else those thoughts might be what makes what you fear a reality.

It takes me hours to study. I accept it. I do well. That's what counts!