First Semester Nursing Program Jitters

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2 long years of prerequisites and preparation. Two years of feeling like it was a lifetime away. It is finally reality. In 5 days I start. Associates program to become a RN. I am so nervous, I am worried. I already feel guilty about how I will ignore my kids. I feel bad about passing all the household and family work on to my husband. I feel such pressure to succeed. My family has sacrificed so much time and money already in order for me to follow my dream. Everyone expects me to do so well. "You're so smart" they say. But what if I'm not as smart as they say? What if I can't handle the stress? Oh the self doubt and fear!

No! i know I can and WILL do this. I shouldn't allow myself to think of anything but SUCCESS! I will be an inspiration and role model to my children. When they come to me and say "I can't", I will tell them with complete certainty and experience "You can and you will!" Lord help me, I will succeed!

I started my RN program Monday. I can't believe how stressed my classmates are already! I'm going into it with this attitude/mantra:

I have complete faith in myself that I CAN DO THIS. I will do whatever needs to be done to be successful. I have complete faith in my instructors. They will teach me what I need to know to be successful. They WANT me to be successful. (The instructors at my school are beyond awesome!).

I have the strangest sense of calm...I hope it lasts. :)

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I know how it feels if others are expecting too much from you, but as much as possible, don't stress out yourself too much meeting their expectations, it's not healthy...I know they can understand you, anyway what you're doing is not just for yourself but for them as well! Since nursing is a very demanding course , it's expected that you really have to make sacrifices. Always look at the brighter side every time you encounter difficulties in your studies. Good luck to you and wishing you all the luck

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I feel EXACTLY the same way. I start my first semester on Monday and my anxiety is going through the roof. Something good to keep in mind though: "Whether you think you can, or think you can't....you're right." -Henry Ford

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Hi, all. I am in my second semester so I've been where you're all at and guess what...I survived :) I have a 3 and 5 yr old who I constantly have to say "I can't play now...mommy's gotta work". I felt really bad and sometimes I still do. But when I start feeling that way I try to focus on the big picture. They are the reason I'm doing this. To give them the life they deserve. If you don't mind a little bit of advice.... 1-) Don't focus too much on the AP part of the chapters. Most of the test questions apply directly to the nursing process. 2-) It's sometimes just not possible to read all of your assigned chapters but at least try to skim them before lecture. 3-) All programs are different...what I have to get to pass is a 77 or above. Don't get too fixated on achieving a specific letter grade because you'll drive yourself absolutely insane. During pre-reqs I was a steady 4.0 and in the nursing program.....2.5. I passed and that's all that counts. 4-) Do not compare your performance or grades to others! A colleague of mine was always achieving high 80s on her tests and it made me feel inferior. However, she is 19, lives with her parents and has much more time to dedicate to studying. I myself have to juggle a job, two little kids, and a household. Just focus on doing the best you can do...and don't get discouraged. Good luck to you all

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