First semester nursing student. Does it get better?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 13, 2015

It will get better in some ways... the demands will still be there but they'll be different from what you're going through now. You're in the very beginning days of school and very much in the ramp-up period where you're getting used to the flow of class.

vanilla bean · Feb 13, 2015

I totally agree with akulahawk - it will get better in many ways, but will be just as difficult in many ways. I think the first semester has the steepest learning curve, but the workload will remain heavy in subsequent semesters. The initial coursework is laying a foundation of information and as you move through the program you will be expected to start to "connect the dots" and really apply those newly learned critical thinking skills.

PaulBaxter · Feb 13, 2015

I'm in my second semester now, and I can say that in our program it's gotten even harder. As of right now I doubt that half of my class has a passing grade. But every program is different. Just be prepared to work your butt off all the way through.

NorCalKid · Feb 13, 2015

I thought the program got harder but after first semester I had a lot more time not being in lab all day. It was a lot more fun in the hospital than lab, and I knew what to expect and how to deal with the pressure better. So I guess you could say as the program did get harder I felt it was easier and easier to deal with it.

Not sure when you started but it's normal to feel that way for a while. Hardest part is just getting up and giving it 100% for 2 years straight.

nlitened · Feb 13, 2015

In my program the second semester is the most difficult. So right now I am enjoying the stressful demand of first semester and trying not to think of what is to come. I figure I will tackle it when I get to it.

livingthedream77 · Feb 14, 2015

The first semester often serves as a period of time to "weed out" those that may not be good nurses. About 10 out of 60 failed in the first 8 weeks in my program. The amount of work was incredible, and those not willing/able to perform under that pressure left. I found that the amount of busy work decreased, and the amount of nuts and bolts info increased. It is cruel in some ways, but serves a purpose. If you need help, ask for it! Most teachers are willing to give you extra time if they see you are sincere.

Good luck!

Summers3 · Feb 14, 2015

Hi there,

I am in the same boat as you, exactly the same boat!!!

I feel like ripping out my hair every day.... EVERY DAY. But begin in the first semester, this is hard because not only of workload but of getting used to the work and how much dedication it truly needs. This is the time to train yourself, perse.

And once you get pass the first semester, the other semesters will still be hard but you have already gotten used to workload and you have already trained and conditioned yourself in terms of dedication, time, and willpower to discipline yourself and excel through it.

Also, always remember why you are doing this and that will give you strength along the way.

I'm sorry you feel this way and hope you feel better soon. :)

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 14, 2015

Something else to remember is that after you get through your first semester, sometimes they'll have another class that also functions as a weeder. The "weeding" isn't the primary purpose though. That semester will be primarily to get you "up your game" yet again so that you'll be very likely to pass the NCLEX at the end of the program. For my school, first and third semesters were those courses. If you are able to make it through 1st, you'll do OK in 2nd. Once you make it through 3rd, you pretty much can coast through 4th as it's an extension of 3rd and you already have lots figured out and your main job at that point is simply connecting the dots and concepts.

Don't let the stress get to you and don't try to keep yourself entirely sane. There comes a point when nursing school is just plain insanity along with all the insanity of life. Do your studying and mind those NCLEX questions, learn to porifice them well and find time to have fun among all that.

As to finding out which classes are the "weeder" at your program, students that are your "senior" will know and will tell you. Don't be frightened by that course... just know that they want you to excel and pass the boards because high pass rates make them look really good... so they step things up so that their stuff will be harder than the boards.

This is the beginning of a marathon-long sprint and while the demands will change, it won't really let up until you're near graduation... or you've already graduated. It's a great ride, tough one, but great... and unlike anything you'll have ever done before.

sjalv · Feb 14, 2015

Every program is different. For me, 2nd semester was the hardest because that is when med/surg was introduced and the content of our exams got a lot more difficult.

datalore · Feb 14, 2015

I'm in second semester right now; it's just different. Part of the challenge of the first semester is nursing school is SO DIFFERENT from any other schooling, so you're learning HOW to be a nursing student while also trying to handle all the fundamentals being thrown at you. If you make a conscious effort in this first semester to (a) hone your time management; (b) nail down your study skills/habits; © find time to relax each week, then second semester will more likely feel smoother (though no less busy/intense). Good luck!

socialworknurse · Feb 14, 2015

I wouldn't say it gets easier, but you know what to expect. I feel like it lightened up after Peds and Med/Surg, but every program is different. Hang in there!