First year RN School.. any advice?

[FutureOBNurse2118]

I am 21 years old and I already have an Associates Degree in General Studies because right out of high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.. but finally, after two years, I have decided to pursue a career in nursing. I have always been interested in a profession within the healthcare system and nursing seems to have many different opportunities and options. I am started my first semester in January and I was just wondering if anyone can give me advice on how to get through it. I'm married and have one son who is 18 months and I am very worried about the amount of stress and work this is going to take. I may have to work part time which is something I'm worried about too.. I want to invest myself in school 100 percent and I just don't know what to expect, THANKS!

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

Expect alot of studying, alot of things you've probably never heard or seen before. A test format that makes you wanna stab yourself in the face with a dull knife repeatedly (exaggerating a bit) and more studying. 'NCLEX format' is how all the tests are and the underclassmen ask me how to pass med/surg and the one thing i tell them is that you can know everything in the book, but it's being able to take the information, process it and pick the BEST answer out of 4 good answers. It like learning to take the SATs and understanding format of the test and learning to read EVERY SINGLE WORD in the question.

Idk about where you are going but where I we had things drilled into our skulls over and over again, it was run like the f-ing military, where only the strong survived. As a sophomore we had like 90 something students..we only graduated 33. I personally never studied or worked my ass off so hard ever until i went to nursing school (I was also the type of kid in high school that NEVER studied for an exam and pulled 90s with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back...)Also consider I have a BSN so it's a bit different in terms of schooling.

Stress? - it's alot of stress to be honest. I dont have a kid so idk how much harder thats going to make things for you

The best advice is to go into it with an open mind, be a sponge for information, ask questions as much as you can, and study. It's not gonna be a cake walk but it's not impossible. Just try your best and that's all anyone can ask of you. Best of luck with everything I'm sure you'll be fine.

[Lovelee82]

Im almost finished with nursing school and I too have a husband and little one at home. I also work part time. Its a lot of work. I dont know how Im able to juggle everything without going crazy. I have a great support system in my family and especially husband. My best advice is to always ask for help when you need it regardless if it the housework, babysitting, homework or just to have a little time for yourself. Become friends with your classmates you will have to rely on each other a lot. Take good care of yourself. You will be taking care of not only the ones in your life but patients too but you have to take good care of yourself or nothing will get done.

Good luck. You can do it. My classmates and myself have all types of life situations that make us feel like we cant do this and lead normal lives but it will be worth it in the long run.

[summersent]

get out now while you are still non-abused and sane.

And before they suck all the money they can from you.