From dentistry to Nursing - tips for nursing school

[SentryRN2b]

Hey guys. I am new to this forum, and am also entering the field of nursing. I will admit to you guys that I was originally going for dentistry. I didn't find dentistry to be all that good, and in fact, working in small spaces in people's mouths, is not something I want to for life. I quit dental school after my 2nd year, just before I hit the clinics. I decided that I also didn't want to be a dental hygienist, as that's also a more crummy (edited by moderator TOS) job, plus the fact that I'm a male, will make getting that job more difficult, as a lot of dentists still have the old-school mentality of hiring female hygienists.

Anyhow, fast forward to now, I will be starting nursing school, RN program, in four weeks. I have aced my nursing school entrace exam with 99% in all sections. It's an accelerated 2-year BSN program, full-time student. After I graduate from the BSN program, I am automatically eligible to do a master's program to become a nurse practitioner. I did not want to go the medical school route, as that's another four more years, plus the fact that I will have to take out more 'loans' to finance a medical school career. I will also have to go for a residency program for two to three more years.

What kind of tips do you fellow nursing students have for me to do well in nursing school?

Some of you guys are thinking, "why the heck does this guy need advice, when he's already faced the high-level stress in dental school?"

Well, I ask because nursing school exam format is similar to the NCLEX where there are two "good answers" but one of the two answer choice is the best answer. I have asked my cousin and several college friends, who have been through nursing school (although somewhere else), and they said that the introductory to nursing and Pathophysiology course have exams with a lot of tricky questions.

In Nursing school, you guys have to do pass several clinical exams, do a lot of group presentations, write papers (for professionalism class, I believe), and wake up super-duper early for clinicals. I looked at my program's clinical start time, and during second-semester, some of them start at 6AM and ends at 1PM. Nuts.

I have also taken a CNA course at a small health institute back in January of this year. I graduated with a diploma (that program was cake-walk), and then took the CNA certification exam in February. Passed the basic skills and written part (although I have to admit, that I was nervous and shaking during the basic skill portion of the exam!). So basically, I have some background in learning what CNA's do.

I am currently working as part-time floor clerk at a local hospital. I also work at a department store, since it's summer break, and my clerk job at the hospital is on an on-call basis.

Anyhow, sound away with some advice for my upcoming nursing school life!!

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

the big thing I think is to stay ahead of your studies. It is very easy to get 20, 50, then crap, 100 pages behind in reading. honestly there is one whole portion of my nursing program that I didn't even use the book. Went completely on the instructor's lectures. Just didn't have the time. I think you will do fine, as you have had plenty of college level schooling. The instructor's will help hone your critical thinking skills, which will help you answer all those 2 answers are right type questions!

good luck!

[AMRC6713]

I think you are on a good track. Get a CNA job-- you'll have a better understanding of good patient care and the nurses will likely teach you a lot since you are a nursing student. Keep up with your reading. It's hard, at times we have over a hundred pages to read. Between readings, care plans, and other paperwork and projects to do its easy to get behind. It's a bit of a challenge but if you love what you're learning it'll be great! Organize your time. This will take away from friends and family big time. You'll need lots of support which you probably learned in dentistry. Good luck!