Getting discouraged about nursing school....

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi...

please someone say something positive about nursing school...... I am currently taking my pre-req and will take the NET after the Spring 09 semester. It took me a long time to get back into school and make a career change, (by the way, most of my support came from members on this website, for which I am forever grateful) but now all I hear is the negative aspects about nursing school. Mostly that you will have no life, family or friends for the next few years...is this true? I am getting discouraged and wondering if I made the right decision. I guess I am just getting anxious about the whole process.

Please... anyone have any advice on how to stay positive, it can't be all that bad,can it? I would think it is worth it in the end, right???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I guess if it was that bad there wouldn't need to be a website for nurses ;).

You'll be busy, that's for sure, but that's a small price to pay for a career you want. I still have my family and friends--although I didn't see friends an awful lot when I was in school, my family was very supportive and there for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU stepdown (PCA).

Learn to balance school and social functions. You'll be busy, but it is important to take a breather every now and then. I found that I did better in class if I let myself have some fun. Just make sure to keep up on your studies!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I think the thing that stands out most about your post to me is that you are referring to nursing school and not nursing. Please remember that nursing school is a transitional activity in the process of becoming a nurse. Additional activities in the process include taking prereqs and sitting for the NCLEX.

If you are making a career change (so am I) then nursing must be important to you. My guess is that some part of you always wanted to be a nurse or that nursing always intrigued you. If this is the case, then nursing school is really irrelevant noise on the way to pursuing your goal.

Does it suck? Yup.

Is it hard to fit life in? Yup. It is. It almost becomes an insular experience. I have two children so I have a focus on them and then during the semester, school and seemingly nothing else. I feel like someone who has been underground for four months and is now bleary eyed before the sun!

Its fun though and I have enjoyed learning so thoroughly! (I have complained plenty about it though.)

Most importantly, stop worrying! Worrying won't help you at all! Focus on one thing at a time, stay organized and you will be fine.

Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

A lot of my classmates studied 24/7 and did not have a life outside of nursing school.. and it seems like a lot of nursing students are like that. But that is not always the case because I got through nursing school just fine and was still able to have a social life and spend time with my family. It's all about prioritization in order to get school work done so that you can still have time for the rest of life.

If you want to be a nurse bad enough then you can definitely get through it! And if you learn to manage your time correctly you can still have time for a life outside of nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

It's really like anything else in life; you get out of it what you put in, and anything that's worthwhile usually requires some sacrifice. NS is no exception. Keep working hard on the pre-requisites, and before you know it you'll be full steam ahead in the nursing curriculum. Yes, it is a lot of work and requires a lot of time, but you come out of it in a position that holds you responsible for human lives. Not many people can say that that's part of their job description. :)

You'll be fine, don't worry!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"Focus on one thing at a time"

I am really enjoying learning and it is hard. But balance is key...as someone else stated. Also...the above quote is the only way I can manage and keep my sanity...and it works quite nicely! :D Today and tomorrow...that's what I have to think about. That works for me and keeps me from getting overwhelmed.

It is wonderful though. I love nursing school...and can't imagine not having done this.

You will be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I too, am nervous about the same issues! But, I have been through so much to get into my corporate job (sacrifices, endless hours, putting off having children, moving around for the job, etc) I don't even care about the sacrifices anymore. BRING IT ON! I am so ready to dive in and get to a place where I am happy!!!

You willl be fine, just remember why you are doing it and at the end of the day everything will work out!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Trauma.

I just finished my first semester in a BSN program. I worked part time as a retail assistant manager, I hung out with friends and my husband, I went shopping, out to eat, and even watched TV and movies on a weekly basis (shocking!). I even was sick and did absolutely no studying for a week and laid about and moaned.

And I have A- and A grades (before my finals on mon and tues-- hopefully they stay there:wink2:). I probably could have all As if I wanted no life and just wanted to study but I prefer a little balance. I too was worried about the work load, but you know what it's really manageable. Now the students in the accelerated BSN program at my school....that's another story

You'll be fine when you get in there (I have nothing but nice things to say about nursing school so far). For whatever reason people like to worry new students. You can have a life and succeed in nursing school-- sure you might not get to spend as much time with your family as you used to, but just make sure the time you do spend with them is quality time. Good luck in your studies!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

You got good advice here, use it. I made 3 life changes at the same time, I started nsg school, we had a new baby, and opened a new veterinary hospital for my wife and I am still holding a 3.7. I also spend some time as a nsg tutor, and find time every sunday to watch football with my friends and family. It's all time management, learn and use it. It will help you in school, in clinicals, and in practice. good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hang in there.

I waited 3 years after completing my pre-reqs to enter a ADN-RN program. I just wrapped up the first semester.

My advice is to not pay attention to all the negatives you're hearing. All I heard (a lot of it on this site, I might add) was how closely all my nursing instructors were going to resemble Eva Braun with a whip. They would eat us up and spit us out. It was going to be HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE.

I can honestly say that after the 1st semester, after hearing all the horror stories, I'm quite shocked that our nursing instructors are downright pussycats. Don't get me wrong...they are very much all about being precise, accountable, responsible. They didn't coddle us, and they continually pushed us and challenged us. Maybe I'm just lucky at my nursing school, but beneath the "all business" exterior, you just knew they all have hearts of gold and they are here to support us and help us succeed.

The stories about having no life? Absolutely true. I don't see that as a drawback, though. It's not exactly a barrel of monkeys, but the way I look at it, it's for FOUR SEMESTERS. I can do anything for four semesters. With my finals mostly behind me now (I have one more on Tuesday), this weekend I'm actually going out to see a movie - something I've only done once since starting nursing school.

Hang in there...it's worth the wait in my estimation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I hated nursing school and did find it to be very consuming however the cherry on top is that I am finally a RN! I knew all along that it would be worth it and it is even better than I could have hoped. Hang in there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment