Is becoming a Nurse hard?

Annabelle57 · Jun 17, 2004

I can speak from a student's point of view...

I'm on the younger end of "adult student" - I've only been out of school and in the working world now for a little over 6 years, but that time has made a world of difference in my studies. I'm much more disciplined and responsible - I used to be the kid who would wait until the very, very last minute to do ANYTHING, and now, I'm more apt to be overly-prepared for tests, quizzes, projects, etc. I'm with SCRN: I used to hate any science class, precisely because I always performed so poorly (see aforementioned study habits) and made such crappy grades, and now, much to my surprise, I *love* my microbiology class and have a high A average (I'm actually a TUTOR!).

It's been said before: if you want to be a nurse badly enough, you will be. Sometimes the route that gets you there is different than you expected, but it still reaches the same destination. Go for it!

As for the ADN vs BSN... well, take it for what it's worth from a student, but if you can do the BSN, I would go for that over the ADN. A lot of times, the time difference in completing the degrees is minimal, and if you find a good program at a state school (vs a private, more expensive school), the cost won't vary that much either. Plus, I hear ADN waiting list times are ridiculously long, but I guess that depends on the school. As far as quality of care and nursing between the two - that depends on the individual, not the degree! Pay is the same, although sometimes employers will give a *small* difference for BSN (maybe $.50/hr more) - again, depends on the location. A BSN just opens more doors: graduate degrees, leadership/management opportunities, etc.

Good luck!

NA NA · Jun 19, 2004

Hi Tweety, thanks for responding. What exactly do you have to do to get excepted into the nursing program. I've only applied for financial aid and submitted applications at a few colleges. I'm really trying. I haven't been in school for years, so I know I will have to be tested? What is the procedures?

NA NA · Jun 20, 2004

thanks so much for your advice....

Thanks. Even though it has it's ups & downs (as MOST kinds of jobs do), I really do enjoy nursing and wish I'd started right out of high school. I wanted then to either be a nurse or a teacher, but my guidance counselor talked me out of it and to go to college to become a CPA instead. I tried, but while in college that go-round, I was miserable. When I later decided to go back to school, I decided to go into what I wanted to do and have had no regrets since.

Dayray, RN · Jun 20, 2004

yes it is

(typeing this to make message at least ten letters)

loerith · Jun 20, 2004

Becoming a nurse isn't as hard as being a nurse .
There were a ton of hoops to jump through getting there - physical and innumerable vaccinations just to get into the program, pre-requisites, then the actual nursing program part. Friends and I commuted together 1-1 1/2 hours each way daily for classes. I also worked full time but had no kids to be responsible for.
Looking back, I sometimes wonder how I managed.
My recommendation is not to think of the big picture - that's WAY too overwhelming. Take each little step at a time.
I will also say I wouldn't trade being a nurse for anything.

I would definitely agree that being a nurse is much tuffer than studying to become one. And honestly , at this point in time there are many things I would trade for being a nurse.

Love and Peace,

loerith

goodn · Jun 21, 2004

I too, am about to start nursing school (ADN). I have a previous degree (BSed), so have most of the nonnursing coursework done. I am finishing the A & P this summer, and will have only Nutrition and Microbiology during my official nursing school time. I start in the fall with only 2 nursing classes. My question is this. With all the other coursework out of the way except for the above mentioned Nutrition and Microbiology, will I still be strapped to find time for my family? My youngest is in school this fall. And then, I wonder about those sick kid days? Also, how does a previous bachelors degree help in the transition to a BSN. I would like to enter school nursing among other things. Will my education degree help in that aspect? Thanks. Joa

RNIAM, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2004

Having just passed the boards I can say without a doubt it was the hardest thing up to this point that I have ever done! I was tired from staying up the night before clinical writing care plans. I had no social life and missed my husband and children as I never had any time to be with them. My stress level was through the roof. Having said all that would I do it again. Absolutely!! I loved most of it. The stuff I didn't like I tolerated so that I could enjoy what I did like. I agree that the best way to get through nursing school is to take it day by day. Never look too far ahead or it will seem overwhelming. Good luck to you. :)

Diaphoretic · Jun 21, 2004

I just graduated from LPN school in May and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life but very rewarding... I am going back for my RN in the spring I just need a break and need to make some money. I encourage you to go be a nurse if you feel that you are being called to do so. I LOVE IT.

Katnip, RN · Jun 21, 2004

Na_Na, to start, you need to choose the program you're most interested in. All nursing schools require prerequisites. Most require at least one English course, biology, anatomy and physiology, a psych or two, sociology, and some require chemistry as well as a few optional things.

After prereqs are done, or just before they're done, you apply to the nursing program itself. I know of at least one ADN program that will allow you to take some prereqs with the nursing program.

Grab a catalog from the school, look at what they require. You will probably be tested in English and Math when you apply to the college so they can place you. If you don't do as well as they want, then you might have to take a remedial course. But I doubt you'll have problems there.

Get an appointment with the head of the nursing department as well. Make good use of the college counselors as well.

Edited to add: Don't sweat the age thing. I was 46 when I graduated. :) It sounds like you've got the smarts, the study skills, and the family support you need. Not to mention the support here. Go for it!

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jun 22, 2004

I too, am about to start nursing school (ADN). I have a previous degree (BSed), so have most of the nonnursing coursework done. I am finishing the A & P this summer, and will have only Nutrition and Microbiology during my official nursing school time. I start in the fall with only 2 nursing classes. My question is this. With all the other coursework out of the way except for the above mentioned Nutrition and Microbiology, will I still be strapped to find time for my family? My youngest is in school this fall. And then, I wonder about those sick kid days? Also, how does a previous bachelors degree help in the transition to a BSN. I would like to enter school nursing among other things. Will my education degree help in that aspect? Thanks. Joa

One of my instructors frankly admitted that, yes, nursing school pretty well eats up your whole life, but at least it's only for a couple of years. Well, obviously, a lot of us can't or won't let it eat our whole lives, but it will certainly try. Some of my classmates have most or all support courses done, and it appears to help, but it's still definitely a bear. Being willing to settle for an occassional B helps, too, but any way you look at it, it's a major undertaking. I find that I neglect my job and family for school and neglect school and family for my job. So it really helps if your family is supportive, and it's essential to be able to juggle. I try to avoid "crisis management" as much as possible, but I think a certain amount is inevitable. However, I would also say that it is doable, as long as you can get the material and are highly motivated. Those who expect to get by without much effort are probably doomed, and most over-achievers can probably expect to learn some humility.

Almost everyone I've talked to has felt like quitting during our first year, but it gets better once you get past that. Still hard, but not quite so overwhelming.

The near-certainty that I will face similar moments of despair after nursing school is kind of alarming, but I hope getting through it once will make it more tolerable.

My carpool has been a huge support, as well as a study group. I heartily recommend a study group of some sort, both for the help in studying and for the network of friends to vent with. Seriously--get all the help you possibly can. But if you are really ready for this, you'll love it, even when you hate it.

Study hard as you can, as much as your life allows, then sharpen your pencils and pray. Good luck.

Sunita428 · Jun 22, 2004

Hi. I am currently a focused junior in high school, & am very serious about becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. If you happen to know any information like: # of years, salary ranges, complications, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You!!!!!:)

SaintRN · Jun 22, 2004

I was 31 when I went back to school to become an RN and I just took my boards last week and passed. I found it was alot of work and alot of sleepless nights when you have a family, but you can do it if you really want it. Most of my classmates were my age or older and made it. I 1st semester is the hardest. After that, it pretty much just falls into place because of your life experiences.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll do great! :balloons:

Hi, I'm new and I would like to introduce myself. I'm very interested in becoming a nurse. I'm 42 years of age, I'm a single parent with 2 teenage daughters. I never been to college and I have applied at some schools and are waiting to hear back. I have been reading some of your topics, and they are very interesting. I have so many questions and concerns, but I'll keep it to a minimum. My first question: Is becoming a nurse hard?