What to expect the first day of nursing school

Nurses General Nursing

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i am starting a rn program at a local community college and wanted to know what to expect the first day.:confused:

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Specializes in Education and oncology.

(((Congrats!)))) You're entering an exciting profession at an incredibly exciting time.

I teach at the ADN level at a private college, though I teach the 2nd level, think I might be able to give you some tips. (I know your fellow students will be able to also!) First, you will most likely need a LARGE binder/notebook to put your handouts and notes. If you start off organized, it will help you to process the mammoth amt of information you will receive. Most students are the most overwhelmed the first week "O" week or orientation. Don't let the vast amt of information bog you down- take a deep breath and just keep your feet moving. You CAN do this and do not let the "naysayers" break you with their groans and complaints. Remember that much of success is based on attitude. As hard as it may be, try to stay focused on the positive.

I'm anal about writing implements- get good supplies. Some may advise a lap top, but you will know your program better then I, but you will most certainly need reliable computer access for your research and your papers- you probably already know that.

Don't scrimp on the readings- again if you can stay caught up with your assignments and readings, the classes will make more sense and you less likely to fall behind.

Re: testing- if you do not do as well as you liked, seek help immediately! My biggest pet peeve are students who come to me at the end of exam 4, and ask how they can pull their grade up. It's too late by then! Does your school have a tutor program? Mentors? Peer tutors? Study groups? Know your learning style- I didn't like studying and did better by myself- but that may not be you.

You will do fine if you are proactive- ask questions if you don't understand and remember this is a 2 way street. Your faculty are there to help you, you are there to learn and benefit from the program.

I wish you a wonderful and successful semester- and good luck!

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Specializes in CV.

I just finished my first semester. My first day was an overwhelming feeling of joy, excitement, nervousness, and terror! But overall, it was just a feeling of "thankfullness". I have been in school for quite some time trying to get to where I am. It is a lot of hard work! Just study hard, work hard, and as long as the passion is there, you'll be fine. I believe I am in the best program, with the best instructors possible. Many great things have came from my first semester including becoming vice president of my class, working with great clients at clincials, passing with all A's and B's, and just two days ago, I won a gift certificate to pay for my books for next semester. Not to mention, the wonderful friends, more like sisters, that will last a lifetime! Best of luck in your program and Congrats!!! It is the best thing that has ever happend to me and it keeps getting better. I can only wish you the same, if not more! Oh, and I don't know how spritual or religious you are, but on my way to school each morning, I was sure to thank God for the wonderful gift that he has given to me. His gifts seem to never end!:saint:

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

see these two previous threads on the student forums:

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everyones first day of nursing school is different if there is any advise i can give you is take deep breathes, be calm, smile and to buckel up because its going to be a bumpy ride. you will do fine good luck :D

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

CONGRATS!!!

i will tell you EXACTLY what to expect on your first day of nusing school....

i am an expert witness to this situation because i have in fact survived my first day of nursing school...

these are the things to expect and count on...

*you will be very uncomfortable/nervous

* you will try to wonder where in the world to sit..

* you will question on wheather you sat in the right place or not..

* you will look around and size up your fellow classmates..

* you will see a person that you will think that you will be friends with.

* you will get introduced to your instructors.

* you will recieve a schedule of what you will be going to do..

* you will then be told the class is going to introduce themselves

* you will then be nervous and go over in your mind what you are gonna say about yourself.... just make up this speech now... throughout your nursing carreer and classes... they always make you introudce yourself and telll something about ya.... so get used to that.

* don't appear too anxious when you are talking about YOU..

* don't be cocky.... don't have that * i am better than thou* attitude.

* fyi... the rest of the class HATES those ppl....

* if you have knowledge before nursing school... keep it to yourself at first....

* be attentive.... not demanding...

* don't ask any questions... not on the first day... if you pay attention close to what your instuctor/s are saying... they will answer your ?'s.

* try not to spend too much time looking around the entire class and sizing everyone up.. it's hard to do.... you won't be able to do it so don't worry... you will spend more time your first day of class thinking about your classmates then you do paying attention to your instructors..

* don't freak out

* there will be a lot of information provided

* you will be able to get through it... don't worry..

* wear a very nice outfit because all of the other students there will be sizing you up as well...

* be friendly... introduce yourself to ppl... but not everyone...

* don't be overbearingly nice... just 'casual nice'...

* most importantly..... BE YOURSELF.... SMILE... AND REALIZE THAT YOU ARE STARTING THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!

CONGRATS once again......

ohhhhh... don't stare.. there was this girl in my class that kept staring @ me. and it freaked me out!!!....

i wish you the best of luck... if you ever have any ?'s.. lemme know~

:cool:

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

One other item to add to the excellent list put forth by nghtfltguy...

Try not to form snap opinions about your instructors.

We had one who intimidated the heck out of me. She was in her early 60's and had been an ICU nurse forever. She looked the part and everything that I'd heard said (a) how smart she was and (b) how hard she was. Imagine my dismay when I learned that she was MY clinical instructor.

Well, as it turns out, the fear mongers only told part of the story. Yes, she was smart and she had very high standards and could be quite demanding. But she was also a very nice person and exceedingly fair -- if you were diligent and sincere. She would bend over backwards to help teach and she certainly "had my back" when it came to interactions with the staff nurses. She didn't suffer fools well, though.

It ended up that I was delighted to have had the chance to learn from this nurse. I only hope that I find one as good to be my preceptor.

Judge people and subjects for yourself... don't rely on what others say. Their experiences are not destined to be your experiences.

Oh, and try to enjoy the ride.

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TO BE COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED!! But, don't worry, you can do it!! I just did!!

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Specializes in Hospice.

OP thanks for asking such a great question! I start my program in May and this is great info to have. It is also nice to know that everyone out there starting this journey feels the same as I do. My emotions change daily from fright to extreme happiness and everything in between!

Good luck all!

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