How difficult are the core nursing classes?

maire, ASN, RN · Jun 13, 2003

You are going to get a lot of opinions here, so here's mine, for whatever it's worth. :)

IMHO, nursing classes aren't so much harder as they are TIME-CONSUMING. There's a lot more work involved (than in pre/co-reqs), and you really have to manage your time to get everything done that needs to be done on time.

That said, however, if you've ever taken 3 or more classes together, you have a pretty good idea of the workload. It's just a different way of thinking. You aren't memorizing facts, you are learning to be a nurse...if that makes any sense. :rolleyes:

LOL Why do I bother replying to posts, I never make any sense.

memphispanda, RN · Jun 13, 2003

I think I could take 10 non-nursing classes and still not have the amount of work to do that I have in one of my nursing classes (ours are combined courses--for example I am only taking 1 class this semester-N5, but it is a 13 hour course covering maternal newborn nursing and pediatrics).

I didn't really have to study for things like micro and chemistry. I spend hours and hours studying for nursing. There is a huge amount of paperwork. We constantly have projects, seminars, and papers to do. It is a LOT of work.

B.T.H · Jun 14, 2003

Hi Maire and Panda,

Thanks for responding, I think I get it. The impression I'm getting is that during the pre-reqs, it's more about memorization of body parts and systems; as well as building a basic foundation to add the nursing theories upon in the main program. Once into the core nursing classes, we are taught to think critically about the information we learned in the pre-reqs. Also, we are given additional information(about medicines, ways of administration, etc) which we are to assimilate into the base we built in the pre-reqs. Basically the difference is the critical thinking part as well as the way the classes or work load is structured. Is this right? Thanks again for the information., B.T.H

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jun 14, 2003

BTH

Good question, I find myself wondering about it a lot as well. Right now I normally carry about 14 credit hours a semester (ie Chem, Micro, Sociolgy, and Nutrition) and wonder how it will compare to that.

M

BMS4 · Jun 14, 2003

In the nursing classes, the programs are structured so that they build onto the information you received the class before. So you are constantly using what you learned before plus adding to it. That increases the workload.

Good luck.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jun 14, 2003

So is it hard or just a lot of work or both? Do you feel overwhelmed with it all?

M

Mithrah · Jun 14, 2003

I think it depends if you are in an ADN or a BSN program. I am in an ADN program and I think the nursing classes are pretty easy overall. I don't have to do research papers, seminars, etc. I just study class notes and do reading assignments.

I felt my prereqs were more challenging just because I wasn't used to learning so much in such a short amount of time. I learned good study habits back then so now that I am in nursing school it seems easier when maybe it really isn't.

Katnip, RN · Jun 14, 2003

No research papers? No case studies? No group projects? Sheesh, wish I'd had it that easy.

Love-A-Nurse · Jun 14, 2003

originally posted by maire
you are going to get a lot of opinions here, so here's mine, for whatever it's worth. :)

imho, nursing classes aren't so much harder as they are time-consuming. there's a lot more work involved (than in pre/co-reqs), and you really have to manage your time to get everything done that needs to be done on time.

that said, however, if you've ever taken 3 or more classes together, you have a pretty good idea of the workload. it's just a different way of thinking. you aren't memorizing facts, you are learning to be a nurse...if that makes any sense.

lol why do i bother replying to posts, i never make any sense.

"i never make any sense."

marie, your posts make very good sense. :kiss