I would like an idea of what nursing school is going to be like

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · May 21, 2011

Each program is too different to provide you with a picture. From reading the forums I assumed that nursing school would be the biggest suck fest I've ever endured. It's a second degree program (and possible career change) for me although I had all the prereqs with my first degree. I, however, don't think it's been that bad. There are some melodramatic students and the occasional busy work assignment, but the tests and clincals and so forth aren't bad at all.

Your experience could be great or it could be a nightmare, lol. You'll just have to see. Good luck.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 21, 2011

Each program is too different to provide you with a picture. From reading the forums I assumed that nursing school would be the biggest suck fest I've ever endured. It's a second degree program (and possible career change) for me although I had all the prereqs with my first degree. I, however, don't think it's been that bad. There are some melodramatic students and the occasional busy work assignment, but the tests and clincals and so forth aren't bad at all.
Your experience could be great or it could be a nightmare, lol. You'll just have to see. Good luck.

This! I didn't have near the nightmare experience that I read about on this board.

silverbells_star · May 21, 2011

I agree, people on this board greatly exaggerate nursing school, finishing up my 4th year and it's been fun. Of course you have to study and prepare, but that's normal.

tsydnes · May 21, 2011

I am 39 and only finished 7th grade. I just graduated from a BSN program. The hardest part for me was getting started. I have a 12 year old son who is autistic and has developmental delays and functions at a 3 year old level so if I can make it through one of the most difficult programs, including 2 chemistry classes, you can too. My advice to you is, read your nursing text as you go along and get the saunders comprehensive nclex review book to use while going through school. It will help you with your classes. Also, talk to your instructors and let them know if you have any problems. They really are there to help you. Good luck.

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · May 21, 2011

Mondays - morning class for 2-1/2 hours, skills lab for 1 hour (not every week)

Tuesday - morning class for 2-1/2 hours, pharm for 1 hour (not every week), then off to the hospital to pick patients who will be staying a couple of days or so. Get data, do preps for the next several hours and usually done with 2 preps by 11pm.

Wednesday - get to hospital for 6:45 shift report, there till 1pm. Go home, write up care plans for my 2 patients.

Thursday - get to hospital @ 6:45am. Go home at 1pm, send weekly journal to instructor.

Friday - every other week is a test week.

We have about 6-7 skills to demonstrate for an instructor and have to sign up on their schedule to come back for the demo. Can be educational or excruciating.

Each school has a different schedule, different group of instructors and a different bag of students.

AgentBeast, BSN, RN · May 22, 2011

Nursing school is freaking fun for me. Then again I'm generally the exception that proves the rule.

momtojosh · May 22, 2011

wow

:confused:

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · May 22, 2011

I agree that some of the lectures were so silly and watered down enough that nursing school didactics could be completed entirely online. Many questions can't be answered either. I would probably skip class if they didn't grade for attendance, and what I mean by that is they will drop you if you don't show up. The policy was in place with my first college degree too, but most college faculty didn't care.

echo56 · May 22, 2011

The most important aspect is to be prepared. Read thru your text before attending the lecture. It will make alot more sense that way. Learn to budget your time, and when you have extra time work ahead on material you know you'll need. Prepare for emergencies in your day care. I see this tripping up alot of students, and when you're required to have so many hours in school/labs you can't just stay home. When the instructors ask for volunteers, have your hand in the air. (no instructor wants an unwilling student).

And most importantly.... don't get sucked into the dramas that will occur in the classes. You're bound t have some dramaqueens and they can make your life miserable and keep you from focusing on what is truly important.

Good luck!

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · May 22, 2011

I haven't entered Nursing school yet, but...

I have a feeling that there is a LOT of exaggeration about the "horrors of Nursing school." I just checked my schedule for next year. I will only be taking twelve credit hours, and I will have THREE day weekends for the entire term. Only 1 clinical for 6 hours on one day of the week, a 1 credit hour course, and another five credit hour course. That is the easiest schedule I have ever had in my two years of college.

Also, I don't have ANY children, I'm 19 and single, and I don't have the responsibilities of upholding a household. I also have a desk job that will allow me to study hours at a time. I doubt I will be nearly as stressed out as the 30 year old married mother of three who has to work full time to help support her family.

cgravier · May 22, 2011

Its actually easy for me but Im single and dont work. Its the stuff that happens outside of class that makes it hard (work, kids, etc; ) for lot of people.

I always compare everything to Marine Corps bootcamp. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being stuck on Paris Island for 3 months Id saying Nursing School (so far) is about a 3.

I kind of wish it were harder. I mean in boot we would have DIs punching us in the stomach as we did pullups, or getting choked till I almost passed out for not knowing an answer to a question... I want that kind of learning lol.