Not sure I can handle BSN School.

[guest723]

Hi everyone.

I have a 4.0 GPA. I decided on Nursing because I love the healthcare field, and medical science. However, two weeks into the start of my Nursing program I feel completely overwhelmed. I can't do everything they want us to do - read all of the chapters, write papers, etc. on top of physiology and the demands for that class without dedicating every second of my life to studying. Don't get me wrong: I love the material and learning it. I just feel this low-grade chronic anxiety feeling because they want us to do 100% of everything in a small time-span. I feel discouraged, because I put my heart and soul into the pre-reqs to gain admission; however, I think I won't be able to hack it. Everyone else seems as though they have everything together and know everything going on in lecture before starting the class because they read the book beforehand. I did not because I am a slow reader and learner, and it takes me twice as much as everyone else to do the material and I find it discouraging :/.

My first exam is in a few weeks, for both Physiology and my other Nursing course on the same day. I am unsure as how I will do, but I won't be expecting to do extremely well on it compared to other students in my class. I just feel sort of discouraged because I spend ALL day studying and to do things on time requires me 24/7 to do it while everyone else seems quicker at it.

I'm just wondering if Nursing School is for me or not.

Thanks to everyone in advance!

[BAY AREA RN, BSN]

nursing school is stressful, there isnt enough time for anyone to read all the chapters, if your teacher give you an overview over what she want you to learn just focus on that and if there is something that isn't really clear then you should go into dept on the readings. good luck and you can do it. and get in a study group as soon as possible

[loladmarie]

My best advice to you (as someone who is almost done with school) is don't read the entire book. I am aware that for some this is the best way to learn, and I don't know how your professors are at the school you are going to. For me, everything that was going to be on the exam was in our lecture notes. Pay attention in class, write down notes, even if they are redundant, and use the book if you really don't understand a particular concept that is being covered. There was only one class that I used my book in which was assessment and then in all my med-surg classes. I used it to expand on certain procedures and nursing care if I was confused.

My second advice for you is to try to relax. I know it sounds impossible right now, especially at the start, which for my program was the busiest for me. You don't need to spend 100% of your time dedicated to studying and reading the book. I am in the accelerated 11 1/2 month program and it is all about organization and balance. If you don't take time for yourself you are going to be miserable. I make myself take a day off a week (if not more if possible) to go hike, play a round of golf with the hubbs, hang out with friends or like today watch college football!!

I learned that once I stopped trying so hard and comparing myself to everyone else you will find what works best for you. You don't need to have read the book BEFORE lecture...what is the point of lecture if you already know everything? Take a deep breath, go outside for a walk, read a BOOK that isn't a text book, and tell yourself that you got this! Cause you do...trust me....if nursing is your passion and you are dedicated, school and clinical will be a breeze and you will excel...and before you know if you'll be graduating! Best of luck!!! You got this!

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

I want to stay on top of things, but man it's super difficult! I would love to play golf today, or do something on my own time, but I feel as though if I take time off from studying I may be selling myself short and being left behind.

And you very well might be.

This time of your life is to focus on one thing: Becoming an RN. There will be plenty of time for other interests later - even probably while you're in school, but perhaps not.

When I was in nursing school, I made it the #1 priority in my life because I believed that it was that important... my very future depended on my success at that time and I wasn't willing to take chances with it.

[guest723]

And you very well might be.

This time of your life is to focus on one thing: Becoming an RN. There will be plenty of time for other interests later - even probably while you're in school, but perhaps not.

When I was in nursing school, I made it the #1 priority in my life because I believed that it was that important... my very future depended on my success at that time and I wasn't willing to take chances with it.

I understand. I did the same thing in my pre-reqs. I aced every exam last year...But I was miserable because I just studied 24/7, had no fun, no breaks because I was always nervous about an exam and failing, thinking about money spent, etc. I have GAD and depression, all under control now due to medication. I'm just afraid of having a repeat of last year. I'll do my best like I said.

[Shookclays, ASN, BSN, CNA, RN]

1)

2) Studies tend to find that how you think you compare to your peers has little to do with how you actually compare to your peers. Some of those confident peers will be flunking out before you know it. Some of the people who seem most overwhelmed and intimidated will soon be earning the highest grades.

I second this!

Also please go and get a Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN. They also have one for LPN students.

Treat this book like a religious text.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

You will feel that same anxiety working as a new nurse, learn to manage it or do something else. You will have to manage a lot as a new nurse, and nursing school is sort of your introduction. However over time and with experience you should learn how to feel less stressed.

[AnxietyMaven, BSN, RN]

First, no one can read all the chapters. There truly isn't enough time. So, don't beat yourself up. It is time to learn how skim the material and delve into the important stuff. How? Look at the key points, objectives, and summary in the chapters. Focus on those before class as your pre-read. Once you sit the lecture you can figure out any holes in your reading. You need to adjust your study skills. Do flash cards work for you? There are a ton online. Do you learn better with videos? Check YouTube for the content. Acknowledge that what you're doing now is not working and change your methods.

Second, talk with your instructors! Ask them for study tips, or what you should/could be focusing on in their class. They all have posted office hours. Email them and set up a time to meet and go over your issues and ask for help. They can't help you if they don't know you're struggling.

Third, nursing school isn't easy. Accept that now. The hours that you put in will reflect on your test grades, but it doesn't have to consume your life. Good luck! You can do this.

[ILUVERNSG, MSN, RN]

OP: I have a very good feeling that you're going to do just fine. Take a deep breath, relax and keep doing what you're doing. Also, DO take some "me time" once in a while and play a few rounds of golf. Selfcare is important.

[Lipoma, BSN, RN]

You actually do pre-class readings? why?

[AnxietyMaven, BSN, RN]

You actually do pre-class readings? why?

I don't know about other programs, but in my program if it's obvious that you haven't read you can be asked to leave. You have to come prepared. Besides if you pre-read you know what is being dexplained and come with any questions you have in your understanding. After you review the material for a test you have seen the information at least 3 times.

[guest723]

One last question for those succeeding in the program.

I just spent 6 hours studying. I finished three chapters in those 6 hours, and I feel as though that isn't time effective since I only finished three chapters in that six hour period. I read every page for the chapters which was undoubtedly time consuming. Should I instead read the book and read parts ONLY on the content covered in the powerpoints? I feel like doing this will make it A LOT easier, but I'm unsure considering I don't know what will be covered on exams.

Thanks.

[Lipoma, BSN, RN]

I don't know about other programs, but in my program if it's obvious that you haven't read you can be asked to leave. You have to come prepared. Besides if you pre-read you know what is being dexplained and come with any questions you have in your understanding. After you review the material for a test you have seen the information at least 3 times.

That sounds like the curriculum is set up to have Faculty micromanage the class.

I do pre-class reading (skimming) legit only 20 pages out of like 100+...there's just not enough time in the day to do all those pre-readings AND study for classes, lab competencies, group works, kaplan preps, ancillary activities. So far I'm spending far less time studying in this 1 year accelerated program compared to my first undergrad. BUT I owe that to the Faculty doing a great job explaining this. But I should be more cautious because the end goal is to pass the NCLEX...