Question for nursing graduates or those getting ready to graduate soon.....

chysyl · Sep 11, 2006

I found the second semester most hectic while I enjoyed the thrid semester.Because during the 2nd semester i had about 92 med/surg topics, 17 pediatrics, and in pharmac the drugs for all the systems to cover in 11 wks.

ashley_michelle · Sep 11, 2006

I think that 2nd and 3rd semester were the toughest for me. I was putting in 20+ hrs for a test and not doing much of anything else. haha. 2nd and 3rd semester for us was MedSurg 1,2,3 and 4. I loved maternity and found it to be the easiest semester... ( not having to study a lot and gettin an A .. where in medsurg I was studying all the time and struggling to get a C ) So with maternity and peds I was finally able to breathe. Good luck!

BeccaznRN, RN · Sep 11, 2006

I think the toughest semester will vary from student to student, and also depend on which courses are in which semester, which will be slightly different from school to school.

My first semester was the most difficult for me, when I was trying to learn everything as a brand-new nursing student. I was taking fundamentals, patho, pharm, and assessment, and believe me when I say that all I ever did was study, read, attend school, and prepare for clinical. It was challenging!

Med-surg I and II were difficult courses, but the other semesters were nowhere near as hard at that first one. I'm in my last semester now, and while it's probably the easiest of all of them, it's also the most time-consuming. We have so many assignments to complete, plus group work and exit exams on top of regular exams and clinicals, AND we are required to complete 180 preceptor hours. I'm swimming over here!

pamc217 · Sep 11, 2006

I found 3rd and fourth semester the hardest, with no warning.

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 12, 2006

The way our courses are laid out - the 3rd was the hardest and most demanding.

This semester is a breeze compared to that one.....

RN1263 · Sep 12, 2006

i'm in my 3rd sem. & it's too soon to comment on this semester!

but, i will say that for me 1st sem. was a breeze and 2nd sem. was a killer!!

2nd semester had a "ton" of skills tests, the material was alot harder, & we we're on a med/surg floor (1st sem. we were in a nursing home), so it took time for me to adjust, but i still got a "b" ...so it is do-able!:wink2:

NeoNurseTX, RN · Sep 12, 2006

THIRD BY FAR! Psych, communities, chronic med/surg, groups, and aging. BLAH. WAY Too much work!

AuntieRN · Sep 13, 2006

My fourth was the hardest for me. I am sure every program is different though.

SillyLilly · Sep 13, 2006

My toughest by far was my first semester. Jerk of a teacher, really! Made me cry. Told me I was not fit to be a nurse, etc... condesending. Inimidating body language.... all of this from a NURSE with a doctrate in PSYCH! anngry bitter lady.... I hope the best for her..... :rolleyes:

Well, I was not thinking clearly, and thought that no matter what instructor I had, it would be the same way, and took her 2nd semester. Again, same stuff....

I swear to you the day before clinical I prayed something would happen. Id feel nauseas all night, and I was border line panic attack all clinical. I even called in sick 2x.

Anyways, I got a job as a nurse extern which was one of the best choices I ever made. I became soooo much more comfortable in a hospital setting which made a difference. I recommend it to anyone who can.

Second year, both semesters were greeeat! I was confident, my teachers were (mostly) considerate and we worked together. I loved clinical...really....

But I do agree that it depends on the teacher, the school, the setting, etc.

Goooood luck to all new students, I would not want to be facing clinicals for the first time again, I will tell you that! :barf01:

mariedoreen · Sep 13, 2006

At the school I attended our instructors worked hard to ensure that every semester was a nightmare. No joke. To the point that just reading these student threads on allnurses brings it all back, making me hyperventilate and break out in hives. Excuse me, need Benedryl and a paper bag...