Getting scared!!!

szccdw · Jan 2, 2003

I am going into my 2nd semester of nursing school (2 year program) and we started out with 90 and are now down to 63. I can say as a person who has never had to struggle with school that nursing school is another ballgame. It sometimes seems as if the instructors forgot that at one time they were in your same seat. I have found several to have the attitude of "I've got mine and too bad if you don't get yours". You'll have to grow a second skin for nursing school. Don't give up. If it's what you want to do, DO IT. good luck to you. :kiss

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2003

School is tough, no doubt about it. I think you are going to appreciate your coworkers a whole lot.

The thing about nursing school is that there is no let up. Once you start it's like a roller coaster ride, no stopping. You must keep up constantly, work hard and diligently never letting yourself get behind.

We actually didn't loose many people in my nursing school but my sister lost about 1/3rd in her class. Nursing is a tough job, as I'm sure you know, why wouldn't nursing school be equally tough?

Make the commitment that you guys are going to work hard and do your best and you will make it.

ANEWBYRN · Jan 2, 2003

I started an associate degree program in August of 2001. I have been out of high school (where I was valedictiorian) for about ten years. Life happened and I quit college the first go around. It took a lot of encouragement for me to go back to school. But once I decided to go back, I honestly did not think I would have any trouble with nursing school. However, after four semesters, I can honestly say it has been sooo much harder than I ever imagined. But, it's hard in ways that are very difficult to explain.

Nursing school is a whole new world--truly it is! The pace can be dizzying at times. We have so much reading material assigned to us that it's near impossible to read it all. Nursing is one of those areas that you either get or you don't. There has to be a natural ability to think critically or at least the capacity to learn to think critically. People are so different in their perceptions. You can't go by what other people tell you.

This last semester, there were about 20 people who did not make it! It is so sad. You get attached to your classmates and it's hard to see someone fail. But, at the same time, I can see where some of them bring it on themselves. Some people get so wrapped up in thinking the instructors are OUT TO GET THEM! :devil: I just don't buy that! It is hard to listen to lectures and learn if you're thinking about how evil the instructor is! It is also very important to attend all lectures! Try really hard not to miss any classes. Try not to get so caught up in memorizing specific details that you miss the larger concept. I know so many students who memorize lab values or procedures or definitions, but can't tell you why tests are run or why values are off. If you can learn the basic pathophysiology of the disorders, you can figure out the other stuff.

Also, figure out what learning style works best for you and use it. Find study partners who actually study--it's so easy to sit around and gossip or goof off or get drunk or whatever else people do to keep from studying!

I'm sorry! I'm just rambling on. I really just want to say that YES nursing school is difficult. But, you can do it if you want it bad enough. The best advice I have is this--don't get behind! And if you don't understand something, ask! Good luck!

Anaclaire · Jan 2, 2003

I suggest you focus more on the many people who actually passed their exams and clinical experiences and became nurses. That helped me a lot when I began to feel overwhelmed or doubt myself. I'd remind myself, "Hundreds of thousands of other people have done before me, and darn it, I can do it too!!!"

I also agree that nursing school (RN) takes LOTS of committment from the student as well as their family! It's a roller-coaster ride for sure. Some folks are cut out for it and some aren't. Usually within the first two semesters the majority of people who will not succeed are weeded out. The instructors are not "out to get you" really, their purpose is to graduate people from their program. They don't want you to waste your time working towards something that's not for you anymore than you do. They've been teaching and nursing a long time and can easily recognize the students who are intellectually and emotionally prepared to complete their program. When it comes to people being "lost" at the end of the program, well, that's incredibly sad! We must remember however, that nurses must make life and death decisions on a split second and no one wants to have a nurse care for them or their loved ones who is not competent to do so. That's why we have standards and licenses. I say it's better to find out sooner than later!

I'd suggest you deeply contemplate why you want to be a nurse and talk with your family before beginning your program of study. They will have to understand that you will not have as much time to do chores, make meals, and do your normal things with them for the next 2 to 4 years... but they will also reap the benefits when all is said and done.

Believe in yourself! Even if you don't feel sure, tell yourself you can succeed until you truly begin to believe it. If nursing is meant for you, it will be yours!

Warmly

Anaclaire

bravegirlamy · Jan 2, 2003

I attended a very tough nursing school, who was known for "weeding" students out. There were several LPN's that didn't make the cut. Being an LPN doesn't help anything (I heard this straight from most of the LPNs in my class)... so I wouldn't recommend you going through LPN school just to feel better about attending RN school. I had no medical background, but still made it..(but, boy was it ever tough!). Study hard & you'll do fine. Good LUCK.

Little One2 · Jan 2, 2003

Going back to school is hard to do. The only way you will know if you can do it is if you go for it. Think of it as a challenge. Take it one day at a time. Use your coworkers as resources, study, and think positive.

Give it a try. Good luck.

Mkue · Jan 2, 2003

I have two sisters who became LPN's first then RN's, both agree that the LPN experience/education helped them thru RN training, one felt that her training was alot of repeat of what she had learned in LPN school. So I guess everyone has a different experience no matter who you talk to.

mkue:)

Good Luck