Hardest part of nursing school

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Hi! I will hopefully be starting nursing school in July, and I was wondering what exactly to expect. I saw on the schedule bulletin that for the summer term (my beginning term) courses will run MWF from 8-6, and Thursdays from 8-5. I was wondering if even though that seems overwhelming, how I can make it manageable? Also what the overall hardest part is of nursing school, or just personal experiences, thanks!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Ecek-gands!!! Are you in some accelerated program? I hope those teachers a real good and do not expect you to read your text books because they are so good (if not for my text books I would not know anything because my teachers do not teach)

I would be scared, but if you are going for your dream you will stop at nothing.

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Are you sure that schedule was for your classes and not the scheduled time for all classes? My school has classes from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM M-F but no way am I scheduled to be there that long.

Dixie

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Hi,

I am in my second semester of a 2 year program for my RN. I have all of my prereqs done but still find it hard to get all of the required reading, projects and clinical paperwork done. I am an A student as are all of my fellow students but am now struggling to keep a C average. I am not the only one who is struggling to stay afloat. In my school we have lecture about 4 hrs a week and have clinical for 16 hrs. My advice to you is not to work if you don't have too, stay on top of everything as best as you can and don't procrastinate. Also, be kind to yoursef if you do not get an "A" on a test. A few students are pulling 90's but not many.

For me the hardest part is clinical and just finding the time to study for tests when you still have clinical work as well as 3 chapters due on the same day as the test.

Do you work as an LNA or a CNA (both nurses aides)? This will help immensely with feeling comfortable around patients. Get a job in the hospital and not a nursing home if possible (you will learn more in the hopital). You can get your nursing aide license after you complete your first semester if you choose. But truthfully, do not work if you don't have too. Nursing school is the hardest thing I have ever done but it is doable. I have a bachelors degree already and i find nursing school to be a lot more challenging.

Good luck and remember to take one day a a time and keep on top of things.

P.S. Say goodbye to your family and friends while in school.

Back to studying

God bless

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Specializes in Critical Care.

In my mind's eye, the hardest part of nursing school was trying to discern practical instruction from propaganda.

It's not always popular advice to give, but my way of thinking is that nursing school is a game. You learn PART of what you need to be a nurse there, and part on the job. Learn to play the game for the game's sake and your perspective of nursing school will take on a completely different tone.

Once I understood that nursing school was in part an attempt to set a philosophical tone that might or might not have practical value outside of school, FOR ME, my whole thought processes of nursing school changed. It was an epiphany! I understood that I could play their game and still learn to be the kind of nurse that I wanted to be.

The kind of nurse I am.

Many of your instructors will consider nursing school as you paying your dues. If YOU come around to that way of thinking, it will inform your education. So, pay your dues. Learn what is important and learn what your instructors want you to regurg back to them. Regurg back to them what they want to hear while at the same time INCORPORATING what is important.

The hardest part of nursing school? Learning to tell the difference.

~faith,

Timothy.

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Sounds like you are entering an accelerated program?

The hardest part for me (in a regular BSN program) is just trying to assimilate and critically apply the MEGA TONS of information that comes flyin' at me week after week. It's like being in a brain marathon of sorts - quite exhausting at times.

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I am a first semester nursing student after being in the corporate world for almost 14 years. The hardest part for me thus far is just making this adjustment in itself. Also, the testing style has been hard for me. I'm an A/B student and I'll be grateful every time I see 75 on my tests. I think the hardest adjustment for me has been getting used to the time management, grading scale, and testing style.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

The hardest part for me was getting up early.Im not a morning person.And possibly the commute.We went to many different areas for clinicals.Every thing else seemed quite easy.

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I thought the same thing...an accelterated program.

I only have two classes my first term for the RN program...Pharmacology I and Nursing I.

The nursing is MW from 10:50 to 12:00 and on Tuesday's from 7:00 to 3:00, but we don't even go to the Tuesday class until we start the clinical, and the Pharmacology is done in group study sessions on your own.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry, Hospice, Home Health.

Hmmm... I am just finishing up my 2 year ADN this May. I learned not to expect nursing school to be fair. Instructors - each and every one of them -tend to be subjective in their expectations and half the battle is getting to know the styles of the instructors each semester. Go with the flow and choose your battles wisely. The 2 year ADN is the most difficult chunk of nursing school ever. It is packed into 2 years because it NEEDS to be 2 years not because it it is a sane and appropriate time span for the material and responsibility that follows. Every advanced degree nurse I have talked to has said obtaining their advanced degree wasn't anywhere near as difficult as that first 2 year ADN. Ok I am rambling...

The material keeps compounding. What feels like an overwhelming amount of information will feel like kindergarten the following year. You will read a chapter and wonder why you will ever need to know so many little details and then discover the following semester that you are so glad you studied hard because you use those little details everyday now. I also have routinely said to myself and friends that I don't think I have ever sacrificed so much for a goal in my life as I have these last three years. (By the way - there really is no such thing as a 2 year RN. There is a solid year of prereqs) I am so glad to be almost finished. God willing. One last thing, I never would have made it without my classmates who I study and cry and laugh with. They have been my lifeboat. Be sure and reach out and connect with those around you. And find your favorite teachers and don't be shy about checking in with them. You are creating memories! Have fun too!

Lisa

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Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

These suggestions are great. I will be starting soon but the first semester is pre-req's which I already have all but one done. At this school (diploma program 5 semesters) its mandatory to take 18cr the first semester rather you have the pre-req's done or not so I'm taking courses that will apply to BSN. Second semester is the REAL classes and clinical. Will try to bookmark as much information so when January comes around I will be ready. Since I will be in school M-Th 8 hrs a day (ugh!).

Keep em coming with the suggestions...

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yeah the program I will be entering is an accelerated BSN program...haha im scared now

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