Hardest part of nursing school?

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2015

It's good you're terrified. That means you're paying attention. Once you stop feeling that terror/anxiety (you shouldn't be terrified the whole time -- eventually you will gain some confidence), that means you need to step it up.

I'm in a BSN and it is, to me, a lot more laid back than the faster-paced, skills-perfectionist-intensive ADN programs. At least, compared to the closest ADN school, that is my perception. I think, for you, time management will be the thing. You will/should never have the opportunity to procrastinate (and if, for a moment you think you do, you are forgetting to do something). The second you can get ahead on something, do it. The second you have mastery of a concept, stop reviewing it and work on the harder, more critical things (obviously, revisit it later to make sure you haven't forgotten it).

Good luck! Breathe! Repeat this to yourself: "I can do hard things."

watashibakada · Dec 8, 2015

I hate it when you feel like you have a target painted on you! I feel that way now!

statepatrick001 · Dec 9, 2015

I don't feel that anything in particular is harder than the other. Sure, there's a lot of bs that comes with the classes and all of the instructors teach differently, but it's how well you're able to adapt to new challenges I think is the overall challenge. There's no doubt you will read relentlessly, prepare for clinicals always, and have non-stop studying to do. When you take some time for yourself you'll wonder "what could I be doing for nursing right now." I also dislike doing skill assessments in front of your instructors while they stare at you, it's extremely uncomfortable. With that being said though, you're going to learn a ton. I just finished up my first semester of ADN classes and it was extremely challenging. When people say "you're going to want to quit but keep at it and you will be fine" they mean it. It will push boundaries you are uncomfortable with, beyond the limits you are willing to take them, and just when you thought you were about to reach the top of the cliff, your instructors added another mile to climb. Don't give up, stick through it, and believe in yourself. Make sure you have a good support system as well(it's always easier when people are cheering you on to succeed).

gipsydangerous · Dec 9, 2015

OMG yes, other students and the BS involved with excessive charges. The hardest part for me was group projects! So glad those are behind me for now!

RAndaRoo · Dec 9, 2015

I also dislike doing skill assessments in front of your instructors while they stare at you, it's extremely uncomfortable.

This whole comment was spot on, but this particular part I 100% whole-heartedly agree with. It is the most awkward thing ever to do skills (meds, foley, immunizations, etc.) in front of your instructor! I even had a patient once tell me after my instructor left...."Your instructor is rather...intimidating." Haha I think for sure my first and second semesters we had to do everything with them, then my 3rd semester my instructors would watch us once and then we could do it without them as long as we're with the nurse. Now this semester my final semester we were with a preceptor without our instructor even at the hospital and let me just tell you it's so much better. It's so much more relaxed being just with the nurses.

Good luck to you in your nursing endeavors though! You'll do great! :bookworm:

direw0lf, BSN · Dec 9, 2015

Mine is probably the time one. Finding the time for the nursing classes, studying, assignments along with everything else I want to do. Sacrificing things I want to do, not just things for leisure that's easier to sacrifice I can go without TV, shopping, and seeing a significant other every day. I have to sacrifice many things with my family, work, ect.

ladysushi · Dec 9, 2015

For me, the social aspects were challenging. Some nursing programs are permeated with unspoken, subtle politics. In addition, some personality types are favored over others.
I am somewhat reserved, very introverted, and slow to warm up to people. Some of my instructors had issues with my personality type and, as a result, they watched my every move. However, next month will mark my 10th year as a nurse and I've outlasted many of my former classmates who had perkier personalities.

I am the exact same way. (reserved, introverted, and slow to warm up to others) I start nursing school in January and I am worried about this.

During my training for my CNA my clinical instructor gave me a review of..."You are such a sweetheart, you get a long great with the residents, you practice awesome patient care and you perform your skills very, very well....but you're quiet..." then she just stared at me like I was supposed to explain myself. I just chuckled and told her that everyone tells me that. Then she gave me my score for the clinical and I was 10 pts under a perfect score. I was confused because there wasn't anything negative on my score sheet and when I questioned her she said "Nobody is perfect." Then when I compared my score sheet with other classmates, there were plenty of "perfect" scores.

I have been giving myself pep talks to try and force my talkative, outgoing side to shine, but that just isn't me.

Xlorgguss · Dec 10, 2015

Hardest part for me is motivation. In particular motivation to do unecessary assignments like reflective journals. I understand the motive of getting us used to thinking, but I am already very introspective. Throwing it down on paper and checking off criteria for an essay cheapens it to me. Other than that my motivation to watch our lecture videos (some processors drone on and on) and reading. I work full-time between two jobs and getting anything done after my hospital job just doesn't happen. 12 hour shifts are exhausting

VeganKathy · Dec 10, 2015

I just finished my first semester of an ADN program. For me the most difficult part is time management. Some of the material is difficult, but you can always rely on instructors or fellow classmates for help with things you do not understand. It is very difficult to stay organized throughout the semester when you have papers to write, care plans, quizzes, exams and reading hundreds of pages from the textbook every week. You just have to have a good support system and surround yourself with people that motivate you. Good luck and have a great semester.