Have you ..developed/are developing.. close Friendships in Nursing Program?

fiveofpeep · Oct 2, 2008

I had high hopes of that too but it didnt happen. People at my school had these really close-knit cliques and then in my third semester they put 11 kids in a class with the rest of the people all belonging to a different cohort.

I think it depends on the school and the group of people. You get the closest to people in your clinical group because you spend so much time together

Mia123 · Oct 2, 2008

I am not exactly sure how other programs schedules work, but in my BSN program, we have the same people in every class for 2 years. I have made some very good friends. Friends who are going through the same things as I, friends who "understand" nursing school. Unless you are or have been in nursing school, there is no way to understand how different and more difficult it is than regular school. I have absolutly made life-long friends with many people. Our class is so tight knit, because it is small. I do not think anyone knew anyone else on the first day. There are a few people who took pre-req classes with others, but they were not "friends". So, to stop my rambling, yes, I have made the best friends I could have ever hoped for in school. Just a few pointers, don't think you know everything, don't think you are better than anyone in your class, be nice to everyone, help others when they need it.....just basically be yourself and have fun.

MB37 · Oct 2, 2008

I met a lot of people and I certainly made friends, but I guess I wouldn't say "best" friends. However, I'm a little older and I'm married, plus I don't live anywhere near school. The single folks who live near campus got incredibly close, and hung out and studied together constantly. I study better alone, so that also meant I didn't spend as much time with my classmates as some people did. However, everyone in my class was really nice, and I'm trying to keep in touch with them now that we're done! You really do bond with people, your clinical group especially. If you make a little effort you should make friends no problem!

bimmersbabe · Oct 2, 2008

I was 34 when I began nursing school. I ended up with 1 really good friend. I have people that I still speak with but they are not "close". I had another really good friend but she did not make it through and now will not speak to me. I really feel very badly about that - but it is her choice and at some point I had to let it go.

MrsD723 · Oct 2, 2008

Absolutely! I am in a 2 year evening program with 28 people. We already had our first outing, a night of margaritas! And now we are planning a wine and cheee party at my house. I think it's what you make of it. I spend 17 hours a week with these people, I can't help but be close to them.

RNMom2010 · Oct 2, 2008

I started in Jan 08 and have made one actual friend that I hang out with outside of class. It has been clinicals that allows classmates to get to know eachother better rather than class. I like many of the girls in my class, and I am hoping a few more will become friends, but If I leave nursing school with even one extra good friend I will be a happy girl!

Mexarican · Oct 2, 2008

Nursing school is like the "Real World" MTV show...at first everyone is so nice to each other and helpful...then...well...the real world starts! lol You find out who does good under pressure and well who doesn't. You find out who you can count on and who you can't! You find out who gets on your nerves and who is going to be your BFF in nursing school and possibly after. You find out who you are most like and who you're thankful not to be like. You make great friends and become very close! You also learn to avoid certain people. For some classes the "real world" doesn't show up til second semester and for some it shows up in the first semester! lol:chuckle

That in a nutshell is nursing school. So yes...you will develop close friendships!

Mex

"Don't Tase Me Bro"

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2008

I did not know anyone in my program before I started. It is definitely nice to have people around whom you can talk to about nursing school, knowing they will understand. Your family and friends may not always understand why you are so busy and cannot spend time with them, but your nursing school peers will.

I study best by myself, but sometimes on the day of the exam (like in between breaks), I will get together with some friends and review information with them or even quiz them. I think it is helpful. But only if you know the material first! What works for me is to study the content & do NCLEX-style questions on my own first, and then review with peers later.

I love my clinical team, too. People in the program before me said that they become like your family because you see them so much, and you have to stick together in the struggles of nursing school. The students on my team are so supportive of each other, and we do work hard. I have also made friends with people who sit close to me in class.

whiteoleander5 · Oct 2, 2008

I had high hopes of that too but it didnt happen. People at my school had these really close-knit cliques and then in my third semester they put 11 kids in a class with the rest of the people all belonging to a different cohort.
I think it depends on the school and the group of people. You get the closest to people in your clinical group because you spend so much time together

I second this! I really was looking forward to the friendships I would make. I found that within the first week of class, it seemed that everyone already had cliques..And once they had their group, they really had no interest in making more friends because they found someone to get them through nursing. Its almost like you have to find someone who feels just as lonely as you do in order to make a friend....:imbar I am closer to the people in my clinical group because I see them the most. And I have to admit, we all pretty much get along but I wouldnt consider them my friends. But at least I know they are willing to help me and vice versa...

The first few weeks were pretty bad, but now... I am getting over it. I still feel lonely at times but Im sure I just havent talked to the right person yet...and once I do, maybe I'll make a friend. :chuckle

sillyxaria · Nov 15, 2008

Like everyone said, and I would add. It was super competitive, and the girls could get catty. But, I found a friend, she's the best but lives in Cali now. :) We carpooled almost everyday, and that's where we formed our friendship, and just being chill and relaxed even though we were in an accelerated program we were able to just enjoy the experience even when exams were every week or so, followed by long clinicals, drives that we woke up at 4am and left at 6-7pm.

Find one of those friends, you'll find at least that special buddy.

Stick with them and you won't lose it entirely.

Take care.

soon2bRN516 · Nov 15, 2008

Well as everyone said Nursing school is really intense, and with that you do end up seeing other sides of people. I am a very social person by nature and I for the most part get along with everyone in my class. Of course there are a few I would like to tell to get their sticks out of their rear, but whats the point of that. Anyhow I have found some awesome friends within the program and I am forever happy about that. I have one friend who I am the closest with and its nice to have. We share our ups and downs with eachother and have become very close. I have also noticed that as time goes on in the program you really start to get a feel with the people you want to surround yourself with, and honestly there are alot of people I wish I had a chance to hang out with more. However trying to go to school, study, and be a mom kind of puts a damper on my outside activities besides school.

Study groups are great, and if you can I would suggest to find one that is on the same level as you are on. I am sure you will be able to make some friends there. Good luck to you, and keep an open mind...