How bad is year 2 compared to year 1?

[Studentintx]

I am in the ADN program and had a bit of trouble the first part of the first semester, but by the end of that semester I had it down and did very well the second semester. I have heard though, that the 3rd semester will eat you alive. We have new teachers when I finally had gotten used to my other teachers and their tests. I am nervous and know it will be hard of course, but we are adding in OB/pedi/newborn along with advanced clinical needs, so it seems like it will be a trying year. Any advice at all? Also, I have noticed that our class has grown to hate each other! I don't know why. Everyone has split off into "groups" that badmouth and undermine each other! I have never experienced this outside of nursing school! Is this a common thing in the nursing community? It makes me kind of sad and adds stress to an already stressful situation.

[Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN]

2nd year is slightly more difficult than the first, but as you say you are up to speed. The volume of material is a bit more, but you have a good basis upon which to learn it. The other issue, however, with the classmates is foreign to me. My class gets along fine, if not chummy. I would suggest staying as far away from the drama as possible and do your thing. I found that my confidence grew stronger each semester. Good luck!