How to handle the stress?

lovenotwar14 · Nov 12, 2013

Girl 17 hours is a lot. As far ad I see that's your problem. You're taking on too much at once and in my opinion you might be settinf yourself up for failure.

If you have any trouble In your classes utilize the free tutoring services at your school.

Take science classes separately

Take good detailed notes

I also suggest completing all pre reqs before you start nursing classes.

Good luck

Est1983 · Nov 12, 2013

MsDanielle I think its completely normal to stress out in school. I've graduated already in something completely out of the field of nursing and now I am applying to the program nervous as hell!!! I have bad anxiety problems to a point of body shakes and fingers going numb =/ ... but thats just something I have to learn how to deal with. You really have to prioritize your life and what you find most important. A lot of my friends who were in nursing completely shut themselves away from their social life. This helped them focus better. Volunteer work is awesome, especially if it is relevant to nursing, but I suggest you limit it. Overall, just stay focused and remind yourself why you are pursuing this career--that will help motivate you. Remember, there are people out there who are much "wiser" =P and are still trying to get into the nursing program. I wish I made this decision early on when I first started college...But It comes to show that its never too late to pursue your dream, but if you can do something to achieve it now, then go for it and don't let anything distract you from doing it. Hope that helps

libran1984, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2013

I agree with above posters... You definitely have a lot on your plate. Try to trim it down if u can. Many schools are only taking those with 4.0 or near it. Don't jeopardize yourself and lose money on classes you can't dedicate yourself to and be unable to get an A in.

Herrington · Nov 12, 2013

Yeah, you might want to cut back on the hours a little bit. Personally, I'm not going for more than 15 in the regular semesters, but I'm taking a few classes over the summer to help speed things along. I would research the nursing schools you want to attend and see what the GPA requirement is for them. The school I want to attend requires a 2.5 cumulative and a 3.0 for math/science (I'm pretty sure that's right), so if your desired school needs something like that, then I wouldn't sweat a 3.3-3.5.

For my A&P I class, I usually read a section of the chapter before class, go through lecture, make flashcards based off of the lecture, go over them throughout each day, and rinse and repeat (building the flashcards as we progress). That strategy has netted me a 96 in A&P I, a 96.1 in Sociology, and a 95.7 in Psychology. Hope that helps.

__patiently_waiting · Nov 12, 2013

I'm in my second year and I can tell you it gets more stressful the closer you get to applying to nursing school. You are taking a lot of credits, so if your school doesn't require you to volunteer I would advise you to stop until you have time to pick it back up. I don't take as many credits as you and I volunteer now and I can tell you it takes up a lot of time--of which you could be studying.

Like the previous posters said, don't jeopardize your chances of getting into nursing school because you don't have the time to dedicate to pre-reqs as you need. If you have to, slow down on the credits. Instead of taking 17 try 15. It doesn't seem like a lot but it will make a big difference. Take your time. No need to rush through it and not be able to do your best because ultimately if you don't do as well as you need to the first time you might find yourself taking the same classes all over again, stressing all over again.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 12, 2013

PP may be misunderstanding the "GPA requirement" for nursing programs. The requirement listed in the college catalog is the minimum. But the actual GPA of students admitted to the program can be much higher, depending upon the selection ratio - the ratio of applicants to number of available slots. So, you may want to find out what the GPA range is for students admitted in the last couple of semesters.

I don't think OP's class load is too high. Many students choose to move faster in order to decrease the overall cost. If anything, I would advise to decrease the volunteer time.

SummerWertz · Nov 12, 2013

Girl, I feel ya. I'm working on pre-reqs, work part time, volunteer, and just joined a sorority. It's quite a haul. I had to drop down to 12 hours midway through the semester because two classes I was taking was taking too much time away from anatomy. I think you're taking too many classes at once. After this semester, take no more than 15. Imo, 12 is plenty for anyone doing something like nursing, but it does put you behind. You'll be in school longer, but slow and steady wins the race imo.

na-na · Nov 12, 2013

Ms Danielle, I understand how you feel. I once felt the same when I was a pre-nursing student thee years ago. My best advice is not focus too much on the competition to get int nursing school because that will hinder you from doing your best. I only received A's & B's in my general ed classes and prerequisites, and I too would freak out about a B. When I was completely done, I felt that I had gave it my all even though I didn't get straight A's like my adviser told me to. Fall of Sophomore year I was taking 17 credits, working part time, and volunteering. It was a lot and I was going to apply to my nursing school in the spring in order to get into the summer session. All I can say is to focus on your main goal; sometimes I felt that I was jumping through hoops trying to get into nursing school, but really your schoolwork should be one of your top priorities. Good luck and use up the resources that the school offers, after all you are paying for them.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Nov 13, 2013

To quote my Mental Health nursing instructor "get plenty of sleep and have some sex" :sleep: :)