How hard is First semester in Nursing school?

[Pinkster]

Ok, I need some advice from those who are in or completed their first semster in nursing school.

I am finishing up my pre-reqs and can begin the application process to the nursing program in my area. One of the campuses that offers it is 10 min from my house, the other is an hour away. Obviously it would be more efficient to go to the closer of the two, but the only problem is that the closer campus only starts in Fall and I still have 2 more co-reqs (Micro and human growth) and would have to take them also in fall. (yes this is allowed but not recommended, but they say you shouldn't have a full time job either and I know that people do and do well) I won't be working and am an excellent student.

So do you think that it would be worth it to wait until spring and apply to the farther campus and have a lighter corse load for the first semester or go ahead and have 6 classes (I did 5 in spring) and then reap the benefits of the other 3 semester being close to home?

Thank you for any advice.

[anon456, BSN, RN]

My advice is to get the co-req's out of the way, or plan to take them in the summer when you have a break from nursing school. It would be really, really hard to take those classes in nursing school, although I have known of people who have done it.

We have a classmate who live an hour away and she often arranges to sleep overnight with us rather than drive. It takes great sacrifice, a good car, and lots of money for gas. She listens to the lectures that she recorded to "study" while driving. If you have to be at the hospital for clinicals at 6:30 AM imagine what time you will have to get up.

Nursing school is a huge adjustment. I have a four year degree, and I was a stay at home mom for 10 years to a very sick child. I have to say, nursing school is the hardest thing I have ever done even with my previous life experiences. It doesn't get easier either. Each semester is very challenging in its own way. But also very fulfilling and yes, even fun.