How hard is it?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 17, 2015

Well, one person will tell you he has three degrees and nursing was the hardest. Another will tell you that it wasn't a big deal at all. MUCH depends on the program, the school involved.

If you are good at the sciences it will be easier for you than for someone who struggles with thsoe courses. If you are someone who prioritizes study time and can focus, really attend to each assignment, you will do better than someone who tends to "wing it".

Clinicals are a whole different ball of wax. Again, much will depend on the site, and the instructors involved. For some, clinical was the "easiest" part of their time, with the academics being more troublesome. For others, the academics were a breeze compared to the insanity of their clinical assignment.

So, you see, it's nearly impossible to tell you "how it will be".

There isn't really a "typical day", either, as your day will look much different as someone who is attending pre-requisite courses from someone who is primarily working on core nursing courses and labs.

Some schools will break up clinicals into 3x weekly, half days. Others will do 1-2 full days. Four hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours. Dayshift only. Nightshift rotated with days. Again....nothing is "typical" really.

Take a look at the program for the school you are interested, make an appointment with an academic advisor or admissions counselor, and see what it looks like to you.

Good luck!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 17, 2015

This question is asked so often here on AN that you'd think we would have a better answer by now, right? But it's like asking "how sad is that movie?" or "how difficult is it to lift that rock?" There's just no way to provide a factual and objective answer..... because our response is based on the way we experienced it - and we're all different. So, happy/sad, hard/easy, cold/hot, etc... depends on your own unique frame of reference.

Kristiekat13 · Apr 19, 2015

Nursing is my second degree, my first was in film so any science was way off my radar. That being said, I do not think nursing school is hard. It is challenging in that they throw so many things at you, that you need to be able to manage your time well. My personal opinion is that a lot of things the faculty throw at you is just busy work.

A typical day is going to vary based on your program and progression through your degree. I am enrolled in a 18month BSN program, so my first semester was pretty hectic with two semesters worth of classes crammed into one. Generally though, you have one or two days of diadactic and between 2 and 3 clinical days lasting anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on unit or faculty.

Studying wise... the first two semesters I dedicated more time to studying, maybe 10 hours a week, but that has long since declined. I have maintained a 3.8 or higer while in school. This 10 hours does not include time for preplanning/careplanning on clinical patients which could be anywhere from 2-3 hours per patient.

Honestly, I expeced nursing school to be much harder in terms of content (as I said I came from a film backgroung) but it is really more challenging in the time management department. If you can manage your time wisely I think you will be a head of the game.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2015

Depends on what semester and school you go to. These last 3 weeks have been crazy for me. It also depends on what else you are juggling in life.

I'm a single mom. My child is 9 and has lots of activities. I'm also trying to maintain a relationship with a guy who lives an hour away. For me it's a lot. 2-3 tests a week with 2 days of clinical but I'm getting it all done. It's all about the organization!!

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Apr 19, 2015

Determination of how hard nursing school is would be highly subjective. What I think is hard might be easy for you. I will tell you that it is busy, extremely busy, at times stressful, extremely stressful, and not something that should be pursued on a whim.

It would be better to identify if nursing is right for you, which can only be done with research about the field and much self reflection. Be honest with yourself and try not to romanticize nursing; it is a lot of work but can be very rewarding.

I never considered nursing school as "hard", just busy and demanding. Your mileage may vary.

kp1987 · Apr 19, 2015

It's hard work work, stressful, you will have no life and there will be days you cry yourself to sleep. But it is the most rewarding thing ever. If your looking for something easy to do nursing school is not an option. You have to be dedicated and it was to be your number one priority.

manda90 · Apr 19, 2015

Thank you, everyone. I am currently in my 2nd quarter of pre reqs. I have my first science class (chemistry) next quarter. I am so excited, I am very passionate about nursing. I am a little worried about the program because I have a 4 year old and an almost 2 year old. I know it will be tough, but worth it in the end. I guess I was just looking for words of affirmation. haha

LV3677 · Apr 23, 2015

I believe nursing school is challenging for most students. Learning to critically think and understand material will become your focus, as regurgitation of facts will not get you very far. Studying to understand is more time consuming, but you'll have a better grasp of material. I feel that time and stress management are the two things that I see nursing students struggle with. Manage your time by setting goals and working head, study to understand the material, keep your head down, plan some time to relax.

For my program, we generally have class 3 days a week- one full day (8am-4pm), and two partial days (9-12am). The other two days are dedicated to clinical and simulation.

Everline · Apr 24, 2015

It was very hard for me. But a lot of what I went through was self-imposed. I tend to worry a lot and can be very self-critical. Plus, I was determined to graduate with a 4.0 and since I'm pretty average in the intelligence department, I had to study a whole bunch to make that happen. So, over all, whether nursing school is difficult depends on a number of things that include personality, goals, teachers, the particular nursing program and etc. I think, generally speaking, most people don't breeze through without feeling challenged to some degree, at some point in time.