How is the Nursing School Different from Pre-Reqs?

Published

Hello! I have just applied to a nursing program, but is very worried about it. I am not sure if I will be able to handle it. Is it really difficult? I did well in my pre-reqs classes, but I do not want to be kicked out from a program since it is my dream to graduate, and become a nurse. I am not fluent in English since it is my 3 language, but wish I can do it. How much language do we need doing our clinicals? I appreciate your response to my thread. Thank you in advance

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The fact that you speak more than one language is great! ESP. depending on what area you live in, it can definitely come in handy for you.

But the difference is that you actually learning information directly related to nursing. It is hard, but you can definitely handle it if you have your priorities straight and have good study habits. Also good time management is key. I think you will do fine if you did well in your prereqs. The advice my teachers gave me the day was to be happy with b's and c's lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How is nursing school different from pre-reqs?

CRITICAL THINKING

CLINICALS

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Pre reqs involved more memorizing. Memorizing things in nursing school won't get you far. You must be able to understand what is going on and what nursing interventions must take place. Nursing school does involve critical thinking 95 percent of the time. Good luck, and wish me luck too !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

Critical thinking........it's not just memorization like in the prereq classes. You'll need to apply knowledge to situations and understand why answers are correct or "the most" correct.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Ortho.

The biggest difference to me is the time. With pre reqs full time was 12 credit hours meaning you spent about 12 hours a week in class. In the nursing program last semester I took 9 credit hours (not even full time), and I was at school 35 + hours a week. Monday clinical 10 hours, Tues pre clinical 4 hrs, Wed lecture 3 hours, Thursday lecture 3 hours, skills lab 3 hours, Friday preclincal 4 hours, Sat off, Sun hospital to pick out patient 3 hrs, plus another 5 hours for care plans and patho reports. This does not include the community service requirments, going to the testing center to take tests, and the 3-6 hours of open lab each week. Then on top of everything I had to study.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Critical thinking........it's not just memorization like in the prereq classes. You'll need to apply knowledge to situations and understand why answers are correct or "the most" correct.

Memorizing will help when it comes to things like lab values, but other than that, you need to understand the material and be able to apply it, just like RhodyGirl and others have been saying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion