How's nursing school so far

Published

I'm set to begin this fall. I'm quite nervous since I don't know what to expect. How was your last semester(s) of nursing school? Is it what you anticipated as a pre-nursing student? How did you mentally prepare yourself from undergrad to nursing student?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just started on the 14th of May and it's been a big adjustment. I went from 2-3 prereq classes at a time to 5 classes (3 finish next week though) and it's been a struggle keeping it all straight. Organization is key! Unfortunately I jumped right into this (I had a day and a half off between ending prereqs and starting the nursing program), so I feel like I haven't had time to catch my breath from the last classes and I'm still not feeling very organized. Heck I finally just emptied out my bag from last semester. There was no time for mental preparation for me! I really could have used this summer off, but at least I'll finish quicker (if all goes well). Oh and my laundry literally sat and collected dust for three weeks :o.

It's definitely different than my last prereq classes, where I was basically given the notes and expected to pretty much spit it back four times a semester. Now I have tests or quizzes every week, and it is just so much to remember--all you can do is keep up with the crazy reading and have a good understanding of the material. I've had two tests so far and got As on both, and I'm hoping I can keep it up but I'm being realistic.

Congrats on getting accepted :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I just started on the 14th of May and it's been a big adjustment. I went from 2-3 prereq classes at a time to 5 classes (3 finish next week though) and it's been a struggle keeping it all straight. Organization is key! Unfortunately I jumped right into this (I had a day and a half off between ending prereqs and starting the nursing program), so I feel like I haven't had time to catch my breath from the last classes and I'm still not feeling very organized. Heck I finally just emptied out my bag from last semester. There was no time for mental preparation for me! I really could have used this summer off, but at least I'll finish quicker (if all goes well). Oh and my laundry literally sat and collected dust for three weeks :o.

It's definitely different than my last prereq classes, where I was basically given the notes and expected to pretty much spit it back four times a semester. Now I have tests or quizzes every week, and it is just so much to remember--all you can do is keep up with the crazy reading and have a good understanding of the material. I've had two tests so far and got As on both, and I'm hoping I can keep it up but I'm being realistic.

Congrats on getting accepted :yeah:

I am happy to hear you are doing so well. I don't start until September so I'm in the same boat as Dorothy. September can't come soon enough for me, although, I will probably hate saying that when it actually does. :lol2: (just kidding)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just completed my first semester in the nursing program. I loved it! : ) I didn't really do much to mentally prepare.. I was too excited! I was just ready to get started with nursing classes already! It turned out to be close to what I expected it to be. Except, I have to say.. And I may not be the norm here... But I found the first semester to be kind of easy... (easier than I thought it would be after reading all the threads on here anyways) I am single, no kids, and I am lucky to not have to work while in school so I have plenty of time to put into school work though! Just make sure you stay ahead with the readings so you aren't stuck reading a hundred pages or more right before the test. Stay organized and make a study schedule with set times to get your work done for each class. Get in a routine. Make friends with your classmates... They make a great support system because they know and understand what you are going through. I took Health Assessment, Intro to Nursing, and Pathophysiology this past semester. I made an A+ in all three. I put in about 10 hrs of studying for each individual test. Nursing school is so fun though! Get excited! I can't wait for the Fall myself.. I'm ready to get into the hard stuff! Lol. Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

This is awesome to read. I start in the fall too Capricorn!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is awesome to read. I start in the fall too Capricorn!

Kudos to you too then. :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just completed my first semester....hardest six months of my life. My school however is known for throwing it to you hard the first semester and everything from there is downhill. We had NCLEX style questions from the very first day, which I have heard some schools dont do. My schedule was as follows...

Winter intersession (5 week course) consisted of

Intro to Nursing

Dosage and Calculations

Spring Semester

Fundamentals of Nursing (8Weeks)

Nursing Seminar (16 weeks)

Med-Surg I (8 weeks)

Pharmacology (16 weeks)

I am a single mom so its sort of a different story than the previous poster. I am also our class president so I had extra added on my plate.

I laughed, I cried, and I had my own struggles all the way through, but I did it and that it what matters. Good luck to you. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuroscience.

My 3rd semester will be coming to an end in ten days. Cannot come fast enough! This time last year I was anxiously awaiting for summer to end so I could start. I am worn out and burnt out. It has been a loooong Sept-Jun. Summer better move at a snail's pace.

On that note...

I have learned a lot, and I am grateful to be where I am, because you know what? A lot of people wanted my spot and I am lucky to have gotten it. I worked hard for it, and it paid off, and when I look at my portfolio so far and all that I have amassed...wow.

Good luck new students :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
My 3rd semester will be coming to an end in ten days. Cannot come fast enough! This time last year I was anxiously awaiting for summer to end so I could start. I am worn out and burnt out. It has been a loooong Sept-Jun. Summer better move at a snail's pace.

On that note...

I have learned a lot, and I am grateful to be where I am, because you know what? A lot of people wanted my spot and I am lucky to have gotten it. I worked hard for it, and it paid off, and when I look at my portfolio so far and all that I have amassed...wow.

Good luck new students :)

I hope to be and stay as focused as you are. It is one thing to get into a program and another thing to stay in it. When I had my orientation last month, they reminded us almost insisting that if we had any second thoughts about attending this fall, that we needed to make it known. Apparently, there are alot on the waitlist for this fall DYING to get in. And, I do feel bad for them but there are only so many seats available. As much as I do feel for them, I am extremely grateful to be attending. I earned my spot and I want to keep it, I'm going to keep it. I do hope they do get in next time around or if someone gives up a seat.

I hope you have a great summer. I hope it goes by slow enough for you, but quickly for me. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuroscience.

Capricorn, you'll be fine. You have such a passion for this. Enjoy your summer, sweets! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion