I am curious about what to expect

[julieftRN]

Hi All,

I am just curious on what to expect when I start Nursing Classes this fall. We have clinicals on Tues and Thurs. I guess my questions is, do you start out working in the lab (as your clinicals) at school or do you start at a hospital as soon as school starts?

I ve heard terrible things about the 1st semester nursing class, which scares me to death. What and how bad should I be expecting? Any answers will help me out dealing with the jitters!!!!!

[Jen2]

To everyone anticipating their first semester of nursing school... You will be fine. Here's a few pointers.

The instructor is ALWAYS right! Don't argue! If he/she says the grass is purple, then well darn it. It is!

Practice breathing through your mouth. This will help you is smelly situations. If you can't breath through your mouth, rub some scented oil such as peppermint under your nose.

Make a vow to give it 110% from day one and realize that you've already gotten this far and your not about to quit now. The sleepless nights and high stress will pay off.

No matter what you think you will actually learn something from your careplans so do a good job.

Treat every patient you come in contact with as if they were your family member and you will do fine.

You will laugh and you will cry, so get to know and become friends with your fellow classmates. You will need them for support and encouragement. Afterall, they are the only ones who understands what you are going through.

Get all of your families used to eating ramen noodles and mac and cheese now,

This is all I can think of right now. The anxiety is so normal and so familiar to me. I still have a year of school left but I can tell you the first year flew by so fast. It is also so rewarding to know that I only have a year left. I have almost forgotten all of the sleepless nights and stress that came along with my first year of nursing school. Good luck to you all.

[julieftRN]

It is nice to hear encouraging words every once in awhile. It helps me remember how rewarding this will be and that school is just for a little while.:)