I have nursing school orientation tomorrow, and the reality of it is starting to hit me. I am starting to get nervous and anxious. I have a general idea of what to expect tomorrow, but thoughts of it are leaving me uneasy. Even though, I don't start school until this Fall I can't help but wonder about what tomorrow will bring. I know I expect to get slammed with information regarding school. As far as I know, this whole summer will revolve around school and getting prepared for my first nursing school semester in September. This orientation will not be my last and I should have several meetings at the school during the Summer. I know I can't be alone in feeling this way. Nursing school is a big deal to me. I have been wanting this since I can remember, and now it is actually happening. I have worked hard to get where I am now, and realize I deserve it. I am about to enter the snake pit of what is called nursing school. If you have any stories or advice for me, I'd honestly appreciate it.
I think I am going to go workout now to blow off some of this angst.
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Okay so I'm oldish. Snakepit conjurs up the movie from the 40's with Olivia Dehaviland in the mental hospital. So I assumed you were starting your psych rotation.If you study ALL the time, you will surely burn out. Find something you really like to do and make time to do it. My friends and I would go dancing every Thursday night. It was fun, good exercise, and gave us a break and perspective. Good luck.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
ok then. please, answer me this. when and how is being called having a “negative attitude” a good thing? [/size']
“i am wondering why you seem to have such a negative attitude ("snake pit", really?) before you have even started.”
nowhere in my post did i mention that i had a negative attitude towards nursing school. frankly, i do not have a negative attitude toward anyone or anything. only when someone makes false accusations about a person without even really knowing them, is when one could get upset or take it personally or the wrong way. am i upset by her comment? honestly, no. i thought it was funny. because, i know i’m not that way and i know i have a positive attitude most of the time. i also have a right to defend myself (as does he/she) for being judged. houtz also has the right to his/her opinion, as do i. i did not make this post to be reprimanded or start trouble. i had a genuine and honest question when i was asking for help and advice. just as any other nursing student would have. at no time, did i expect such “negative criticism” from a forum user when the poster was merely only asking for help. how and when is asking for help a bad thing? and, why is it appropriate to “kick” someone when they are down?
“you never know what some one's personal burdens are on any particular day. remember that and respond accordingly.”
yes, you are right. we don’t..do we. i do not know houtx or what he/she may be going through in real life, or anyone else on the forum for that matter. the same goes for myself. all what we truly know is what is written. i normally do not divulge info about myself but for the sake of this post i will say so. i am 38 y/o woman, with a husband, a mortgage on a house, with bills to pay, who has no kids due to the fact that i cannot have them naturally, and who is merely going to nursing school to pursue my dream of being a nurse. a great one at that! i am physically fit and often relieve my stressors of the day by working out, like i mentioned. i am of sound mind and emotionally healthy. i eat a healthy diet and usually get enough sleep. lord, knows that will change. ha! i have a sense of humor and i also have a serious side to my personality. i am confident and strong-willed, with also a sensitive side to myself and others. i am often misunderstood. i am not afraid to stand up for myself or for what is right, and humble enough to admit when i am in the wrong. i respect those who give respect back. i am not a doormat or a pillow to be tossed around. i get along well with others, and often well-spoken of by others who know me. i enjoy all nurses and the community and what it has to offer. which is why i am here.
i am aware that nursing is challenging on many levels. i am about to find out exactly how challenging it is in just a few short months. i am no quitter. i do enjoy a challenge. i do not claim to know it all, either. i appreciate support, we all need it. whether if its to vent, release, rant or praise. i am not here to divide others. i am here to unite and support one another.
i realize that not everyone will like me, and that is ok. no one said you had to.
i don’t expect an apology. i am not pointing fingers at anyone or think anyone is in the wrong, because i am not offended by anything that has been said. i am not trying to make trouble, only to clarify my position. again, i am sorry if my posts offended anyone. if the word “snakepit” is that offensive to you people then by all means, delete it.
deep breath.........no one is reprimanding you. i was complimenting you. to us old folks "the snake pit" has a different connotation. it is like "being thrown to the wolves" being eaten alive so to speak. the "nurses eat their young" mentality, i think, is what most of us thought of about the "snake pit" reference and you will run into these people, unfortunately.
i was talking in generalities. i was referencing those you will meet as you continue your journey through nursing and how to try to deal with them as i have dealt with them in my career...........it had nothing to do about your post tonight. i think as nurses we must develop thick skins in order to survive some days....from patients and staff alike.
no one thinks you are wrong. no one thinks you are a doormat. no one is offended. an encourages a lively debate and welcome it's members to engage each other with respect. "snakepit" is a perfectly acceptable word.
that being said....being a public forum....people will state their opinions as well off the impression they receive from what is posted and "we" (the collective we) need to understand that. no one's offended. we appreciate every member here at an and need positive influences.
i wish you the best in your nursing journey.:hug: it's a hard one, but worth every monent.
Words of advice: Don't buy into the hype. Everyone and their mama will tell you nursing school is scary, and you'll have no life. You are what you believe. If I had ignored what everyone said, I might be a lot saner about school today, thus it would be a more enjoyable experience.
I agree with many. I was also very nervous when staring but its really not that bad. I've some of the best times. You really egt close to classmates at clinicals, share some good laughs and nerve wracking moments, and well its just truly an experience :) Just lay back and go for the ride. I'm sure all programs are different but I ahve noticed the people in my class that seem to stress the most struggle the most. My best advice is to not procrastinate and try to keep your grades a bit above whatever passing is so you aren't struggling to try to bring your grade up. Enjoy yourself, I have!
Don't psych yourself out, nursing school is definitely a challenge not to be underestimated. Manage your time well, allow yourself to get some R&R, make sure you sleep and eat right, study well and the grades will come. Remember it's college, make new friends and enjoy it, you're only getting older.
If you have any stories or advice for me, I'd honestly appreciate it.
I understand you completely, and I agree. 
i didn't mean to confuse anyone. its the nature of my beast.
♑ Capricorn ♑
527 Posts
@elyse0812
good for you. that's how you do it! you've made some poignant points. thank you. :)