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.
Oh, I’m sorry. Did I offend you? You are a funny one, aren’t you? You do know that I did meant my “snakepit” comment in a light-hearted way. I guess humor can be sometimes hard to read by some. I honestly had a very serious rebuttal to write to you in regards to my “negative attitude”. But, I’m going to refrain from using it because I am more “positive” than that. So, I do appreciate your comment. Thank you.
Have a good one. :)
Um, WTH? For one "snake pit" isn't funny, and two, nothing HouTx said should have been taken the way you apparently did.
thank you. :) i hope to meet alot of interesting people and make some good friends in my class. the way i see it is we'll need each other to get through what we are going through. we definitely need it, don't we.
Wonderful. :) Thanks for asking. The school called it an orientation but mostly it was just an informational meeting. I was told that there will be an actual orientation that will last all day, which will be at the end of summer. I received ALOT of paperwork to read and fill out. I got measured for uniforms and ordered them. They aren't the most prettiest things in the world and the sizes run quite big, so they will be baggy. They are mostly white with colored embroidery with trim, with school logo patch, and a colored jacket. I got to meet my current nursing class who will be attending in the Fall. The girls I was sitting next to seemed really, really nice. Everyone was friendly and excited about school. The dean of the school mostly gave us the presentation, and was very thorough with her power points. The dean went over everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in great detail. And, we got the opportunity to ask many questions, in which she encouraged us to do so. Since orientation, the past two days I have been filling out paperwork that needed to be done asap so they'd be ready in time for school in the Fall. I have many appointments to go to over the summer to get things done too. I'll need fingerprinting done, a physical from my doctor, immunizations up to date, need to take the TEAS exam, a study skills class for nursing, a CPR class, a random drug screening, purchase textbooks and nursing supplies, my nursing shoes, stethoscope and all the other miscellaneous fun stuff that comes with preparing for school. I will be busy.
You all were right. It wasn't that bad. We all here so many horror stories about orientation and what not. I guess I was psyching myself out a bit. I really did enjoy the whole day. I was exhausted by the end of it. Again, thank you for all of your support and input. It does mean a great deal to me.
At orientation we were told tales from graduating students about missing important events, spending hours upon hours doing care plans, then more hours and hours studying, how hard the tests were, how scared they were with their first patient, etc
Was it as dire as they made it seem?
Care plans - horrible, but they get faster. Keep electronic copies and use cut and paste where applicable. on the bright side, they help you remember interventions
Studying - hours and hours, obviously.
Exams - they have books for teaching how to approach nursing exams. We also had an optional pre-semester class on this. It was invaluable.
Social life - still have one. Won't give it up, I have hobbies that are essential to my mental and physical well being. Being miserable won't make me do better in nursing school, it is not a punishment. If you prioritize and have good study skills you should be able to squeeze stuff in for fun.
Orientation is a time for the faculty to impress upon you the fact that NS is different from everything you've had previously. If you don't get it together and accept this, you will have a difficult time. There are a lot of adjustments you have to make.
Bottom line, don't panic, don't be negative. You haven't even started, you are setting yourself up for unpleasant times. I suggest taking the time between now and NS to figure out some ways to stay organize, research some good study tips and most important - learn how to relax, not become an anxious mess and keep a positive attitude.
You didn't have to take the TEAS prior to applying? Lucky you! Good luck with that and I'm glad your orientation went well. My first official one is Thursday the 7th
You didn't have to take the TEAS prior to applying? Lucky you! Good luck with that and I'm glad your orientation went well. My first official one is Thursday the 7th
Thanks. Nope, I didn't need to take it for admissions. However, some did need to take it for admissions. In my case, I still need to take it because it is still a requirement but it doesn't affect my acceptance. I hope that made sense.
Good luck to you with your orientation. :) It may not be as bad as you think it may be.
If you have any stories or advice for me, I'd honestly appreciate it.
Good luck with that and I'm glad your orientation went well. My first official one is Thursday the 7th 
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Right back at cha Capricorn!