I need some advice

EmergencyChocolate · Dec 12, 2013

You will need to be prepared to work hard and be open-minded. You will be learning lots of information in a short amount of time. Focus especially on the harder sciences (A&P, Patho, Pharm). You WILL makes mistakes especially during clinical - don't be afraid of this and ACCEPT it, it is a very normal and essential part of the learning process.

Nursing school is stressful and difficult, but remember to breathe and take time for yourself. Reach out to your classmates and professors for support. Best of luck to you! :)

BeccaC623 · Dec 12, 2013

Don't be afraid to ask for help as soon as you need it. Don't wait until you feel completely overwhelmed. Nursing school isn't easy, but it's not impossible! Do your readings, take good notes, and get to know some of your classmates as soon as you can. I agree that you will make mistakes and you just have to accept them, learn from them, and move on. If you are given open lab time, USE IT. Practice your skills, and use all of the resources you are given.

You can do this.

bfree1001 · Dec 12, 2013

You need to be organized. The best thing I bought was a huge paper calendar to hang right by my desk. I also entered dates in my phone calendar and received alerts the week before important dates and the day before. Nursing school isn't so hard to comprehend, it just teaches you to be an independent learner. Meaning, the professors don't hold your hand and baby you. They expect you to be a professional , and hold yourself accountable.

Also find a good study spot. I have a child and a puppy. While I can study at home, it takes longer with interruptions and the constant urge to nap. I tried it for the first half of the semester. When I started studying at a Barnes and nobles I only need maybe three hours and could get way more done.

As far as content goes everyone learns differently,so how hard it is is going to depend on study habits and learning style. But if you're organized and get good meaningful study time you will be fine. I still find time to go out with my boyfriend, walk my dog and spend time with my daughter. It's not nearly as bad as it was hyped up to be IMO.

doxielover304 · Dec 12, 2013

First off, make friends... and those friends need to be friends that you hang out with outside of the classroom- because to me, that's TRUE friendship. Sure, of course you need paper, pencils, pens, and your textbooks to make it through! But true friends are the most important to have. Because you are going to have hard times, you are going to have mental breakdowns (unless you're superwoman lol), and you're going to need some major dedication. :) Make sure Nursing is what's in your heart and soul. Because if it's not, that's going to make it much harder for you! Oh, and once clinicals come around, be strong and be proactive! Try your best not to be shy (because it's really easy to just stand back cause the first few clinicals are scary). I wish you GREAT luck!! :)

rosyariana · Dec 12, 2013

Today was my last day of 1st semester. Be prepared to be stressed. Keep up on your readings and do not fall behind. Do not cram. And almost every final is cumulative so trying to learn 30 chapters in a couple days is impossible. Seek help early and do not wait until the last minute to freak out. Keep up with assignments and use a planner or calendar. Good luck!!!