I am nervous about going into my first nursing course!

myty · Jun 27, 2011

Awwww, I wish there was something that I could say that would alleviate your anxiety. I see that no one has replied to your positng yet. I'm just in my first semester of pre-requisites, so you're much further off than I am. Try facing your fears. Open the monstrous book and read a little everyday to get better aquainted with it so that it's no foreign object when you begin nursing school. I wish you the best! We're all cheering you on....You will do well. Being accepted into nursing school says a lot about you as a student. Keep up the good work!

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2011

The good news is that your anxiety is completely normal. Also, you likely won't need to know your fundamentals book cover-to-cover. We focused on assessments and some of the basic legal and philosophical issues in nursing. There is a lot to learn and you will learn it in layers, like an onion. Best wishes to you as you start on your student nursing adventure.

cdjones1 · Jun 27, 2011

I feel your pain! Juggling summer school and trying to get ready for the fall semester of RN school is a killer. (let alone trying to fit time in for your family.) I feel very overwhelmed aswell... but I have no doubt that we can do it.

RKpianoman, APRN · Jun 27, 2011

Just reading your post made me anxious! Take a deep breath, it'll all be ok...or, mostly ok :-P

You won't sit down and plow through the books cover to cover, and you won't be tested on every little thing in that book. Our books are so huge because they're a resource. When you get in clinicals and have a pt with something strange you can go "oh, hey, there's a chapter in my book about that", go home, read about it, and give your patient excellent care. And honestly, Taylors breaks things down very easily. It's a HUGE book, but very easy to digest. You'll do fine, just don't forget to breathe haha

Oh, and I spent $1200 on books my first semester...talk about sticker shock!

zhockeymom77 · Jun 27, 2011

My Taylor book is used throughout the entire program - we did not read the whole book in one class. I just completed my first 8 weeks and I had myself worked up before I started too. My worry was a waste of energy because it was more fun than it was scary! Fear of the unknown is always the worst but trust me when I say that once you start, you will look back and laugh at yourself! :) enjoy - you can do this!!!!

NurseB_, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2011

I understand completely where you are coming from. Before my first semester of nursing school I was a wreck. I'd heard so many horror stories about how hard it was and how many people weren't able to get through it and I was constantly thinking negative. :eek: Once I got in the classes I wasn't doing to well at first but I was determined to get through because nursing is my DREAM!! I met with my teachers and formed study groups with my classmates and my grades started improving dramatically. I actually did really well for my first semester!! :up: I'm currently in my second semester and it's hard since I'm taking 17 hours during the summer .... yea I know INSANE!! :uhoh3: I'm managing though and I'm looking forward to graduating in MAY 2012!!!:cheers:

With all that being said ... You will do just fine! I think it's natural for everyone to be nervous going in, but just take a few deep breaths and believe in yourself. If this is what you truly want to do then you will get it and it will become a passion of yours! It's not easy by any means but very doable you just have to focus and study A LOT! Get help when you need it and form study groups and you should be fine. Good luck future nurse!!! :nurse:

1southernstudent · Jun 27, 2011

It's completely normal to feel this way. Just take a deep breath. Focus on one day...one week....one test....one month...one semester at a time. Just eat that elephant one bite at a time.

Plus I'll let you in on a secret. I'm in my 3rd semester...just 2 more to go and I'm beginning to realize that 2 more semesters isn't anywhere near enough to get me ready to do this on my own. Yep, anxiety is always around!! Just focus and don't let it overtake you.

sunflowersrose · Jun 28, 2011

Taylor's will be majorly used in your fundamentals class...but only about 3/5 of it. You will not go cover to cover in that book in one semester, but by the end of your program you will probably be familiar with it. But it's nice to have to reffer to later in courses... and use the (The Point) computer module look in the front cover you should be able to go to the point and study from there too! I am in a 5 semester program and have 6 weeks left in semester 2... Don't feel scared; I know...I was there too once not too long ago. there is nothing to be scared about, if you want this... you will obtain it. prioritize and organize! Good luck!

strawberryluv, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice. You know what, I'm just going to enjoy my summer and read whatever I want to read. I don't think I'm going to start digging in my nursing books yet because I haven't even figured out which chapters will be important.

I'm scared for nursing school but its a feeling I know that will quickly vanish with excitement and anticipation.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jun 28, 2011

I believe most nursing students feel this way. I sure did. The good news is that you will not have to memorize or even read every jot and tittle. Consider them references (although you might end up reading a lot). It is a little overwhelming, then some facts get repeated and repeated and first thing you know, the words and concepts are stored in your head! The good thing about worrying is that now I know you are interested in doing your best. That alone is a great attribute for a nurse.

EKU2013 · Jun 29, 2011

Just like everyone else has said, these feelings are completely normal! I was very anxious about my first semester too! Don't let yourself get overwhelmed! The semester does require a lot of hard work, but it is extremely fun! (I honestly wasn't expecting it to be really hands-on and actual 'nursing' activities, but I was WRONG! :lol2: ) I LOVED my fundamentals class! In my program we use the fundamentals book throughout the entire program, so don't let that get you down. Take a break and enjoy your summer, you don't have too many left! :)