I start tomorrow!

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I'm starting nursing school tomorrow! It's an intensive 2 year program (RN) and I'm more than excited to embark on this crazy journey. Any tips for my first day?

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.

That is so exciting! The first day of the rest of your life... Know that your life is likely to be changed drastically by your nursing school experience, for the better!

You asked for some pointers for your first day of school, so here goes...

1. Get to sleep early! The last thing that you want is to be rushing tomorrow morning. While you may have difficulty actually falling asleep (nerves anyone?), try to avoid the use of a computer, TV, or phone screen to avoid the effect of the blue light on your ability to sleep. Herbal teas, warm showers or baths, and warm milk can all help you to relax.

2. Pack your bags in advance!

3. Pack a lunch that has a nice balance of protein, carbs, water, and fat. You do not want to be stuck with a headache from low blood sugar. Try to avoid too much coffee as it will make you jittery and may cause dehydration.

4. Take your picture in the morning right before you start school. It's a first day of school, after all!

And for my favorite...

5. I wish that I had chronicled my nursing journey better than I did. If you start a journal, you will have an amazing treasure to look back on.

Good Luck!

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My second semester of nursing school one of my professors told me "it's going to get harder before it gets harder. When you feel like giving up, and you will, just think of that nurse you know that has no compassion left and is hardened by her experience and or blind to her own callousness. Think of that person and think if that b***h can do it, so can I!"

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I start tomorrow too!!:) I am so super excited...yet a lil nervous. I have everything ready. Just don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight:wideyed: Good Luck tomorrow and happy first day!

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You will be stressed. You will cry. You will wonder how you could ever learn all of the information being thrown at you. When it seems too much; take a breath. You can do this! Congrats!

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Specializes in Intake, Home Care.

Never compare yourself to your classmates.

Example- we have one that has made it all the way through (about to start our last semester) and she's aced every test, but she suuuuuuucks at clinical. Like can't even put someone on a bed pan, hides away from clinical skills, no bedside manner, always calls in sick, etc.

However, there are some with awesome clinical skills that struggle with tests and you are like "***, she can pass, but I have to fight my way? Am I stupid? Why can't I get this?"

I've never, ever struggled in college, until now. This is a whole new battle to fight, but don't look down on yourself if you don't get it right away. The key is to recognize your struggles, and ASK FOR HELP! You CAN DO this! Good luck to you.

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Congrats and hoping you have a great first day. I'm still waiting on starting my program as it will be in summer time. Breathe and relax a bit you are going to do awesome :)

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Remember that nursing school will be what you make of it. Try to stay positive, even though you may have just blown a test. Once negativity sets in, it is hard to shake.

High stress and frustration does not equal bad instructors and they are out to get me. Relax and remember that everything is a learning moment and you will succeed with perseverance.

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What rob says! Don't focus on the negatives, once you start thinking negatively, think to yourself "Stop being a p**sy, I got this" and push yourself!

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Specializes in Hospice.

You'll go over the syllabus and clinical schedules etc., may not even start on material. I'd say pay close attention to due dates and any extra credit assignments (and their due dates!). You'll have tests, but you'll also have careplans, papers, etc. that are due. Good luck, have a great first day!

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree with the comment about not comparing yourself to classmates. You have to run your own race. Congrats and good luck!

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I start tomorrow too and I am officially freaking out. Good luck on your first day !

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