I'm in panic mode! Just got accepted into my school's ADN program!

loveSBK · Jun 14, 2013

First of all....dont be afraid. Yeah, nursing school is not a walk in the park and taking care of patients is nit easy, but remember many have done it before you. If they can do it, you can too. I just started my accelerated program in May and is hard, it requires a lot of studying, and changing everything you know about test taking. You will do well if you put the effort into it. Use all the resources available and practice makes perfect!!!! Study to learn not to pass a test. You will fail and/or get grades youre not proud of, but you move on and do better by studying harder and concentrate. Do not worry about family and friends, youre doing this for yourself and as long as youre happy it will be worth it. Just continue to push harder and never give up. Do not have the failing mentality, think positive.

angelfocusbroken · Jun 14, 2013

Ok, thank you so much for your help! Good luck with your program! I will definitely be doing everything I possibly can to pass and move on. I will try my best to think positive from now on! :)

ksinnott · Jun 14, 2013

I am in the same boat as you. I have not gotten acceptance yet (still a few more weeks before our letters come) but I am so scared. I have worked 2 years for this so the thought of failure is terrifying!!! My mind is constantly racing with the "what ifs". So I don't have any advice but I can tell you your not alone!

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 14, 2013

I'm feeling the same way to a degree, but for me the eagerness to get started ALREADY is overcoming the anxiety. Starting August 26, haven't had one single tidbit of info on when orientation is. Feeling like I'm blowing in the wind just waiting to get started.

suppaduppaCNA · Jun 14, 2013

Hi angelfocusbroken,

Nursing school is very hard... It's nothing like you are used to. I have been where you are presently and I know what you are feeling. Your fear and anxiety are legitimate, however they won't help..you must get rid of it if you want to succeed. You need to tell yourself that you can do it just like others before you did. Your GPA doesn't really matter, all you need is to pass the classes. To pass the classes you need to calm down, listen, observe, parctice, practice, practice, memorize and master...:wideyed:..Yes! Competence is what matters..GPA comes next!!

I truly believe in the power of practice..it helps me be confident with procedures and takes away some of my fear to commit a mistake. BUT, also keep in mind that Fear is healthy too. The fear of causing harm will help you be more meticulous. For instance, I am paranoiac when it comes to meds...I am always scared to unintentionally hurt my patient, I always "doubletriple" check my "rights" before I pass the meds. I feel like I can never be too cautious whit that...I suggest you do the same. Try your best to AVOID those errors that can be avoided!!! the rest is up to fate.

I wish you the best of luck:)

Suppa

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 15, 2013

First of all....CONGRATULATIONS on getting accepted! :up:

Now, don't let fear of the unknown start to psych you out. You've worked your hiney off to get where you're at and it's natural to feel some apprehension when finally approaching the completion to one goal and the start of another. So, how do you quell the fear? Well, you can "what if" yourself into a frenzy, or you can step back, take a deep breath and say "I'm not going to be expected to have the knowledge of a licensed RN on day 1 of my program". Every single person in your class is in the same shoes. We're all there to learn by completely different methods than what we've been used to (e.g. critical thinking, applying knowledge to skills, etc.). Just keep telling yourself that you've made it this far and you CAN (and will) succeed. Dwelling on the negative is almost a self-fulfilling prophecy. Yes, this is going to be challenging! But think about what you're going to be learning....you're going to learn to be a nurse!!! GO FOR IT!!!

Michaela, RN · Jun 15, 2013

We learned in nursing school, that when patients have some level of anxiety about there ailment, it facilitates better learning. Apply this to yourself. The fact that you are anxious shows that you care. It is actually a good thing. Just take a deep breath and remember that many others have succeed in nursing school, and I'd be willing to bet that 95% of them had no idea what to expect in the beginning either... myself included. It is not so much HARD as it is TIME CONSUMING. So prioritize, work ahead when possible, and allow yourself to get things done early rather than on time. This will allow you to sleep, have a life and actually enjoy learning about your passion. I am 26, living 4 hours from my family with 2 kids and a fiance. I work part time, I'm not super stressed out all the time and still have a life. I have been able to maintain a 4.0 in NS, so it is totally doable! Good luck!

Boxer Mama · Jun 15, 2013

I feel this way too. I still have to pass my HESI that I will take in August, but I should be starting school in September for a BSN program, and I am terrified! I am absolutely questioning if I can do this, especially since I am taking patho this summer. But, I know it will be a challenge, but this is what I have spent two years working towards! Just take it one day at a time and know you can do this! Good luck!

angelfocusbroken · Jun 16, 2013

Good luck and please keep me informed! I hope you get accepted! I'm glad to know someone knows how I feel! :)

Schatzi in az · Jun 18, 2013

I'm in the same boat as you....scared! However when I read the posts on this website it makes me realize I am not alone. I will be starting my accelerated BSN program in Aug and have already lost many hours of sleep just worrying if I'll be able to handle it all. All we can do is give it our all, and try to keep in mind that we will be learning so many interesting things. I go from scared to excited when I think about all of the amazing things I will be learning about.

Another thing we have in common is hearing loss. I'm not sure what percent mine is, but it is borderline mild/moderate in both ears. Not sure how it happened, but I am getting older (43), and my mom has the same issue so I think it's hereditary or age related. Anyway, I wear hearing aids when I will be interacting with people. I am wondering how to manage the hearing aids and a stethoscope. Do you have hearing aids? If so, Have you seen any special stethoscopes that would work while wearing the aids, or do they have to be removed when listening through the stethoscope?

Enjoy your summer and don't stress yet....try to enjoy your free time now!

swansonplace · Jun 18, 2013

1. Find constructive ways to handle anxiety. (get guidance for nursing tutors on campus, walk, work out, talk with friends, etc)

2. Have enough finances to get you through so you don't have to worry about money. This makes life a lot easier.

3. Master read. This is a form of reading where one can read 5 times more in an hour. It's a great time saver.

4. Learn study skills by reading a study skills book.

5. Use tools at school(free tutors, free software, videos on assessment and nursing skills in library, books in library, labs, advisors)

6. Purchase any tools you need to assist you with understanding(videos, nclex videos, feuer, hurst, skills demonstrations, assessment videos, tutors, interactive software, testing software)

7. If you get into a jam, get a tutor. They take the stress away, and help direct your studies. A great tutor can save you tons of time.

8. Always get enough sleep and eat right.

9. Don't forget to have time to relax.

10. Do everything you can to stay in front of the lectures. But for finals week, it's easiest for me to be more than a week due to how much material there is, and this get's rid of cramming.

11. Create a good support system around you. This really helps when you least expect it.

12. If there is a critical thinking class, or a nurse test taking class or software use it.