Is it just me?

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Aug 8, 2013

We start classes on the 19th, but this week we have been going through "bootcamp" to get a head start... it has been a God send... learning how to do concept maps, getting to know each other, hearing expectations from the instructors, getting time with current and past students about the realities of nursing school.. it's been intense but has helped to lessen anxiety.

You can do it.. deep breaths and enjoy the last few days of summer vacation :)

EaglesWings21, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2013

Yes it passes. I was like that in my first semester. Now I am back to my normal self (dreading the start of second semester and counting down the days until I graduate). Nursing school is fun and you learn a lot, but if you are anything like me you came in thinking everyone saw your good intentions and was there to support you only to realize you have to get over your fairytale rather quickly. In hindsight, I wish I wasn't so nervous in my first semester. I would suggest volunteering at a local hospital. Witnessing a trauma (CPR, RT giving pt breaths, foley cath, doc attempting central venous catheter on numerous unsuccessful attempts using the same needle every time) quickly made me realize the necessity to get over my nervousness and emotions and apply all these crazy skills and intellect that was thrown at me in the first semester!!! You can do it, take some deep breaths and believe in yourself.

Jenngirl34RN · Aug 8, 2013

I am not feeling that scared exactly. For me it more feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things I will have to learn in the next two years. I have my nine textbooks (well, ten when you consider one of them is actually two volumes) stacked up and I look at them and realize I am going to have learn all of that in a relatively short amount of time. I am sure once I actually start learning that feeling will calm down a bit, but right now it is a little much.

I am sure we will get through and be awesome nurses though!

JNHERRIN · Aug 8, 2013

I am feeling the same way! I think about it all the time, I'm worried I won't have time to see my family and boyfriend in between school and work, I'm worried about the workload, clinicals, and everything. It's like going I high school the first day and not knowing what to expect.

I start August 19 and have orientation next week. I feel like I'm not prepared, even though I've made lists and double checked them to make sure I have everything I need. This summer felt like it flew by!

barcode120x, RN, NP · Aug 8, 2013

I was actually pretty relaxed when I started my first semester in the spring and the first 3 weeks wasn't so bad. It was when we started clinicals the 4th week was when my stomach started to churn and I started to hope for "easy" patients each week.

Right now, I don't have that butterfly feeling anymore, but I have barely started reading ahead today for 2nd semester. I have less than 3 weeks now to get a head start on reading 3 books, med-surge, maternity, and peds. I know this semester for me is gonna be hectic with all this reading we have to do each week so I'm getting worried =/

But, as always, look to the bright side. The days are counting till we all become RNs and we all gotta take 1 day at a time, regardless of what happens.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2013

I'm worrying myself half to death too, but maybe being that conscientious will make us great nurses. (We can hope.) My stack of texts just for first semester contains about seven books/DVDs. And I'm only taking two courses, Pharm and Funds. Saunders comes out with a new edition of the NCLEX prep book in October so I will be getting that and start doing NCLEX style questions fairly early just to familiarize myself with that test taking style. I think once we have orientation (Monday! :nailbiting: ) we will relax a little as we will have a better understanding of the unknown that lies ahead!

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2013

I have my nine textbooks (well, ten when you consider one of them is actually two volumes) stacked up and I look at them and realize I am going to have learn all of that in a relatively short amount of time. I am sure once I actually start learning that feeling will calm down a bit, but right now it is a little much.

My school has 14 text books that we had to purchase with 3 more available online only. The dean of my school told us at orientation... "there is no way that we can teach you everything in these few semesters. We will not cover the whole book. We will not go over every obscure disease. We will cover the major disease processes that you are likely to see in your practice..."

I am in my last semester and there are some books where we have only talked about a couple of chapters. Yes you will learn alot, and nursing school is NOTHING like you have experienced before... just BREATHE!!!!! It will all be okay

doxielover304 · Aug 8, 2013

wow, sounds like that was really great to experience. i really wish our school had something like that. i bet it was definitely helpful and an eye-opener!

twss2323 · Aug 9, 2013

I'm so excited to start later this month, but I'm also absolutely terrified. I'm terrified of failing out, not being "good" at it, not fitting in to my 20 person cohort, not getting a job after graduation, working part time and juggling school.... The fears go on and on.., So I can relate.

caseydavin · Aug 9, 2013

Wow, they sure did get you guys stocked up! But, that feeling of anxiety will not pass for most people, and those are the people that become good nurses! That anxiety is what will keep you motivated to do your best and learn as much as you can. Judging by how prepared you are, you are someone who loves the idea of being a nurse! Combine that with a a nice dose of stress and you will have your license in no time! Best of luck! I just finished my third term in my program so trust me when I say anxiety, in reasonable doses, makes you better!