Is nursing school easier if you have friends in the program??

RN BSN 2009 · Mar 31, 2009

I found that having a nursing buddy was helpful. If one of us had to miss class, we'd tape lecture or take notes and share. We'd contsantly remind ourselves about things that are due and hold eachother accountable for getting things done. We would study together, provide assistance & teamwork together during clinicals ... etc.

It is really only helpful if the relationship is reciprocal and functional.

For example, a relationship that may not work is one in which one student expects the other to pick up notes when skipping class on a regular basis.

One who wants to chit-chat about this-and-that when studying should be taking place. One who expects the other to pick up their slack in group projects.. etc... etc.

It is a little easier if the relationship is functional - BUT you must understand that a high level of independence is required - I know that my nursing buddy and I will not be working at the same unit, or even the same hospital as new grads. Both of you will have to untie the strings at some point and get used to starting a new job with strangers and establishing an effective working relationship.

Good luck to you in the future!

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2009

Can't say as I'm not in the program yet, but I can think of time when having a good buddy isn't beneficial. I am almost done with my pre-req classes and for the first time I am actually meeting a few people who are hoping to get into the nursing program as well. It's nice to be able to talk with someone who understands that I'm not being pretentious when I'm freaking out on whether I get an A or an A- in a class. They realize all to well how competitive the program is.

A supportive buddy may be just what your friend needs for school and it's certainly worth it for her to try again.

quinnie50 · Mar 31, 2009

i just finished nursing school...although i am older (48) and everyone else in my class was at least 20 years my junior, i made friends ...believe me when i tell you that i could not have done it without them...they always studied with me, gave me notes and even coached me when i wasn't doing so well in a course...i can't beleive these kids always had my back...so yes if you don't have a friend in nursing school, make one...they are priceless and i will always be grateful for their friendship and guidance

greeniebean · Mar 31, 2009

THis CMT is probably in her early 30s but i think the main reason she never made friends was that she lived 45 minutes away from everyone else, she was working full time, and she has 2 kids so it was hard for her to be able to "hang out" like the other students were doing.I don't think the other students purposley excluded her or anything. Also when she was commuting to school gas was $4+ a gallon so even going to study groups was hard on her.I personally think she would make an excellent nurse and she talks about it all the time but i think she's so afraid to try again. I really appreciate all your posts.

NIGHTWOLF87 · Mar 31, 2009

i was in my early 30s when i started the nursing program, and i didn't know anyone in the class. i did my pre-requisites at our local community college and then transferred to the university. i was kind of nervous because i didn't know anyone, but i made some of the closest friends while in nursing school. i found 5 other students who i felt comfortably with and that was my study group for the whole time i was in nursing school. they were like my second family. if it wasn't for them, i probably wouldn't have made it through. so whether or not you have friends already in the program with you, you will definitely make friends in nursing school, and quite of few of the friendships will more than likely last you when you graduate and beyond. good luck!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 31, 2009

Will having friends in the program make any of the material you learn easier? No, not really. But at least you'll be helping and supporting each other as you tackle it.

But it's not a dealbreaker either, so if it turns out you're going to have to go it solo, don't let that stop you. Besides, you'll probably make friends in class along the way.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 31, 2009

I did not make friends into long into the program and I still managed A's. I don't think it is really necessary.

RhodyGirl, RN · Mar 31, 2009

Making friends in NS doesn't help your grades much (at least I don't think so), but it's nice to be able to laugh with people and chat about things that your family members just wouldn't understand.

truern · Mar 31, 2009

I didn't have friends going into the program, but those I met while there are great friends now!

My only concern would be if somehow she drags you down...maybe gets a little too dependent on you or tries to keep you from making other friends.

You know her...what do you think?

UKnowWho121 · Mar 31, 2009

I personally haven't started the nursing program at my school, but I think I would like to have friends after I start that are there with me. It just depends on what type of person you are! :nuke:

greeniebean · Mar 31, 2009

I dont think she would drag me down at all. she's really smart and responsible i think she just let herself be overwhelmed and had noone to vent to. i know nursing school is going to be stressful and i think having someone who understands would be good. i'm doing pre reqs now and nobody i talk to can fully understand how much stress i'm under trying to get into my program(except all you guys!!). but i mean, we come onto this site to vent about our frustrations to people who are dealing with the same stuff. she didn't have that her first time in nursing school. i dont want to see her hold herself back because of a weak support system. As always thanks to everyone for their comments!