Is nursing school really awful?

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I'm 27 years old with a bachelors in psychology and I'm now going back to nursing school this fall part time as a career change. I have tried to set myself up for success - I have done all my prerequisites and will only be doing nursing classes and clinicals come fall. However every single nurse I have come into contact with when I told them I am going to nursing school immediately make a face and say "oh they're so mean to you there" or go "it's going to be awful". Then when I ask what they mean they just say "you'll find out". It's a little offputting to be honest LOL. Can you please share your take on nursing school? I'm not scared of hard work, but I'm a little unsure of what to expect when I receive such negative reactions from every person who has gone to nursing school when I mention it. Any feedback/reassurance/advice you can provide would be awesome!

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Nursing school is a lot of work and a lot of time spent, but my teachers and clinical supervisors have all been awesome and MOST of the nurses we follow around at clincials are super nice and cheerful too. I say in my opinion, its not BAD just stressful. I'm sure if you are nice and helpful, you will get that back. Good luck!

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I haven't found it too bad so far (mind though that I only just finished the first semester). Yeah, I needed to spend a lot of time studying or practicing, and I didn't get to spend a bunch of time with friends during the semester. Sometimes the amount of information I needed to learn in one week was overwhelming, and some of the professors had strict standards. It also took a bit to get used to nursing school style questions.

But putting in the effort and the time made it easier. The professors were always willing to help or explain. There's a ton of resources I found to help me out. I was able to see and do some interesting things during clinicals, and I learned a lot. It wasn't impossible or breakdown-inducing or anything. (Now next semester when my programs becomes more accelerated... we'll see. :laugh:) I do think having a previous degree helped me because I already knew how I study and learn.

I should say though that I've always enjoyed school and have always done pretty well in it. So I know other people have a harder time or dislike nursing school because they don't like school, etc.

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Thank you so much for your comments! I feel better knowing that not all experiences have been negative. I've done very well in all my courses thus far and am hoping with the same level of dedication that will continue in nursing school.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Nursing school was busy and at times quite stressful, but I generally enjoyed it. I had a good cohort, got on well with most of my instructors, and genuinely enjoyed clinicals, didn't like every homework assignment or bit studying I had, but understood why it was necessary. I made sure that even though most of my time was going towards school to take some time for myself, which I think helped my sanity and stress load.

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I think nursing school has changed in recent years and gotten extremely competitive, to the point of inappropriate behavior, even after being admitted.

Nursing school is no longer a guaranteed job after graduation like it was for many years in the past.

It's the economy. People have found out that many, or most Bachelor's degrees are a ticket to nowhere. They are flooding nursing.

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I love it.

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I personally hate only 1 thing about nursing school it is clinicals, student nurses overworked as CNA , we barely learn anything , we do NOT get PAID, we have 3 to 4 patient, so all day long I ether clean up vomits or cleaning buts and changing diapers, could not wait to be done with school.

At my hospital on regular med surg floor nurses expected to care for 5 - 6 patient each shift. To me it is not safe ration, but iam just a student.

I wish ANA organization would do some thing about , or goverment who overlook nursing profession

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Specializes in Home Care, Psych, Education, Case Management.

blenderbottle........What did you expect???? You are a student.... did you expect not to be doing these things??? Why would you get paid as a student?? Are you that clueless? You obviously are not going to make it as a nurse.

And the ANA? What do you want them to do ? Make it so that nursing students don't have to help patients with their ADLs?

5-6 patients on a busy med surg floor is a normal assignment for most facilities.

I would quit now

I don't get it.....

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I want ANA to step in and decrease amount of clinical hours. (3 or 4 hours a week would be more than enough, we are in hospital to learn, and not be there as free help )

I want to have a choice attend simulation or go to hospital for clinical day (4 h simulations = 12 hours shift)

As the student I want a limit to care for no more than 3 patient at the time through entire school.

Yes, it is something what I want, but this probably would never be real. If you wander I do not plan to work on the floor after school, unless I am starving to death.

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Specializes in Adult Primary Care.
I want ANA to step in and decrease amount of clinical hours. (3 or 4 hours a week would be more than enough, we are in hospital to learn, and not be there as free help )

I want to have a choice attend simulation or go to hospital for clinical day (4 h simulations = 12 hours shift)

As the student I want a limit to care for no more than 3 patient at the time through entire school.

Yes, it is something what I want, but this probably would never be real. If you wander I do not plan to work on the floor after school, unless I am starving to death.

Your expectations are not realistic. Perhaps Nursing is not a good fit for you.

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At my nursing school, there is a lot of busy work. Is the program awful? No. Whatever you put in effort wise, you will get out of the program. There may be tears, there may be moments where you're so happy you made this choice. It's doable, you just have to have the right mindset and good organization skills.

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