Is it really that bad?!

I remember orientation when they tried to scare the stuffing out of us. I made it my mission (if you will!) to attend every orientation & set the record straight.

Is NS hard? At times, yes. Other times it's easy.

Is it doable? ABSOLUTELY!!

Your nursing school experience is what you make it--I vowed to not let NS rule my life. I still made time to do the things that I like to do and spend time with my family & friends. It's all about balance.

If you do what you are supposed to do, stay prepared, and treat your teachers (and patients) with respect, then you will go far in NS. IMHO

Don't get me wrong, school is tough but it can be done. You just need to keep things in perspective. Grades are important, but don't beat yourself up for not making straight A's. We are in school to learn and often that involves making mistakes. Besides, those upperclassmen and women are probably rehashing the same things they were told when they sat in those seats.

is nursing school really that bad?! can anybody share any good stories that will make me feel better?

one very scared freshman!

first of all, congrats to you for getting into a nursing program. i am still in the process. :biggringi

now to answer your question.... when i started graduate school i was asked to "look around the classroom and count all of the heads in the room." then i was told to note that only 30% of those i saw in orientation would graduate.

there were people in my orientation class who were afraid of the horror stories and warnings. others brushed off the tales and the statistics as scare-tactics. however, looking back i can see that everything i was told was correct! in fact, my orientation left stuff out!

so how in the world do i have an mba today? the day i looked around the class i promised myself i was going to be one of the 30%. it is that simple.

therefore, my advice to you is to think positive about what you have heard and will hear. there is a reason for everything you will endure before you start your clinical courses and during your clinical courses. none of it will be a waste of your time.

even the things you were told that sound petty are done for a reason. in many cases the reason will be to evaluate your attention to details. little details can either save a life or take one. good luck.:monkeydance: