just accepted to nursing school....need some advice

allnurses Guide · May 25, 2005

physicals are just check ups, no big deal.

What to expect? as I recall, lots of details. Learning to do things step by step so you learn to do it right until its just habit. You'll do tons of reading, get used to taking notes as you go along, highlighting didn't work for me well, I tended to highlight the whole book. Take notes in a notebook as you read, and put the page number there, so you can later find where you read that detail! That was one of my problems, being able to go back and reread something I was sure I remembered seeing, but not knowing where. :rolleyes:

Know why you are doing something, not just how. Set up a study group and bounce questions off each other before exams. Play trivial pursuit out of your text books (and find out the stuff isn't so trivial after all).

You'll start with just the very basics, and build on them. We had to practice bed baths on each other (wearing swim suits) before we were allowed near patients (okay, so it was more than 20 years ago :chuckle ), to prove we would do it right, keep the patient warm and covered etc.

When you finally make it to the real patients, be up front and tell them you are a student. Most people are very accomidating and will help you out.

Its tough but worth it, and there is a certain level of fun to it!

laura22 · May 25, 2005

thanks jbudd.....on my physical sheet it has about a million things listed included things from nose, mouth, ears to genitals and anal. why so much detail? will the physician do the whole physical or will i submit the info from my last pap smear? i've got about a million things running through my mind and i haven't even started my classes yet. will everyone be as nervous the first day as i will be???

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 25, 2005

Expect to be completely totally overwhelmed. You'll have a big stack of books and near-impossible amount of work to do. But we all made it through somehow.

Good luck.

laura22 · May 25, 2005

Expect to be completely totally overwhelmed. You'll have a big stack of books and near-impossible amount of work to do. But we all made it through somehow.
Good luck.

LOL! thanks! actually i'm expecting to be completely overwhelmed when i start the classes....i just can't figure out why i'm so overwhelmed now!

allnurses Guide · May 26, 2005

Just anticipation and fear of the unknown. Take some deep breaths, repeat over and over "I can do this! They want me to pass, not fail!" Find something to distract yourself with, good massage, soak in a hot tub, see a good movie, rent an old classic, whatever. :Melody:

If you have the results of the last pap smear, take it along, you might get out of that part again. I've never had a GYN exam as part of a work/school physical. :uhoh3:

OBRN2004 · May 26, 2005

I was overwhelmed, over stressd and just generally unsure of what to expect. I felt like the first year was the roughest. You know they have to weed out the folks that don't need to be there. But hang in there. My biggest accomplishment to date was walking across that stage and getting my degree. I have just finished my first year as a nurse, and though stressful and overwhelming, nothing compares to nursing school. I hope this doesn't scare you more than you already are. Just remember to expect the unexpected, find a way to destress, and pray . . . pray a lot. You can do this. Take one day at a time. Don't get behind on your work. Most programs are fast paced and you usually won't have time to catch up. Anyway, just my two cents. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Good Luck!

r_janice · May 26, 2005

Now when you say be prepared to be completely overwhelmed, is this meaning to the point that maintaing a household and working full time may not be possible while in nursing school or is it possible with much stress, very little family time, and no sleep??? I am taking A&P I and II in the 5 week session and very scared I will not do well because I have to work fulltime and help maintain the household (fiance & almost 2 yr old daughter plus cleaning up and laundry). I keep telling myself all I need is a C but then I think of how much my GPA will drop. Encouraging tips and words are appreciated and welcomed.

OBRN2004 · May 26, 2005

I worked full time, at a hospital in L&D, and was married. But I didn't have children. My best friend, who also was in nursing school with me, was a single mom working full time. So I don't think it is completely impossible. I do think if I had been able to cut back on my hours that I wouldn't have been so stressed, but hey I had bills to pay. It takes dedication, and you may miss some sleep, but you can do it. My mom recently told me that while I was in school, she was very concerned about me, she said I walked around like a zombie. And for those two years, I was exhausted. But, this is what I've always wanted to do. And now, one year later, I wouldn't have had it any other way. All this stress is worth it. I have the best job ever and I can't see doing anything else for the rest of my life! Just keep your chin up and know that soon, you will have one of the most awesome and rewarding jobs you'll ever have!!!!

nursemike, ASN, RN · May 26, 2005

Don't worry, it won't be long before you don't have time to be nervous! Expect homework the first day of classes. There will be a lot of reading. There will be times when you don't get enough sleep--but try to keep those to a minimum. I wouldn't recommend working full time, but part time is possible if your job is flexible (a part-time job in healthcare can be beneficial).

If you are like me and several of my friends, you will probably have a moment in the first year when you just want to give up. Don't. Get yourself a study group, and if you need extra help with something, talk to your instructors.

I don't think many programs require students to bathe each other, these days. Blame us guys. I don't think anybody has students start IVs on each other, or any other invasive procedures. Too dangerous. The physical is no big deal, but you'll have to have several immunizations, if you haven't already. There's a criminal background check, too, but they aren't looking for minor stuff.

It's a lot of hard work, but also fascinating. Clinicals are scary as heck, but occassionally exciting. You will meet people you love and experience things you'll never forget. It's a trip.

P.S. I'm not saying a full time job and family aren't possible. People have done it. I don't know how, but they have. But the less you have to distract you, the better.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · May 26, 2005

OH I was so anxious I was going to leap out of my skin...but it was a fun anxious! LOL!

I looked at school as my new leaf! I was so excited and knew I would have fun, even though stressful! Having a positive attitude does wonders! This is a new adventure...have fun!!!!!!

ALSO a study partner right off helps tons! I met mine day one, and we are still best buds! You need that support and someone to talk to that understands what you are saying once you start talking med! LOL! Trust me, family or friends just glaze over when you talk med...then start asking med questions about themselves..LOL! Get someone you can talk to and study with...very important! They become your rock...and you theirs! :)

Good luck and congratulations!