just need help

If this is something you really want to do, just do the best you can. The first semester is the hardest for many because it's so different than anything else out there and it can be a culture shock. In my class, those of us who had some kind of medical background (MA, CNA, LVN) did much better that first semester.

I just completed my first semester of nursing school and I found it somewhat hard. I had a 4.0 going into it and now I have a 3.2. I had no prior experience which I think would have helped alot. I loved clinicals and all the friends I made. Actually I loved everything.(even the lectures) The instuctors are there to help and so is your classmates. Our school admits 80 students and 400+ apply. We are almost dead from competing when we finally start the nursing program. After that, we help each other instead of compete with each other. (with a few exceptions...ha) I didn't do too well on a couple of tests, so my advice is buy a NCLEX exam book and go through it when you study. It helped me TREMENDOUSLY!! I also carpool with 2 other students and we study to and from school. I also had to change the way I studied. I have 2 kids and am married. My most productive study time was every night(with a couple of breaks) 8-11 or 12. I can't stay up all night studying because my brain turns to mush. These hours gave me time for everything I had to do between kids, husband and household. Well, actually it went to kids and husband because my house looks like a tornado hit it. Remember, when you are in class to ask questions if you are unsure, even if you think it is stupid. 9 times out of 10 more students have the same question. Also, when you take the tests don't change the answers unless you are 100% sure you need too. Our tests were 50 questions so they counted 2 points a piece...if I would have left some of my answers alone, I would have made better grades. The NCLEX books have alot of great info for test taking. I also bought the "made easy " books. And I learned ALOT from this website. Usually, if I have a question I can search for the answer on here and find not one but many, many answers. I check it everyday. Good Luck to you and enjoy it because I have met so many wonderful people and I know you will too.

thank you so much for the advice,

that is very good advice, thanks for that. i'll hopefully be applying next year.

I'm not trying to be mean, but consider this. . .if you don't think you can handle the stress of nursing school, how do you think you can handle the stress of being a full-fledged working RN? You're never going to know how stressfull it's going to be for you until you dig in and experience it. What I think is stressfull you might think is a piece of cake. A lot depends on our life experiences and our personalities. You might surprise yourself. Some people do extremely well when their backs are to the wall and they know what is at stake.

All of the R.N.'s I know, including my husband, thought nursing school was much more stressful than the actual job. Maybe it depends on the unit you work on, but my husband works on the CCU and even though it can get stressful at least he can leave it at work and doesn't have to come home and study for another 4 hours everyday. Guess it depends on the individual.

I know i can do this and I will, My friend just was saying how terribly hard it is and she crys alot over the stress, It made me wonder if It is really that hard, obviously i know i have to work my butt off, but was just wondering if maybe she is making harder than it is....

and by saying stressful i mean all the studying and fast pased classes through nursing school, I know the actual stressfulness of an RN is going to depend on a day to day basis. That i would be able to handle....

Nursing school is demanding and can be stressful at times. The most important aspect is simply learning how to organize and manage your time....sometimes easier said than done. You mentioned your friend crying and being stressed out. Perhaps this is her way of trying to cope and deal with it. It does not mean that you will react in the same manner.

Relax and think postiive. Don't compare yourself to others.

if this is what you want go for it. yes the first semester and all semesters are stressfull. do not get behind in your reading and don't expect to get everything you need for your tests from lectures. find a good group of study buddies and quiz each other. even if you just get together to let off some steam it will benefit you in the long run. best wishes to you. if you dream it you will achieve it!

Hi,

I am almost in the same boat as you are. I am applying for the Program in October for hopefully entrance into the Spring 2007 Nursing Program!! (Let's all say a pray and keep our fingers crossed pleeeease!)

Any-hoo..I learned in a different thread yesterday that there are 2 really good books out for Nursing Students. "How to survive and maybe even love nursing school" & "Nursing student success made incredibly easy." I actually ordered them both yesterday..can't wait for them to come in! But from what I read on the internet about them, they have good study tips as well as other helpful info for us newbies to the program.

You might like to check them out and order them yourself. Best of luck to you!!!!

I'm curious about something, myself. On the first day of the first pre-nursing course I took, the instructor (who also happened to be the Department Head) told us that they were constantly asked for success tips, so they came up with two major tips to offer.

1. Read the necessary material BEFORE you go to class.

2. Find a person/group to study with and stick with them throughout clinicals.

That seems to be really helpful.

Do any of you find it harder to study with others? I do. I've tried soooo many times to see the good in studying with someone else, but I can't. My own personal method of studying involves no one other than myself. I just can't do the study group thing. Don't take that wrong, though. I know that team play/collaboration is part of being a nurse. It's just that trying to LEARN and RETAIN new material is something I find to be more easily accomplished on my own. 3.8 so far.

Do you think this puts me at a disadvantage? Do any of you not do study groups?

I'm curious about something, myself. On the first day of the first pre-nursing course I took, the instructor (who also happened to be the Department Head) told us that they were constantly asked for success tips, so they came up with two major tips to offer.

1. Read the necessary material BEFORE you go to class.

2. Find a person/group to study with and stick with them throughout clinicals.

That seems to be really helpful.

Do any of you find it harder to study with others? I do. I've tried soooo many times to see the good in studying with someone else, but I can't. My own personal method of studying involves no one other than myself. I just can't do the study group thing. Don't take that wrong, though. I know that team play/collaboration is part of being a nurse. It's just that trying to LEARN and RETAIN new material is something I find to be more easily accomplished on my own. 3.8 so far.

Do you think this puts me at a disadvantage? Do any of you not do study groups?

I don't study well with a group either. However, I do study very well by trying to teach some of what I have learned to a non-medical person (my favorites were my husband and 8 year old). I have found that if I can understand it well enough to "dumb it down" to them (and I mean no offense to them:)) then I really do understand it.

Good luck

T