Hi there, I am starting an ADN program in the fall. I'm really nervous but excited. I've always wanted to be a nurse and I feel like I've always worked towards it. I got my CNA certificate in high school which got me a job as a medication technician in an assisted living facility. I stuck with this job for 4 years despite the stress because I wanted the experience.I learned a lot from work and school...but I'm not too proud of my science gpa. I have 2 Bs and one C in my science pre-req. My physiology professor used to say to the class that if we were struggling in that class then we wouldn't survive nursing. i took physio and micro in one semester
I'm now going starting nursing... I'm scared I won't survive. I feel so average compared to the straight A students. But I know I have the commitment and work ethic to be a nurse. Any advice?
The difference I know about now... Is that I'm ready and more mature. No more partying, less hangs out with friends who aren't good influence, less dedication to work (and more on school) and no more settling for less than an A (cross my fingers).
Thank you. That makes me feel better! I can't help but feel nervous and insecure going in. But I know I have to quickly get rid of this attitude if I want to succeed. I have to be 100% dedicated and stand out. This way around will definitely be different!
Thank you I needed to hear this! I know I need to buckle down like no other. I am nervous about the tests in nursing. I should mention my physio prof was trying to become a doctor but didn't get accepted into med school. I felt like she was cut throat in that class, which is good and bad. I did learn a lot!! but her tests were hard!!! I admit I could have done better esp towards the end of the semester to bring my grade up. Her class kind of scared me about nursing but at least her warning is initiating me to prepare for what's coming up.... Right....? Haha
And you'll hear something of a similar sort when you do start nursing school. I can remember the dean or someone saying that you'll start out with a class of x amount and then by so and so time we only have y amount left. definitely don't let things like that rattle you. you know you work hard and continue to do put in all your efforts and hard times don't scare you.
A large portion of nursing school is very similar to, and builds on the knowledge from, A&P. If you don't have a good grasp of it, you're likely to struggle.
From that perspective, if you feel like your knowledge is lacking and it's not just your professor being cut-throat, you might consider reviewing A&P on your own over the summer. Get Anatomy and Physiology Made Incredibly Easy or some similar book. Watch the health and medicine content on Khan Academy.
But remember that you got in. You met or exceeded the minimal requirements for entry, which implies that you do have the basic background necessary and can succeed at that sort of coursework. Don't worry about the straight A students. It's not a competition. Also, nursing school involves a lot of different skills, not just academics. You may find that some things come easier to you that some of the more academic students struggle with.
Also, most textbooks have a quick patho review for each system so you can refresh the patho specific to what you are learning and it will make way more sense (it did for me at least). Memorizing for AP - hated it, hated. Got a B in both APs. Nursing classes so far 2 As and 1B (missed the A by 0.5 points). As in my pharm classes also
I just got into my ASN program last week. Congrats! I had both a high GPA and my entrance exam. Only difference between you and I in terms of our ability to survive nursing school is that I'm already used to having no social life, no actual life, and studying regularly, lol. I'm in the swing of it already. It looks like you're at least aware that that's where you need to be, so don't let anyone discourage you from tackling this. You'll do great. I'm terrified too. I have two coreqs I still need completed and I found out I have to take A&P 2 with a 7 hour nursing fundamental course my first semester because my A&P HAS to be done by December. It's just something I've never done before so I'm nervous. Doesn't mean I won't do a great job when it all starts. That's the difference. You can do it!
Don't worry about your past grades. You got into nursing school and that's what really matters. I don't consider myself that great of a student and I got an A and 2 Bs my first semester in nursing school. It's not all just memorization, although pharmacology is. It is understanding the material and applying it. There is no right or wrong answer, there is the best answer. Make sure you do well in all of your exams so you don't feel extra pressure on the last exams. Good luck to you. You will do great!
Straight A's don't mean anything. Nursing school is all about critical thinking. Period. Just remember that you need to pass school and NCLEX at the end. There's a phrase: "C equals RN". You just need to pass nursing school. NCLEX ain't the monster it's cracked up to be. My ATIs in school were harder. If you want strsight A's, you're obviously competitive, but your out of focus. Relax, and enjoy the ride.
A large portion of nursing school is very similar to, and builds on the knowledge from, A&P. If you don't have a good grasp of it, you're likely to struggle.
From that perspective, if you feel like your knowledge is lacking and it's not just your professor being cut-throat, you might consider reviewing A&P on your own over the summer. Get Anatomy and Physiology Made Incredibly Easy or some similar book. Watch the health and medicine content on Khan Academy.
But remember that you got in. You met or exceeded the minimal requirements for entry, which implies that you do have the basic background necessary and can succeed at that sort of coursework. Don't worry about the straight A students. It's not a competition. Also, nursing school involves a lot of different skills, not just academics. You may find that some things come easier to you that some of the more academic students struggle with.
Disagree with the A&P reference. It's helpful but not as much as knowing how to critically think.
Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..
Oh darlin', please let me crush your good intentions right now. Working your hardest, doing your best are GREAT goals, you must do those things. But going into nursing school, the Dean gave me great advice, let go of being a straight A student, concentrate on being the best nurse you can possibly be- they aren't necessarily the same things. She was right. If I hear one more student crying over getting a B on a nursing exam I'm going to scream. If you failed, you can cry- for about a minute. Then go study. But over a B? Or even a C? Get over it. Nursing school is a whole new ballgame. You are going to have to learn in a brand new way, and to do well on impossible tests. But yes, ditch those bad influences, and buckle down. Oh! Congratulations on being accepted!
PJishere
36 Posts
Thank you. That makes me feel better! I can't help but feel nervous and insecure going in. But I know I have to quickly get rid of this attitude if I want to succeed. I have to be 100% dedicated and stand out. This way around will definitely be different!