2nd Week Of School, Huge Work Load?

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Specializes in Student - LVN GRAD 08'.

So the first week of classes, we had a unit test for 3 chapters in fundamentals. Plus a Test on 50 Med Abbrevs

Then we had A&P unit test for 3 Chapters plus a test on 25 prefix/suffix. I thought my brain would explode last week, but I passed them all.

This week (2nd Week) we have 2 A&P Unit Tests one is 3 chapters and the second is 3 chapters, Plus another fundamentals for 2 chapters and more prefix/suffix and med abbrev tests.

I so wanted to breathe this weekend, but it isnt happening. I spend the entire weekend studying and then about 4-5 hours after class each day burning it all into my head. And even then.... Im only making Low B's on the unit tests.

Is this pretty much normal routine until graduation? Im so stressed, and have already lost 5lbs in the first week :(

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

Welcome to PN school. You get slammed! But, if you can survive this, you can survive anything.:welcome:

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I am also in my second week and it is stressful. I am tired at the end of the 8 hours school day and then have to come home and study for another 3-5 hours depending on the subject. However...I just keep telling myself it is temporary! I am 42 and have waited 25 years for this opportunity. Heard all the horror stories, but the majority make it, so we will too!!!! I know for me I try to do a little of each here and there, but mostly concentrate on getting ready for each test at a time. I don't know if your program is set up that way. Thankfully we had to have our A&P as a prereq, I don't know how I would have been able to do that along with all the other. That is itself can take all your study time as there is a lot to remember. Stay positive and try not to stress yourself out. Good luck to you!

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I just started this week, with a 4 day week. I knew I would get overwhelmed, but never expected to start out that way;)

I have never been through so many different emotions in 4 days!

And made me question my decision, hope thats normal!

And I am telling myself take one day at a time, if I start worrying about next week now, I am really in trouble! I find my brain can not take any anymore info after 3-4 hours of study! Just hang on and take one day at a time, maybe we can get through this!!!!

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I totally understand. It must be normal to question the decision, I have done the same thing. All week I have been asking myself "Do I really want this"? Glad to know I am not alone! Thank you!

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Specializes in none so far.

i am graduating PN school next thursday and it is like nursing bootcamp! you go straight through with no breaks longer than a week or two and have tests pretty much every week especially when clinicals begin...just hang in there..it'll be over before you know it!

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Specializes in Dialysis.
I totally understand. It must be normal to question the decision, I have done the same thing. All week I have been asking myself "Do I really want this"? Glad to know I am not alone! Thank you!

I feel the same after my first week, too! I almost cried getting up for work on Friday, as I was so tired! the first A and P test is Tuesday, 6 chapters!

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Is this pretty much normal routine until graduation? Im so stressed, and have already lost 5lbs in the first week :(

Yup.

Relax and read. Life as you know it is over until you pass the NCLEX.

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So the first week of classes, we had a unit test for 3 chapters in fundamentals. Plus a Test on 50 Med Abbrevs

Then we had A&P unit test for 3 Chapters plus a test on 25 prefix/suffix. I thought my brain would explode last week, but I passed them all.

This week (2nd Week) we have 2 A&P Unit Tests one is 3 chapters and the second is 3 chapters, Plus another fundamentals for 2 chapters and more prefix/suffix and med abbrev tests.

I so wanted to breathe this weekend, but it isnt happening. I spend the entire weekend studying and then about 4-5 hours after class each day burning it all into my head. And even then.... Im only making Low B's on the unit tests.

Is this pretty much normal routine until graduation? Im so stressed, and have already lost 5lbs in the first week :(

I know exactly where you're coming from. I just finished week 5 & someone I've managed to stay alive. lol. I haven't cried yet, but only because I'm too tired to. It is a lot of work. We go three 15 week sessions, back to back. I'm taking it one semester at a time.

It may be overwhelming right now, but knowing that I will be a nurse soon is VERY EXCITING! :lol2:

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

I graduated in April, but felt my life was on hold for the entire program. As a mom with two boys, I was kept busy in every area of my life for the entire 18 months that I was in the program.

I had to learn to study smart, not just long hours. I am a visual learner, so it helped me a lot to draw things or use those A&P coloring books. I used a big giant sketch book and sharpie pens in different colors. I would copy the figures from my text books and make notes. For some reason, this is the way I can get things to "stick" in my mind. I am doing the same now for micro and physio.

When taking notes, I leave a one inch margin on the left hand side of the paper. When reviewing class notes and looking things up in the text book, it helps to write additional notes in the margin. If you hear an instructor repeat something more than once or say "this is really important", put a star next to it. Chances are you will see this on an upcoming quiz.

Believe it or not, I was able to cut down on the hours I studied and graduated with honors. I am a true believer that studying smart is more important than studying long hours. Find out how you learn best and implement that into your studying style.

No one said it would be easy, but they will all tell you it is worth it!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

It takes a bit of time to develop skills to keep up with the fast pace of nursing school; for most it takes about a month. There is a great deal of stress, but believe it or not, for many, once it is ALL over, you feel a bit empty. I didn't quite feel that way, but many have stated this.

I still do have some nursing residue for studying, though, but in smaller, less stressful increments. I take continuing education classes, and will usually purchase their recommended for further reading, such as EKG interpetation and diabetes. I still pick things apart, make charts, use highlighters and read over and over again until I understand. What I appreciate about it, now, is that I am not doing it for a grade, anymore, I am learning at my own pace and I enjoy that much better.

No matter what, it WILL be over...unless you plan to become an RN; and by then, you can apply what you already know because you will have a stronger foundation based on past schooling and even better, experience! Good luck!

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Specializes in Student - LVN GRAD 08'.

Reading that others are/have gone thru the same thing makes me feel better :) I wanted this for so long, Im sticking it out no matter what.

Thanks to everyone who replied!!!!!!

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