No-one to a Someone.

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2012

Nursing school is tough. They are fully aware that many people see it as an "easy paycheck" and try hard to weed them out as opposed to the people who are there to really Be There. Whoever graduates from nursing school is going to have people's lives and deaths in their hands. They don't want anyone there who is not going to be dead serious about it.

I thought it was difficult, scary, intense, and completely worth every second! If you're up for a challenge, then jump in and let the fun begin!

Saysfaa · Nov 26, 2012

This may or may not apply to you but it is what I wish I had understood earlier... skills don't just happen - I have to develop them and it requires time, attention and energy. I remember being a little kid and thinking how cool it would be to be a teen ager and know all about makeup and slumber parties and social skills so on. I assumed I would know about them when I got there but it didn't occure to me that it wouldn't automatically until I was mostly through high school and still basically clueless about makeup. Same thing happened with college and social skills except I realized much, much, much sooner that I had to do something about it.

Anyway, you will need to develop skills like listening and speaking and learning things that don't particularily interest you in order to get into nursing school, through nursing school, and to succeed at a nursing job. That you can do well when you are interested means you are capable of developing the neccessary skills - probably you invested the time, attention, and energy then but didn't particularily notice it because it was so enjoyable.

(Not that nursing isn't enjoyable but most people don't think every aspect is).

There are classes for developing interpersonal skills and basic math skills and so on but most of the effort will be in internalizing them or incorporating them into your normal life so the classes won't be a magic wand. They might help. I don't think they are necessary - there are enough sources of the basic information out in the real world, online, and the library to get you a long ways. Start with something small and simple that is interfering with your ability to communicate (one of mine was interrupting people too much) and work on that until you don't have to think about it all the time, then do that and one more small, simple thing. If you don't know what you do or don't do, it is fairly easy to get people to let you know. ( or you can develop a hobby of people watching.

rubato, ASN, RN · Nov 26, 2012

I would never, in a million years, say that you can't do something.

But....you will have to really push past all the reasons you gave for doing poorly in the past. I would have been a horrible nursing student in my late teens and early twenties, so I understand. I'm working really hard now. You may have been a bad student early on and be ready for the challenge now. Or, you may need a few more years.

Nursing school is HARD! I mean really hard. I aced all my prereqs including anatomy & physiology, and chemistry. Now, I'm going to be thrilled to get a B my first semester of nursing school.

The point I'm trying to make is this: if you are willing to work your butt off and get super serious, then, yes, you should absolutely go for it. If you are going to go at it the way you went to school in the past, you probably won't be successful at nursing school. It's just a fact that nursing schools are very competitive now and can take the cream of the crop. And, you will definitely have to be able to get through math and science, as well as being a great listener and paying attention. As far as the speaking, not as important in nursing. You need to be heard when the time is right, but paying attention and listening are much more important.

I wish you luck in your choices. I know it's tough but if you really want it, you can make it happen! :)

sjtrk · Nov 26, 2012

I'm a firm believer in that if you want something bad enough, you CAN do it. Sometimes it takes help from extra study time, tutors, losing sleep and yes even sacrificing precious time away from your kids and husband. I'm 33 years old with 5 kids ages 5-14 and a hubby who's home only half time. I didn't graduate high school because my parents could have cared less. I failed all English and science classes in high school and didn't even think about college (even though from a young age I'd always known I wanted to be a nurse.) I finally decided it was time to do it because I wanted it. At 24 years old I got my GED and even applied to college and was accepted. I found out a month later I was pregnant with my 3rd and so decided school just had to wait.

Here I sit at 33, and thus far have had all A's. yes it's taken some extra work (including 2 extra math pre req's to get to college level math,) but I'm doing it. I want this too bad to not let it happen. And thankfully I have a wonderful support system with my kids and husband.

I have faith if this is what you want, you will find a way to make it happen. : )

calinursestudent818 · Nov 27, 2012

I have run into many a nurse who struggled with math and sciences prior to and in nursing school, but they wanted nursing so badly that they put in the extra effort. That's all it takes. You'll have to just work & study harder at retaining that particular material but you can do it. I agree with the others you CAN do it but it will take a lot of hard work, motivation and commitment and you will definitely have to have a different mindset & approach to school, than you did when you were in your teens about school to make it through. If you think you are truly ready to be serious about school, then by all means go for it. Once you commit to nursing remember its 2-3 years of living and breathing nursing from that point on. You'll have to put all your time and effort into succeeding in nursing school. That will be your number one priority. If you have any doubts as to whether you will work hard at it to succeed then I would rethink your career goals.

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · Nov 27, 2012

I agree with what other posters have said. However, I read your post over twice. I must say in that short report, I did not 'read' the kind of commitment and skill set that a successful nursing student must posses. Be truthful with yourself. You say you " also lack skills- listening and speaking are two major ones". If true, I must say you would have a poor chance of passing if you could get in. Reality check time for you. Do you have the commitment, can you change your study ways, can you become a true student? I don't want to kill your dream, but being a Pollyanna will do you no good. Only you can decide if you are up to the very trying task that is nursing school.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 27, 2012

Sorry, but I kinda agree with Stcroix. Not everyone can become a nurse (o rmusician or CPA or graphic artist or ... etc.). Brains are different. Some are just not cut out for science-y things & others are dismal when it comes to artistic pursuits. I think OP is keen on the idea of being a nurse. But if 'wanting' was enough to ensure success, we'd have more 5'6" professional basketball players, right?

Life is hard enough without setting yourself up for failure by trying to achieve a goal that is just not possible. And, why isn't being a cosmetologist something to be proud of?

Stephalump · Nov 27, 2012

I have no idea if you have what it takes to get through nursing school and nursing as a career. I agree with some of the others that wanting something isn't necessarily enough. We all have a certain skill set and we can only go so far to change that, in my opinion. Fortunately, I think people usually come to the conclusion that they actually DON'T want some of the things they thought they did - they just liked the idea.

I think the best way to get your answer is to take a class like A&P. Work at it. Don't get caught up in the far off goal of the almighty RN, but just work on where you are now. If you can learn new study habits, work on listening and speaking, and succeed to the point of getting into nursing school, then you did it! If you can't get to the point where you need to be, you'll get your answer in the form of a giant roadblock to becoming a nurse.

My biggest concern is your admitted lack of skill in listening and speaking. You are aware that listening and speaking are HUGE parts of nursing? I would absolutely hate to be a nurse if I didn't relate well to people. Recipe for misery.

Saysfaa · Nov 27, 2012

Listening and speaking skills can be developed. Study skills can be learned. She said she can do well when she wants to, so it sounds the ability is there to work with.

loriangel14, RN · Nov 27, 2012

It is a first step to recognize your shortcomings. Yes listening and speaking are very important skills but you can become better at both if you work hard.Whether or not you are cut out to be a nurse in anyone's guess.Like another poster said, try taking some prerequisites and see how you manage. Take it one day at a time.Be prepared to work harder than you ever have before and commit fully to succeeding.Best of luck.

P.S. You are a daughter, wife and mother. You are not a nobody.

MrsGirlyHurley · Dec 1, 2012

Ladies- This is the OP, Lucia. I wanted to leave a word of thanks to all your advice and I really appreciate that you took time to help me out. I'm still gearing to become a nurse- at least LPN. I'm going to do all my prereqs before I dive into RN school. In my heart I believe I can do this. And if nursing isn't for me, then no one can say that I didn't try! Once again I appreciate all the well luck wishes and I hope you ladies have a great holiday season!!