Nursing is my passion but I feel like I am too dumb.

deleern · Mar 5, 2016

I returned to nursing at age 45. I struggled until I did some research on learning styles. once I found out that, then I was able to study 1/2 time I was with better results.

RNalana · Mar 5, 2016

Hello. As a fellow self critic I also felt too dumb to be a nurse. My Achilles heel was chemistry because I never took any advanced science classes in highschool. I quickly learned that I was way behind my classmates and had a lot of catching up to do. I met with the teacher on a weekly basis and went to every single study group. I formed a group of nursing friends and we all studied together. I'm not saying I aced the class but I got by. I loved A&P because of how I could apply it to real life. Watch you-tube videos, there are millions. Go to study groups and form your own. Nursing school doesn't take a genius to complete (I am evidence of that) you just have to dedicate A LOT and I mean A LOT of time to studying. Basically all your time. Don't give up, just work harder- it's 1000% worth it!

I have been out of school for 5 years now. I still feel "dumb" at times and like I know less than my co workers, but that's where continuing Ed and continued studying (yes, you have to keep learning after school- in fact I feel I have learned more since I graduated than in school). People are always willing to help you with something you haven't had experience with- and believe it or not there will be times you can help them too based on your own experience.

Super long post but I remember being exactly where you are and I am so glad someone told me not to give up. It's often scary- no matter how much you know but I love being a nurse and wouldn't change it for anything!

Tam-77 · Mar 5, 2016

Do not let anyone tell you that you should give up on your dream. A&p made me feel dumb also but I got through it with tons of support. I still have "action potential " burned in my brain. It's all about memorizing chin up plow through

pixierose, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2016

I am taking Ap this semester. I got 107 on exam 1, 110 on exam 2 so far. The key is STUDYING. I am have a toddler, I work as a teacher, and English is my 4th language. I took biology class 10 years ago in another language.
I really understand what you are going through, but if you spend more time studying your materials, you will be fine.
Good luck

Omg! Studying! Why didn't the OP think of this!? SMH

I think the issue here is *how* best to study the material.

Gold star for your accomplishments though (if this is what you were looking for).

Bindy8187 · Mar 5, 2016

I believe you can eat an elephant one bite at a time. If it's in your heart and you know what your weak links are-hit the start button and tackle things strategically. You can learn A+P, maybe as a visual learner. If one book is confusing-look at another, search you-tube. Do it, follow your dream. We need people that are nurturers as nurses. Go for it.

ADuntonRN · Mar 5, 2016

I'd just like to add on to the defense of homeschooling. Every homeschooling is different, but homeschooling can actually provide excellent education. I did very well all through my BSN program.

That aside, I want to second the idea of figuring out what works for you, and definitely don't get discouraged before you get your grades back. A&P is definitely one of the toughest pre-req class, and your instructor can make a big difference. If you do get poor grades, ask around about better/easier prof and try re-taking it.

Also, excellent idea to job shadow. Nursing can be very different than you think, though you said you have spent a lot of time in the hospital.

Also, remember that the book knowledge isn't the most important part. A lot of it comes down to skills like being flexible and having self-confidence. Plus a good memory for tasks and ability to prioritize well.

txstudent6, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2016

Maybe your prof doesn't help with your learning style? A&P is solely memorization. If you can still drop without penalty on your GPA, I would do that & take a different prof. I personally rewrote my notes 3 times for a&p. I wouldn't give up on nursing just yet.

srscott · Mar 5, 2016

I just want to say that I was once told by an advisor at University that I once attended, that because I didn't think I could handle taking A&P,chemistry,algebra all in one semester that I wouldn't make a good nurse...so I listened to poor advice and ended up getting a degree in a field that I never had an opportunity to work in..about 20 years and 3 kids later I finally decided to go back to school to get my RN...don't get me wrong Nursing School is hard ...really hard if you put your mind and best effort to it you CAN do it...don't listen when people say you can't do it ...know that you can and get it done....go for it that way you know you've tried as opposed to wondering what would have been!!

Sosiddy88 · Mar 5, 2016

I feel if it's your passion you should still go after it. I thought anatomy was some thing I would suck at. I loved science but science did love me and throughout college it was one of my weak points. So when I took A &P I studied and studied until I could study an more. I related it to my self and watched videos. Than before a test I would find a test online and take it. To make sure I knew the information. But it might also be the teacher you have see if there is some one else who teaches it maybe as to sit in their class. To see if you understand it better. Don't allow this to be a road block for your passion. Keep going for it. Maybe even take it by itself. Wish you the best.

JennSmiles · Mar 5, 2016

First, let me begin by saying that I was homeschooled and it does not put you at a disadvantage. I too felt too dumb and unprepared for any type of further education. My homeschooling was a joke! My ACT score was also embarrassing low. However, I knew that if I applied myself I could do anything. But I would never know until I tried. And guess what!?! I am attending one of the most prestigious nursing schools in my area. In addition, I have a 4.0 and am almost finished with nursing school. A&P 1 was also very challenging for me because it presented different concepts and learning styles than I was used to. However, I kept going. I just had to figure out a new way of studying. I used Khahn Academy videos, anatomy and physiology flash cards with pictures, and relistened to lectures. You can do anything if you try hard enough. Nursing school is exceptionally hard, but you really can do it. Don't psych yourself out! You just have to find a new way of studying that works for you. A&P 2 was much easier and the concepts were easier to apply to real life. In relation to that, nursing school concepts are easier to apply to real life situations because they are real life scenarios!

NurseSouthernBelle · Mar 7, 2016

This is easier said than done but don't be discouraged. Nursing School is unlike any other program. I maintained between 3.5 to 4.0 GPAs and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a business degree. Fast forward to Nursing and I broke down when I got my first C, I felt totally defeated...It's a different beast and you will have to experiment with different styles of learning. YouTube was my saving grace for some concepts. Don't give up at this point. Just know that nursing programs will challenge you and more than not make you doubt yourself many days. Good luck and hang in thereðŸ˜‰

Ezrn64 · Mar 8, 2016

Please don't be discouraged. I had the absolute worst time with Chemistry. But made it through. Keep on plugging and working hard. The grades you get in nursing school do not mean you can't be an excellent nurse. No one can teach you caring and compassion