Nursing school does get harder, right?

[Scrubz]

My nursing fundamentals class wasn't really a cake class or anything, but for the most part it was pretty easy. Aside from the first theory test I didn't really study that much for class. The lab part of class was stressful at times because we were learning skills all the time, but I think a lot of the stress came from the unknown rather than what was really going on.

I know that's a vauge paragraph but does that look familiar to anyone? Please tell me that this gets tougher because I really want it to. The tougher it is the more I learn and the better I do so I can't stand these easier classes. I know it has to get tougher but when? Next semester I take OB and Peds, plus a non-nursing microbiology class. I know I'll be putting way more time into nursing, but I'm not afraid of that, I just want it to be more involving. There's too many of my classmates thinking we've already done so much "nursing" stuff but I know we've barely scratched the surface (some fundamental skills, the nursing process, the other crap in theory that you'll never use again).

Oh, and I'm in an ADN program and I have three semesters left: OB/Peds, Med-Surg I, Med-Surg II (general class names but we'll study different areas within each "Med-Surg" class). Then after this I plan to get my BSN at another school. Can anyone help me out on figuring out what I should expect from here on out? Becuase I seriously expect it to be more challenging but my fundamentals class didn't really offer it. It does get tougher from here on out though, right? What can I expect based on your all's experiences?

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

Fundamentals can be pretty basic, I remember being just bored out of my mind with it honestly though you are learning stuff you do need to know. I really wondered at that point if nursing was for me because it was just so basic at that point with Fundamentals. Fundamentals is a lot different IMO than other nursing classes where you are learning pathophysiology, drugs, etc.

I just finished my first semester. We had Med/Surg, Psych, Concepts, and Physical Assessment. There is a LOT to learn and do in a very short amount of time. I can't say it is "hard" because that is subjective, but it does get busier and they expect more and more out of you as the semesters go by--that is what makes it more difficult.

I think you will enjoy and be more challenged with your upcoming semesters...I know I have been and have enjoyed it a great deal (unlike Fundamentals which I found to be boring and very basic).

And don't dish the theory portion of classes, you ARE going to be using a lot of theory in practice! I didn't realize that until I started actually working in a hospital as a tech. I am assuming you have no real healthcare/patient care experience and just haven't had a chance to see how it all comes together.

[barbnyc]

I just finished my first semester of nursing school. The material was manageable, however, the short time frame required to master the material for a test was challenging. I got A's because I studied hard, invested time with the material, and didn't take anything for granted.

I feel I have learned a great deal of material and I don't want to forget anything I learned. It is extremely valuable and can save lives.

One incorrect answer on a mathematical dosing exam is the equivalent of possibly killing someone or causing great harm in a real life setting.

I've been reviewing the Saunders book for the NCLEX and everything that was covered my first semester, is also required material for the NCLEX exam. I'm leaving nothing to chance.

I'm looking forward to the next semester and I am planning on forming my own opinion as to what is difficult or easy. I've made the decision to give my undivided attention to the material for the duration of the nursing program. My plan is to take the NCLEX once and pass.

Primum non nocere