Nursing School/Life- whats it like?

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 20, 2010

Ok imagine all those college movies where they go out party have a ton of fun have lots of friends, drink lots etc etc.

That is not you. You have lots of homework, lots of studying, projects everything. It is to say that you dont have a life but it is scaled back quite a bit. It really is what you make of it. I have a crowded load but make the time for friends and unwinding as much as I can. In the end though it is incredibly worth it from what I have experienced through my internship where we were basically a nurse, just without the login to the pyxis.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 20, 2010

Look through even the first 3 pages on this forum. There are vary similar posts with lots of responses that will give you a good idea what to expect. Just remember, although you will read a lot of negative, it's human nature to vent and get the negative stuff out. So take it with a grain of salt. Their is also a couple threads though about those that enjoy nursing school and how it's not to bad.

Congratulations on going into nursing.

squishy11 · Mar 21, 2010

Life.. what life?? LOL... I am a nursing student in my 30's though, and trust me, I wish I had done this when I was 18....

It's tough, but if you manage time well, and really enjoy what you are doing then you will be fine... Ya know the saying what doesnt kill you makes you stronger? I am only in my second semester, but I think that saying was made for nursing school!

Good luck !!

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2010

Life.. what life?? LOL... I am a nursing student in my 30's though, and trust me, I wish I had done this when I was 18....
It's tough, but if you manage time well, and really enjoy what you are doing then you will be fine... Ya know the saying what doesnt kill you makes you stronger? I am only in my second semester, but I think that saying was made for nursing school!
Good luck !!

I am 30 now and I am glad that I waited and ended up doing it now LOL

mammac5 · Mar 21, 2010

It's emotional, it's hectic, it's fun, it's enlightening, it's busy...and time FLIES!

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2010

Nursing is a Very demanding profession.....School requires a lot of time. Reading, papers, projects, lectures, tests, clinicals...you basically do not have a lot of free time....you wind up trying to cram everything you have to do into a week.

NS is a whole different animal....you have to learn how to apply yourself to everything...

Now, as a profession, I find that I had to prove myself when I started. I studied drugs on my days off, I learned about common procedures and cases when I had down time.

However, after my 3 days a week...my time is mine. I don't have to worry about them calling me over something, and I enjoy all my downtime....

Good luck, study the board, lots of posts are on here relating to NS!

hpfulRN-NJ · Mar 23, 2010

I just started nursing school as a 2nd degree student. I can tell you its very different from going to Business school which is what I have my bachelors in. It requires alot of dedication, time, and energy. It can be very challenging in terms of time management, classes, etc. With that said, I think that you really develop special bonds with people in your program. A good portion of your time is spent with them and for me at least, I don't feel like Im missing much because everyone is in the same boat. Clinicals are fun (depending on the instructor of course) and they are a great learning experience. I think if you want to make time do other things here and there, you will. It does require you to be focused but I think ultimately this will be worth in the end. Hope that helps :)

Mell Bell · Mar 23, 2010

I'm in my first semester of nursing school, and to tell you the truth, I'm breezing through. I'm rarely stressed and I have time to go out and have fun. It all depends on you situation. I'm 21, no kids, and I'm living at home until I'm done with school. I have it super easy. I'm having more fun now than I was before I got into nursing, I've met some amazing people. It's true that you develop a bond with your nursing classmates, you can share things with them that your other friends won't understand.

CBsMommy · Mar 23, 2010

Good for you for deciding on nursing! It's a great career and very rewarding! If you haven't already, I would talk to your local hospital about shadowing a nurse and start by taking a CNA class to get a more hands on "view" of what it's like to be a nurse. That will give you a lot of information and you can decide if it's something that you really want to do. I know that my CNA class consisted of people still in high school and a lot of them decided that they would work to become nurses and a lot of them decided that they would rather try a CPA class. If I had that many options when I was your age, I would want to try everything to see where I best fit in (without spending a lot of money). Just a suggestion! Good luck in whatever you decide!

beach_bride514 · Mar 24, 2010

@ThatGuy, the first part of your post cracked me up! :)

but seriously, that's true. you have to make lifestyle changes. i started nursing school right after high school. even though i've never been a "party-goer" it was a letdown to know that i couldn't go out with my friends whenever i wanted to, but i realized what was really important to me in life. i'm doing something i have always wanted to do. it is strange when friends tell me i'm not acting like a normal 19 year old. but i've gotten used to it. i'm proud of my decisions, and i do make as much time as possible for family and my closest friends. when you're in nursing school, you learn time management realllllly quick!

good luck and best wishes!! :)

fredrick90005 · Mar 24, 2010

Nursing students are....

-Always stress

-deprived of sleep

-Losing or gaining weight

-Constantly reading

-No life,

-always talking about whats next week's test

-Thinking nursing before going to sleep

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