Nursing school is SO hard-that's all I hear

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Apr 22, 2007

I suppose a lot of the answer lies in how you define "hard".

Nursing school is "hard" in the sense that it is very demanding of your time. It's "hard" in the sense that you'll be studying subjects that, if you have no background in (like math and science), may be considered difficult. It's "hard" in the sense that it demands clinical and scholastic excellence in order to complete the program. And it's "hard" in the sense that you'll need to develop superior organizational, interpersonal and critical thinking skills in order to succeed professionally.

None of this should scare you, certainly not to the point of not wanting to even attempt the program. Successfully completing your program means that you're qualified to handle taking care of ill people, which may not always be pleasant or fun. But it's an astounding responsibility. In that regard, nursing school SHOULD be hard. And the rewards can be great.

If nursing is where your heart and hopes are, then please consider studying it. The profession needs you.

I wish you much luck and success!

Thedreamer · Apr 22, 2007

Fear not young one, be strong with the force. *walks away like yoda*

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2007

Don't be scared. What makes it difficult is that there is a lot of information to learn in a short time, while fitting in skills labs and clinical experiences.

The material itself isn't that difficult, it's just that there is so much.

Good luck!

WDWpixieRN, RN · Apr 23, 2007

fear not young one, be strong with the force. *walks away like yoda*

:yelclap: oh, i just love this answer!!

i answered this question to someone a few days ago, and i'll just basically say again -- if you want this degree, you will put in the time and effort and listen to your instructors and do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and how it needs to be done. period.

there is no curving in ns, the potential for some huge mistakes, and all kinds of personalities. but then again, that sounds more and more like what real nursing is going to be like.

it is not impossible, but it's also not a cakewalk like many of my business degree classes were. this is some important stuff, chewbacca.

KellieNurse06 · Apr 23, 2007

I think NS is as hard as you make it for yourself.........just keep up with the reading..if you aren't a reader (as I am not) then get alot of magazines for nursing..like the nursing made incredibly easy books/magazines.....those are easy reads and actually are enjoyable & interesting...and get an nclex book to study with as well. Nursing school ..well.....you get out of it what you put into it basically. Do not let horror stories scare you off..........trust me! I loved my program.........It depends on how good of an instructor you have also I truly believe! Good luck ..you'll be fine!!

Becca608 · Apr 23, 2007

Just not quite ready for the trials yet Master!!:smiley_ab

Really, the first year (which I still have 3 more weeks of, so I may be speaking prematurely) isn't that bad. The worst stress is what I have caused myself by not staying on top of things for this or that reason.

I have searched my feelings...and I do see where I waste alot of time (like hanging out on the forum) when I should be studying :trout: Trying to have a social life, when I should be studying :nono: Our professor discussed this with us the past week and urged us to start looking at what we are doing now so we can be ready to dive into 2nd year.

Don't worry!!!! You'll be fine and at this time next year you will be saying how hard first year is...but you will survive!!!

ann945n, RN · Apr 23, 2007

Its hard and challenging but managable and rewarding. You make great friends learn so much (and are amazed you fit that all into your brain) and have a blast! I love clinicals I love my fellow classmates, what can I say dont be afraid just be ready and enjoy your time as a student, it will fly by TRUST ME!

KrysyRN, BSN · Apr 23, 2007

The hardest part of nursing school so far for me has been trying to pick the correct answers for the critical thinking questions that we get asked on tests.

Sometimes with multiple choice questions, all answers may be correct, but picking the best answer can be difficult.

laurainri · Apr 23, 2007

It is not that hard it you apply yourself. It is not that hard if you put the time into it (plan on having almost no life). treat yourself after taking an exam. that is when you can go to the movies, out to dinner, get a haircut. Your house will never look messier than it is right now and dont stress about it. That is what vacations are for. dont stress. just apply yourself and study even a little bit every day dont wait till the last minute your grades will show it. get plenty of sleep, if your brain is too tired to study go to bed early and wake up early to get more in. ( I do my best studying when I wake up at 3am).. good luck and keep chugging

Jules A, MSN · Apr 23, 2007

What I found hard was the drama, politics and feeling like they "owned by butt". The material wasn't difficult but there was a lot of it so staying on top of studying was crucial. Good luck, like you said many of us have graduated so it can't be all that bad!

BoonersmomRN · Apr 23, 2007

Im 1/2 way done with semester #3 and so far it hasn't been very hard for me. Now, having said that, there have been times here or there where I have been incredibly stressed out. It comes in waves. I found that as long as I pace myself out and don't procrastinate I have been able to stave off a lot of that stress. It is very time consuming and has required an entire revamping of my schedule/life. The first semester it was hard to get used to the routines but now that I am *almost* done ( Dec) it has just become a lot easier. I haven't found the majority of the material to be difficult- just that there is a LOT of it. Like I said I have paced myself out so I don't get overwhelmed as much.

Good Luck!