Nursing School

RN_Dana · Sep 22, 2005

You are at a sometimes difficult milestone in you life right now, and these are perfectly normal feelings. Most people are nervous/excited/scared all at the same time when entering a new phase in their life.

That being said, Nursing School is really what you make of it. If learning about the sciences and the human body interest you, you're likely to perform better in these classes. If you are motivated and have a strong desire to become a nurse, most likely, you'll do well.

I graduated HS in 1998 with an AP(advanced placement) Diploma, went back to school in 2002 and got my ADN in 2004. My son was born 6-11-03. It takes an incredible amount of dedication to be a mother and go to school because--it is NOT easy.

BabyRN2Be · Sep 22, 2005

From what you've described, it sounds like you've got a good case of pre-college jitters. I had them myself. I felt that everyone else was going to be smarter than me, that I'd meet people in the dorms that do crossword puzzles in Latin just for fun. I found out that this wasn't true. Not even close.

College is a time in which you'll do a lot of growing up, finding out about WHO you are. You find out so much about yourself because only YOU can be responsible for YOU. There's no one there to see if all your homework is done, no one there to tell you it's time for bed, no one there to say "It's time to get up." It's so different from HS. It's a great time to learn time management skills, esp. your freshmen and sophomore year. This will help you in nursing.

Just worry about YOU, not the person sitting next to you with the allegedly great grades. If you hang on to who you are, remain responsible, you'll do fine. This is a true story: for 5 years in a row, the valedictorians from my local HS either flunked out or dropped out of college in their first year. How you do in HS is not a huge predictor of how you do in college. These valedictorians partied too much, just lost control. But you seem to have a great sense of who you are. Keep that, keep learning, and stay responsible. You'll do fine in nursing.

Also, you'll taken all the right classes in HS. That will go a long way, and you've really got an edge up on people who decided to change majors from something that wasn't science related to nursing.

I believe that you will do fine. You've got a bit of fear, and that fear will keep you steady I believe. :) The very best of luck to you!!! I hope that one day we'll see you grow as a student, and then as a nurse. Welcome to Allnurses! This is the best place to be whether you are a student or "just looking!" All the best to you!!!

carrot_thief · Sep 22, 2005

I know exactly how you feel, I could have written this exact same post. I just graduated from high school and I start the biology and chemistry prerequisites for the nursing program on Monday. I got my Chemistry book the other day and I am already so confused. I've always gotten really good grades, but I never took chemistry or complicated math in high school, so I'm definitely going to be studying hard. I'm just worried that I'll fail, even though it's something I know I was meant to do.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2005

You sound very realistic. You know that nursing school is hard and takes total dedication.

You made it through those courses in high school and have a good foundation. However, don't use your high school grades as a judge as to if you're smart enough for nursing. People grow up and change and it sounds like you're in that process.

I think you're going to do just fine. Welcome!

jalvino1 · Sep 22, 2005

Be a nurse, it's a great profession and you'll love it!... OK, fine, so I'm a bit bias

but realistically-

First of all:

There is a big difference between book smarts, street smarts, and just plain attitude.

I've heard of new grad RNs being hired because they graduated from Columbia with a 4.0 GPA, but throw them on a unit, and they're complete morons. (book smart)

Then there are people like my mom who struggled through nursing school, barely passed and became a wonderful nurse. (street smart)

As for me, before the nursing program began, my life fell apart, as well as my grades. My professors began to gang up on me, they wanted me out, and I couldn't confess what was really going on in my life. So I went to the Dean of the School, told her my situation, and was given a second chance. I pulled myself together, and finished college with a decent/good reputation, and will start work early October. (attitude)

Secondly:

I definitely know what it's like. I have an older sister, who has always been better at everything. I get an A, she gets an A+. I get into the Honor Society, and she gets the Golden Key award. I make it into Select Choir, she becomes the President of Select Choir.

I thought college would be my escape from all of that, but then she switched majors, and was accepted to my nursing program. We actually took the same classes together. I'd study for days on end, and barely pass- my sister would get an A, easily.

It's was an odd feeling, to love, admire, yet resent my sister. And I felt ashamed for resenting my sister, my best friend.

Then one day, one odd day, she turns to me and says "you know I admire you." I was shocked, and I didn't really understand how and why she admired me. But what was more shocking is that I told her that I admired her- and she too was shocked, and didnt' understand how and why I admired her. but here's my point-

There are good qualities inside you, that you can never see. Are those people getting straight A's going on allnurses.com to learn more about nursing? Do those people getting straight A's have the initiative to post messages on allnurses.com to learn, and collaborate with real nurses. Don't underestimate yourself... because you've already proven yourself.

Best of Luck!

KatieBell · Sep 22, 2005

Oh so much to respond to!!!

Firstly for the OP Soon2BRN: Obviously, we don't know everything about you, but if you are dedicated, then you have what it takes to be an RN. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to become a nurse. You can be, (one of my friends was, it was so strange) but you do not have to be. Just do not let yourself get sucked into some of the very paranoid and sometimes vicious gossip that goes around about grades, etc at school. If you are already nervous, it will just drive you crazy.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Sep 22, 2005

You sound very realistic. You know that nursing school is hard and takes total dedication.
You made it through those courses in high school and have a good foundation. However, don't use your high school grades as a judge as to if you're smart enough for nursing. People grow up and change and it sounds like you're in that process.
I think you're going to do just fine. Welcome!

I agree with Tweety. Wish I had the same opportunity as you did preparing since High School.

You have a good head on your shoulders, you are realistic and therefore you know what you will need to do to accomodate your studies. Welcome and good luck :)