OMG, is it only the second day of nursing school????

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I feel like I've been going for a year, with the reading a mountain of material online and off for the week before the first class, the horrendous commute, the additional exercises and materials in class and just the general overwhelm and disorientation.

Then again, every tribe has its rites of passage.

How were YOUR first days of nursing school? What did you do to thrive?

Specializes in School Nursing.

Aiming to thrive is an admirable goal, for sure. You might be less overwhelmed if you aim to survive, and worry about thriving once you're in the swing of things. ;) I never 'thrived' in nurising school, it was an uphill battle from day one until right up until the day before pinning (when we got our final grades). I did end up with a 3.2 GPA, so I didn't do to terrible once was all said and done, but thrive, I can't say I ever came close. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Great points are brought up... Cohort learning systems are very interesting, the stuff research is made up of... No doubt!! You have a group of people walking a fine line between I'm here to get ahead in life, but don't worry, I'm not trying to show you up... Cause it's not like we are competing for the same job right! Group dynamics is so interesting , especially when competition emerges. One wants to appear strong and competent, but not overly strong and competent to put the others in fear. Back an animal into a corner and they will bite. Show up 20 other people and they will throw you off the mountain. But in the nicest way possible , almost as if you tripped and fell. I, myself, am in a unique position . My wife is successful, so this isn't all about the money for me... I could get a minimum wage job and she wouldn't care. But I am building a road so my kids don't have to find it like I did... I think you can understand that. But I'm strong and smart with shortcomings just like anyone else, but the question is, are the people who are silently measuring each other up, measuring me? I hope not, cause I'm not playing for keeps, I'm just trying to learn. Just study by yourself, go in law school mode... Think the next person is looking to push you in the water with ankle weights, instead of how it may be now, where someone dropped a banana peel in front of you which just happened to be at the end of the cliff

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

It gets better I promise!! I graduated in Dec. of 2013, but I remember that first semester vividly. Now tasks that seem so simple, like taking a manual blood pressure & doing a head to toe assessment, seemed so impossible like I was just "never going to get it". Then seeing nursing style questions on the first test was insane. But you get used to it.

You just have to come to the realization that you can't know it all, you can't sit there are read word for word everything single chapter. Learn to differentiate important things from the fluff. I always highlighted important things, or things specifically mentioned in lecture as I read and got really in depth with those things. For tests, I studied my notes a little, but mostly I just answered NCLEX questions on the subject and that helped me more than trying to memorize facts from the book. I only made one B in nursing school and it was a semester when a lot had happened in my life that caused me to lose my focus..

And don't worry about the job! There will be others! My first year I didn't work, but at the beginning of my second year I lost that luxury.. The last year I worked a full time second shift job at an assisted living facility and also waitresses two mornings a week before class. It also killed me. But it's doable. When it seems too tough and like you can't get thru, just remember the stress won't lasts for ever. I'd always tell myself, I've only got to do this for (insert number) weeks/months. I can do anything for a few months! And it's true! You'll make it! Just breath, don't make things more complicated than they are and always remember to take some time for yourself!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hang in there, SeattleJess. You know how to "do school", how to think critically and how to communicate. I had my momentary doubts during the first week or two but I know I can and will succeed in this program. YOU can and will! As far as study groups, I decided to let those relationships develop as we all get better acquainted. Our age and education draw attention to differences between us and our cohorts, SeattleJess, even if we try to keep a low profile. The majority of the other students are young enough to be my children (some could feasibly be my grandchildren). One of the 18 yr old girls practically tackled me on my way out the door last Friday afternoon....she wanted to give me a hug and tell me that I motivate them to do well and stay with the program. That did my heart good. The wiser ones will recognize that you have much to offer. Hang in there, SeattleJess. You can do this. :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm getting ready to start week 7 and you will definitely find your own routine. I realized around week 4 that I wasn't running around constantly in a panic that I wasn't going to get XYZ done.

I have a lot of weekly assignments due on certain days of the week, so I have scheduled days that I'll do them.

My medications and diagnostic test sheets (usually 3-5 each) are due at clinical at 0600 on Monday, they get done on Friday. I spend my Sundays working on my care plans for Monday clinical. My case study that is due every Thursday morning at 0800, I typically do Wednesday afternoons (last minute because I have an exam every Wednesday morning and I'd rather focus on that). ATI videos....I do one a night until they are done (this week I have 6, ugh!) I am also taking A&P simultaneously, so I squeeze in that whenever I can. I see a nursing tutor every Monday afternoon. I highly, highly recommend this if your school has one. My grades aren't in trouble, I've had some pretty good tests thus far, it's just great to have someone there to walk you through certain concepts or to quiz you on the stuff you need a little more help with.

If your class hasn't done so, it's really nice to have a private facebook group just for you guys -- no teachers. You can help each other with assignments or ask, "Hey, when xyz due?" It can help break the ice with your classmates, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.
I'm currently in the middle of my 4th week.

The first week was the absolute worst. I sobbed like a 3 year old after my first night (the next day). The first week was very overwhelming as the workload really hit, and I (at least) went into panic mode thinking "what the heck did I get myself into...?"

Four weeks in, it's very routine. Still a ton of work, but it feels different now. I've adjusted to having a minimum of 2 tests each week (3 this week! Would have been 4 if one hadn't been rescheduled for next week). It does not feel like it's only been 4 weeks. It feels much longer. My days and weeks go by so quickly.

ETA: Pretty much the entire class is still trying to figure out time management. We all fell into the same trap of worrying more about 2 of the classes than 1 of the classes.

2 of the classes have a lot of home work / class work / etc. The third class is just class and study (grade is completely dependent on tests). So, we had our first test tonight which pretty much made everyone realize that we need to prioritize and manage our time much differently.

I agree (I started 4/5 weeks ago too). It feels like forever... I have already made a lot of friends and we spend so much time together it's like we have known each other for years! Like you say, still a lot of work, but the routine is finally there, so it is bearable. :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have A&P, Fundamentals, Health Assessment and Nutrition this semester. :no:

Even the stronger students are freaking out about the amount of reading required (13 chapters for one test!)

....and we havent even thrown care plans and clinical into the mix yet! (2 more weeks)

I am keeping my head above water with a B in every class so far. I spend every Thursday locked in a room studying from 8AM-6PM

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just finished my 3rd week of school in a 2-yr accelerated program. Today I had my first clinical shift working in a hospital within an acute care for elderly unit. This was a very difficult day for me...I really had to go out of my comfort zone with the bed baths and other hygienic care. Admittedly, I cried a lot and am feeling quite down and unsure about what I've also gotten myself into. Yes the class work is a lot with the many readings, but that is something I am used to and embrace. The labs plus clinical are new additions that I have to get used to.

I'm concerned because I have been dreading the hygiene care and am not fully interested in working with an ageing population...and that is exactly what I had to do today. I feel like the only one who is in this position as everyone I've spoken to seems to embrace things more naturally. My original idea was to pursue a masters to become an NP or maybe do some other non-bedside nursing care. It's just hard after this first day, I feel like the satisfaction has yet to come. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself since it is still early.

I'd like to hear what everyone else felt upon their first clinical experience.

Also on a side note, I have an hour and a half commute one way every day, and for clinical I had to be awake for 4:00 AM to get to the hospital by 7 AM. This definitely adds to the stress the life as a nursing student.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.
I just finished my 3rd week of school in a 2-yr accelerated program. Today I had my first clinical shift working in a hospital within an acute care for elderly unit. This was a very difficult day for me...I really had to go out of my comfort zone with the bed baths and other hygienic care. Admittedly, I cried a lot and am feeling quite down and unsure about what I've also gotten myself into. Yes the class work is a lot with the many readings, but that is something I am used to and embrace. The labs plus clinical are new additions that I have to get used to.

I'm concerned because I have been dreading the hygiene care and am not fully interested in working with an ageing population...and that is exactly what I had to do today. I feel like the only one who is in this position as everyone I've spoken to seems to embrace things more naturally. My original idea was to pursue a masters to become an NP or maybe do some other non-bedside nursing care. It's just hard after this first day, I feel like the satisfaction has yet to come. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself since it is still early.

I'd like to hear what everyone else felt upon their first clinical experience.

Also on a side note, I have an hour and a half commute one way every day, and for clinical I had to be awake for 4:00 AM to get to the hospital by 7 AM. This definitely adds to the stress the life as a nursing student.

I unfortunately couldn't find a polite way to say this, but what did you think nursing was? You're going to see and do a lot of things that are out of your comfort zone. It's definitely okay to cry, but don't continue to let things phase you (especially something as little as bathing). It takes time to get comfortable with seeing naked people, but Eventually you're going to have to do a lot worse than wash them.

Honestly, I was terrified of bathing a patient at first too (when I was a CNA) but you will very quickly get over it, I promise! As for the aging population, there is a lot of wisdom and reward you can get from working with these people. I would just try to have a little more open of a mind about it before you say you don't want to do any bedside nursing (because you can't become an NP without some of that experience!) and you are definitely being too hard on yourself. It took me a couple weeks (at least) to be 100% comfortable with all aspects of basic patient care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I'm in my fifth semester and graduating in December. I barely remember my first day of nursing school. But I do remember that whole semester was me and a book as a constant companion. We had so many online assignments too. I went to class and clinical and I came home and studied for several hours every day. The amount of information and assignments was quite stunning. But I did adjust and find my groove. I still had to study A LOT, but you get in a rhythm and things aren't quite as constantly overwhelming. That is to say, there are some points in nursing school that are harder than others. I wish you the best of luck and success as you move through your nursing program!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I knew that was part of nursing but I did not know my reaction would be this way. Oddly enough, I am ok with dealing with blood and other aspects like that but to enter someone's personal space when it comes to peri-care is where my difficulty lies. I also am looking forward to performing the more technical side to nursing and interested in educating the community about preventative measures in health. That is why I wanted to become a nurse. But of course I understand that in order to provide that community care I need to understand the profession from the front line. I'm just hoping that I am able to handle things more easily in time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None yet..
I'm kind of surprised you are on the "do not play with list". Naturally, I don't know you, but your posts are insightful, you have a tremendous background.... If I am not mistaken, you even mentioned you do yoga to center yourself during long lectures. So, you are either extremely attractive, or you smell bad, both would equally explain your isolation.

I'm very old and wrinkled and while I look okay for my age group, I'm definitely light years behind the young and beautiful members of my class. There are probably only two others who are not stunningly beautiful.

I am forced to conclude that I smell bad!

:confused:

Right now I'm thinking about the situation this: it's an opportunity.

Because truly, whenever I'm upset it is because there is something broken in me. So what's broken and where will I find the gift?

An opportunity to understand others' points of view. (A requirement for a nurse and maybe even a functioning human.) Many of them are accustomed to being straight A students, fighting tooth and claw for every point, competitors for the coveted nursing spot and in a professional program for the first time. That's a different mindset from someone who's on the other side.

An opportunity to stop the horrible, vitriolic self-talk I have programmed deep in my brain. (Dang, I thought I was making progress but apparently that gremlin lives deep within my lizard brain and stress, confusion and sleep-deprivation triggers it to come out.) I'm guessing that having compassion and acceptance for myself is the only way to be truly compassionate and accepting of others.

Opportunity to develop perseverance. Who wants a nurse who says, "This is hard. I quit."?

Opportunity to develop critical thinking and EBP skills. (Feelings aren't facts and how can I think about the issues in a more rational way?)

Opportunities for creativity, risk, faith and more. Sometimes life has something more wonderful planned for me than I can see in the moment. I put my search for a study group out there on our online classroom discussion board and got two responses from ESL students hailing from opposite sides of the African continent. Huge opportunity to learn with and from them.

Okay, I've used up my social time for today. Anyone who says an online community isn't a real community that can meet basic human needs hasn't joined AllNurses. Thanks, wonderful people, for listening, supporting and suggesting. SOooo grateful for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment