Part I: Nursing school isn't hard... ;)

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First off, I'd like to say that I am currently in nursing school, and for the most part, I am loving every minute of it! I'm really enjoying learning all there is to know about the profession and all there is to know about the science and skill of providing patients with the absolute best care that I can give 'em.

Nursing school is hard but not the kind of hard some people are afraid of. People have asked me if nursing school is as hard as people say it is or tell me that he or she could never get through nursing school because it just "seems so hard!" I like to explain to these people that nursing school is not hard, it is challenging and challenging in a GOOD WAY! I tell them that I don't like to use the word hard because it seems to scare people and repel them away from pursuing an awesome career in nursing. I like to replace that word with the word "challenging" because to me the word "challenging" is a much more appropriate and accurate description of nursing school. Nursing school is challenging because although it can be downright demanding, tough, and extremely taxing at times, it can also be downright exciting, stimulating, and inspiring at the same time! I love learning what it means to be a "competent and prudent nurse" and although the work may be brutal at times, I know it's gonna be worth it in the end.

I explain to these people that if they think they might be interested in pursuing a career that involves constant learning and helping and teaching others - then they should put all fears aside and dive into the world of nursing HEAD FIRST (or is it feet first? I don't know just pick the phrase that's the best description; either way, just do it!)!

Now, with that being said - I have a "Part II" to this little soap box but I feel as though my ranting and raving has gone on long enough at this point. I've decided to give y'all a break ;) but just know, there is more to come ;) ;) and read on if you want and go on if you don't!

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I completely agree with you! Nursing school is not hard, organic chemistry is hard. Nursing school is challenging in that you have to learn so much new information in such a little time, you have to worry and keep track about quizzes, exams, assignments, simcharts, case studies, lab validations, etc...but it is possible if you are dedicated enough and you love what you are doing. Well said! I'll b waiting for Part II! :-)

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No kidding! and ATI assignments / exams!! ICK!! I HATE having to keep up with ATI assignments! we already have been assigned to read so much and then on top of that, we have to read another chapter that says the exact same thing our nursing texts say!! Just to take an ATI exam at the end of the course, (along with that course's comprehensive final) only to score like a 70-75%! lol ugh how i loath ATI!

are y'all required to keep track of ATI too??

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Lol well that make me look forward to nursing school

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
I completely agree with you! Nursing school is not hard, organic chemistry is hard.

Wait for pharm :)

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I guess every school is different, and every person is different, but Nursing school is more than challenging, it is hard. At my school, you have to learn Fundamentals in 7 weeks and your clinical rotations are in your 4th week, (yes, you are actually applying knowledge you haven't even learned or practiced). You have to do assigned readings, ATI, PREP-U, and watch hours of Videos, while studying 6+ hours per day. Organic Chem was easy, Pathophysiology was easy, Microbiology was Easy.... Anatomy and Physiology was challenging, but Nursing School is hard, and nothing can prepare it for you until you get inside of it. I know we are supposed to be positive, but I am realistic, I wake up by 5:00a to read over my notes, get to school by 8:30a on Mon-Thurs and 7:00a on Mon-Wedn-Fri, I leave school at 1pm, take a nap from 1:45 to 3pm, I'm back to studying at 4 and I usually go to sleep around 11pm or 12am, still wondering what I can do to learn more. I know that it get's better once you are further in the program, but the first semesters are really hard. I believe current nursing students need to tell future nursing students to GET OLDER BOOKS (2008-2010) NOW AND READ THE MATERIALS, study it, try to practice it, so you won't be shell shocked like most students are. I wish someone would have warned me or gave me advice to learn at least the basic stuff ahead of time.

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
I guess every school is different, and every person is different, but Nursing school is more than challenging, it is hard. At my school, you have to learn Fundamentals in 7 weeks and your clinical rotations are in your 4th week, (yes, you are actually applying knowledge you haven't even learned or practiced). You have to do assigned readings, ATI, PREP-U, and watch hours of Videos, while studying 6+ hours per day. Organic Chem was easy, Pathophysiology was easy, Microbiology was Easy.... Anatomy and Physiology was challenging, but Nursing School is hard, and nothing can prepare it for you until you get inside of it. I know we are supposed to be positive, but I am realistic, I wake up by 5:00a to read over my notes, get to school by 8:30a on Mon-Thurs and 7:00a on Mon-Wedn-Fri, I leave school at 1pm, take a nap from 1:45 to 3pm, I'm back to studying at 4 and I usually go to sleep around 11pm or 12am, still wondering what I can do to learn more. I know that it get's better once you are further in the program, but the first semesters are really hard. I believe current nursing students need to tell future nursing students to GET OLDER BOOKS (2008-2010) NOW AND READ THE MATERIALS, study it, try to practice it, so you won't be shell shocked like most students are. I wish someone would have warned me or gave me advice to learn at least the basic stuff ahead of time.

Totally agree!

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I loved nursing school!! BSN. I loved the material, I loved the profession!! A lot of group work!! Of course, taking care of one pt at a time was ridiculous!! But it was an A+ school experience!!!

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Adrikf...we don't have to keep track of ATI, at least not for now:-) we only have to do the case studies exams before each test and score >80%.

de2013...I'm taking pharm along with fundamentals, and it is not even close as hard as organic chemistry:-)

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Of you have pharm first semester it's just a taste of what you will need for the nclex. Give it a few semesters and you will see ;)

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Eh, it's all subjective. I didn't think organic chemistry was hard. I didn't think calculus was hard.

I think learning to be a nurse is hard. There's more too it than book learnin' and theory - you don't just have to "get" it, you have to DO it. All of it. The millions of pieces of into they give you in two short years.

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