Prereq classes vs. nursing school

GottaGetIn · Mar 20, 2007

No clue. Interesting question though. I've finished all my prereqs and start the nursing courses in the fall. I'm interested to hear what others have to say about this. :)

MikeyJ, RN · Mar 20, 2007

I start my program this summer; however, I have spoken with many students who are in the program already. Everyone tells me that it is a different type of challenge. The information is obviously new to all of the incoming students, but the most challenging part is learning how to think critically. That is basically what students are telling me.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Mar 20, 2007

It is just a different type of studying.

I made A's and B's in my pre-reqs and now make A's and B's in nursing school (just finishing my second semester). I don't find it that particularly hard.

The first semester is the hardest, just because it's different....a different type of studying, tests, etc. But you learn. You do still have a lot to memorize/learn but it's different than pre-reqs. Some things you do have to just memorize (lab values, ranges, etc) but you have to be able to apply it not just to your tests but in real life! LOL There is a LOT of reading to do...for one test we had over 1000 pages to read (and that is just for one class). But you get used to it, know what to study, what to skip. I don't think it is that bad. Maybe I don't think it is that bad though because the things we study I enjoy which makes it easier :)

Critical thinking is a really big deal in the medical field and some people just can't seem to grasp it! I am doing great, but I also know people in my program who study twice as hard as I do and are just not making it...most of those people are bad in clinical as well as with their tests, I don't know what makes the difference.

Nursing school is a LOT of fun though! Most of the people in my program are doing well, most work, a lot have families, etc and are still making it.

coopman712 · Mar 20, 2007

Thanks for the info marilynmom. I was kind of figuring it would be whatyou described. I am finding my prereqs to be nothing like I experienced in the past. I have degrees in Psych and Ed and my work for those, particulary education was more application than memorizing, so I am more used that than what I am doing now. Thanks!

SweetGurl · Mar 20, 2007

I agree with you guys. My best friend is in nursing school at Seton Hall told me the same thing. We both graduated with a degree in biology. She told me it is totally different from how we use to study for our bio classes. That it is more critical thinking and application. She advise me to start looking at NCLEX review books to get some practice and understanding before I start school this semester.

lainith · Mar 21, 2007

Not really sure. I am getting all of my pre-req's out of the way before taking any of my "nursing" courses. I am taking Biology, Psychology, and Sociology right now. This summer I am taking Pharmacology and Nutrition online. In the spring I am taking Microbiology, A&PI, and something else... Spring and Fall will finish out everything but my core nursing courses. It is going to take longer this way but I feel like it is the best way for me to REALLY learn everything and not just learn enough to pass tests.

LMRN10 · Mar 21, 2007

I do have a friend who is done with nursing school and I know she had a LOT of study time. And things that needed to be memorized.

She also said not to miss a class. She said that if you miss one, you will most certainly miss something, so no matter what, you HAVE to be at class!

12breakfree · Mar 23, 2007

Just curious if anyone here has heard or even experienced the difference in the course work for the 2. I am taking prereqs right now: Microbiology and then Anatomy & Physiology. The study load I find is incredible for my micro class. Tons of memorizing, etc. Obviously I know nursing school is a lot of work, but I assume there will be less studying for memorization and more hands on work like care plans, etc.? Can anyone share any experiences?

Consequent classes should start from bottom to top. In your case, I suggest take Anatomy and Physiology I & II BEFORE Micro. These classes will help to prepared for Micro. If you go straight to Micro, you will have a harder time understanding the concepts of the material cover in class.

coopman712 · Mar 23, 2007

I suggest take Anatomy and Physiology I & II BEFORE Micro. These classes will help to prepared for Micro. If you go straight to Micro, you will have a harder time understanding the concepts of the material cover in class.

Thanks for the advice. I am actually 1/2 way through Micro already and am taking A&P this summer.

lisabeth · Mar 23, 2007

1000 pages??? :smackingf :crying2: I cant say that would make for a very good day.

It is just a different type of studying.
I made A's and B's in my pre-reqs and now make A's and B's in nursing school (just finishing my second semester). I don't find it that particularly hard.
The first semester is the hardest, just because it's different....a different type of studying, tests, etc. But you learn. You do still have a lot to memorize/learn but it's different than pre-reqs. Some things you do have to just memorize (lab values, ranges, etc) but you have to be able to apply it not just to your tests but in real life! LOL There is a LOT of reading to do...for one test we had over 1000 pages to read (and that is just for one class). But you get used to it, know what to study, what to skip. I don't think it is that bad. Maybe I don't think it is that bad though because the things we study I enjoy which makes it easier :)
Critical thinking is a really big deal in the medical field and some people just can't seem to grasp it! I am doing great, but I also know people in my program who study twice as hard as I do and are just not making it...most of those people are bad in clinical as well as with their tests, I don't know what makes the difference.
Nursing school is a LOT of fun though! Most of the people in my program are doing well, most work, a lot have families, etc and are still making it.

Cinqly, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2007

Thanks for the advice. I am actually 1/2 way through Micro already and am taking A&P this summer.

This is what I am doing as well...micro during spring semester, A&P in the summer. I think micro is difficult, but not insurmountable by any means. I think that A&P will be harder, but maybe that's just my nerves talking. I'll start nursing classes in the fall. Good luck!