queenmalka

Yes, yes, and YES. I know completely how you feel. Now that I've finished my pre-reqs, not a day goes by without me wondering when I'll get in, worrying about if I don't get in (and if I do...), if I'll like it, if I'll have time to dance once I'm in the program... the list goes on and on. Sometimes I think that everyone feels confident and excited about nursing except for me. We just have to tell ourselves that things will unfold naturally. Everything is in God's hands. Just keep focusing on what's in front of you now, and things will get done. Best of luck to you x

I've been in that position for at least six months. I decided I wanted to be a nurse when I started college a few years ago, and the longer I've been working on my pre-reqs, the more I've questioned this career path. I feel that I would be a good nurse, but I don't know I'm willing to do the work required to become one. I'm also an accomplished dancer, and my biggest passion at this point in my life is dancing (even though I know I would train myself to balance both school and dance if that were the case). This is the reason I didn't apply during the most recent application period, even though I've finally finished my pre-reqs. I'm very close with my mother, and she advised me to apply in the spring for the Fall 2010 semester. I realize that it may take me awhile to get in, and I know that if nursing is TRULY not for me, I can choose to give my seat up to someone who really wants to be there. You might as well try it out. What's the worse that could happen? You find something else to do. No need to plan everything all out right now. Life will unfold and you'll go where your passion lies.

I'm done with my sciences as well. I'm working on chemistry and computer tech for an RN to BSN program nearby. But as far as pre-reqs for my school's program--I'm done! What a relief... now the hard part begins. It will be worth it.

Hi everyone, Do any of you have outside hobbies or interests that you plan on continuing while in the nursing program (maybe a sport, etc.)? I am a competitive Irish dancer, and Irish dancing takes a lot of time and commitment (as does anything we want to excel in). Being an Irish dancer has given me a great work ethic, helped me to learn teamwork, and let me release my stress in a constructive way--as well as help me to be a better student (by learning how to manage time, etc). I plan on doing both nursing school and competitive Irish dancing (as much as I can, at least) because I need to have an outlet from nursing school. Do any of you plan to continue your hobbies while in school, or are you going to solely focus on the program?

Since you're taking a full load, you're going to have to be very organized. Schedule exactly when you'll need to study for each class. Bring your notes with you to work, other activities, etc. and study them when you get a few spare minutes. Study right when you get out of class, even if it's only for a few minutes. Remember the phrase "Inch by inch, it's a cinch. Mile by mile, it's a trial." Don't save everything until the last minute. These things all worked for me, but I understand that your learning style may be different. It will be hard, but you can do it. Don't focus so much on getting the A as much as really understanding the material and being able to teach others (which is the highest level of learning)--after all, when we're all finally nurses, no one is going to ask us if we got that A in A & P (they're going to make sure we remember what we learned in that class). Make sure you schedule time for yourself to do something else that you really love, otherwise you'll burn out from school 24-7. Best of luck to you x

You'll like the cadaver lab! I too was nervous about the cadaver (especially about seeing his face and genitals), but I ended up liking it and learning more about A & P through it. It may seem strange at first, but the key is to dissociate yourself. Think of the experience as an objective experiment and not as an actual person. It's normal to be nervous about your reaction, but remember that most of the students in there are in your shoes. There are practical things you can do to avoid fainting, such as leaning against the wall if permitted and not locking your knees while standing (standing causes blood to pool in your lower extremities, which can lead to fainting). Remember that if it gets to be too much for you, you can always leave the room for a bit. We worked with the cadaver in both semesters of A & P, and it was a cool experience! My friend and I got to hold the cadaver's heart, which was an honor! The hardest thing for me was how cold the room was. If the smell of formaldehyde bothers you, breathe through your mouth or put eucalyptus oil on the tip of your nose. Best wishes!