Tonya75

Don't put anything off-EVER!! Get your grades as high as possible in the beginning of every semester, because it's not going to get easier-that way you'll have a little cushion for those parts you have more trouble with. Never criticize your instructors, other students, or nurses in the clinical setting-I have witnessed truly bad endings when people have done so. Always be professional- in actions, studies, and dress-students are under a lot of scrutiny. If you can get an A, then great-but your 4.0 may not make it through nursing school-do your best, and learn to be happy with that! Obsessing over an A will only cause added stress-trust me! And keep everything-you never know when that powerpoint or those notes might help. Sorry to be so long winded, I'm in my last semester (woo-hoo!!) so I've learned a few things. Good Luck!

I have met a lot of people that I would consider true friends in class. Our class is very close-instructors have even said that we are an unusual group. We support each other, call text and message each other, share notes, and study together. And so far (knock on wood) we've only lost 3 class members. Hopefully we can all help each other make it through to graduation in May!

Ok, so maybe I'm out of line by putting my 2 cents in as I am only a student. But IMO, you just get what you give. I have heard complaints from classmates that the nurses are mean. I have never been treated unfairly by any of these nurses. Then again, I do whatever I can to help, treat them with the respect that they have already earned, pay attention, and try to wait for appropriate times to ask questions. I also make sure to thank them for taking the time to show me things. Some of these nurses have even taken the extra time to come and get me when doing procedures. As students or newbies, the only respect we've earned is the basic respect given to fellow human beings-we have not earned the right to be respected as nurses. And for the experiences with that "cranky" nurse-try to remember that you have no idea what her day, week, or life has been like. We're all human. A nursing liscense and angel wings aren't the same thing. I don't think the experienced nurses eat their young-they only eat the idiots!

The statistics seem very frightening. Our school is the same, about half of those who start manage to finish. But the ones who don't graduate are generally the ones who don't put out the effort it takes to make it. It's easy to make excuses such as I didn't have time, or my instructor didn't___(insert lame excuse here). It's also easier to say people are weeded out than to say that they just couldn't make it. Nursing school isn't and shouldn't be easy. It's also only as hard as you make it. If you are a person who puts things off or isn't willing to work hard, then nursing school isn't for you. I work full time and have a family to take care of. Our school requires at least an 80 to pass. I am an A student because I choose to work for what I want. If you want it bad enough and you're willing to work for it, then you should be fine. If not, then...you get the point. And what would be the point in graduating a bunch of people who can't ever pass the NCLEX and get a liscense anyway? Not trying to sound mean, but I've grown very tired of hearing about unfair instructors and classes at my own school-if it was truly impossible to pass, then the school would have a pass rate of 0.

Make sure you understand the "why" of everything-it makes it easier to know what to do if you know why you're doing it. Don't be afraid of looking stupid when it comes to asking questions-you will look a lot more stupid if you don't. Don't let people tell you it isn't possible to get A's in nursing school-trust me, it is, and yes, I do still have a life. Look for opportunities to practice skills-if you stand back and wait you will miss a lot of chances. Don't slack off in the early part of a semester because the work is easier-that is the time to get your grades as high as you can so you won't be sitting there at the end of the semester realizing you need to get a 98 on the final in order to pass. Don't let classmates make you feel guilty about not joining a study group if you stidy better alone-but be nice, and be helpful to them any time you can. Never put anything off-there is enough work to do without getting behind and overwhelming yourself. And last, enjoy the experience-go to lunch with classmates, keep a sense of humor, and just do your best. It's not really as bad as people say-if it was impossible there wouldn't be any nurses!

I just finished my first year. I too prefer to study alone, and I was never shunned. I am fortunate enough to be in a class with a great group of people, and we all know that each of us has our own way of learning. Just be careful to make sure that your classmates know you are not snubbing them, you are only using the method that works best for you, and be a team player when it comes to other things. Best of luck-it's really not the nightmare people make it out to be!

You can either make excuses, or make time, but only one of those will get you anywhere. -used when tempted to procrastinate, lol!

"Always ask why-it's easier to remember what to do if you know why you're doing it"

My school also uses ATI, and we all hate it. It doesn't influence whether we pass or fail though. And fortunately, they have decided to switch to Kaplan. Here's hoping it's better!

I worked for two years as a CNA, with geriatric patients, and psych patients.I am now in nursing school, and I feel that my experience as a CNA was a huge benefit. Also, I think it will make me a better nurse because I truly understand how hard the CNA's work, so I will appreciate them. Here's what I learned from the experience: treat each patient as an individual. What works for one person may not work for another. And have patience- the extra few minutes you take to avoid making your patient feel rushed is much better than the 3 hours it will take to calm them if you don't. Other than that, the most important thing is to care-and show that you do. Also, as everyone else said, teamwork is essential-be sure to help others any time you can, and they will be much more willing to help you when you need it. Good luck!

I think the hardes part for most of us is switching from memorizing to analyzing. When I do my reading I try to envision patient scenarios involving each thing, and it helps. Also, on the test, I look for the main part of the question first and then read all of the patient info. It's easier to rule things out when you have figured out what problem you are really trying to solve(all of the extras can be very distracting). Sometimes it also helps to read the NCLEX questions at the end before you do the reading too, that way it helps to give the reading a focus and makes it easier to remember. Hope that helps-good luck!

50 pages a week sounds like a breeze to me too-nursing school does take a lot of time and dedication. I'm in my second semester, and we have a lot of reading as well. It is possible to have a family, a part time job, and go to school-it just takes a lot of organization and prioritizing. Oh, and NEVER procrastinate!!!!!

I am taking my first test next Thursday, and I feel the same way-at least once we've taken the first test we'll have a better feel for what to expect. Good luck!