EmpRN

Oooh yes. It is ONLY the beginning. Congrats!!! It's definitely a fun, stressful and interesting learning experience. Just keep in mind, studying for nursing school is a bit different from "regular" school. Keep up with-actually stay ahead of- your readings so that when the lecture for those topics come around, you'll have questions to ask and clarify any misunderstandings. This will help reinforce the content you're studying. Ask a LOT of questions!! Take good notes. You'll probably find yourself referring back to them for review before the start of the next course. As you progress through the program, the content gets harder and more complex, think pathophysiology, nursing interventions, and meds. Enjoy it!

In our 5th (out of 7 weeks) week of class after a break during lecture, our instructor stopped to take a minute to commend and applaud all of the students in our class. She said that by this time half the class would have dropped out. Only about 3 out of 40 students had dropped out at that time. She said that was unprecedented in her experience as an instructor at my school. In response to your post, I think many students have extenuating circumstances that force them to drop out. As for those who voluntarily drop out, maybe they worked hard just to get in the program and then come to realize how it is structured so differently from "regular" classes that they see that it is not the best career/ academic choice for them after all. There are other avenues that they may choose to pursue after they got their first taste of nursing school. As for me, I love it. I didn't know the students that dropped out so I don't know their reasons. All of my friends work hard to support each other and study together. Keep up your dedication and remember that your family will benefit from your knowledge! :-)

I love your story! I'm in my second semester of nursing school (med Surg) and it's becoming more and more challenging every week. I also pray a LOT before my exams. I've never known test anxiety until I began this semester. Lol Thanks for sharing. It helps me realize that this is no cakewalk. Perserverance and dedication are key to success. :-)

Oops I meant quite* and not quiet. lol

I also have just completed my first semester in nursing school in the Spring. I can tell you that my first day in clinical was very interesting. I was excited to see what the hospital environment is like from the perspective of a nurse or healthcare provider rather than perspective from a visitor. It's quiet different. You mentioned that you have been in the medical field for some time so the environment may not be completely new to you. As for the many things or items you need to begin, two weeks is plenty of time to gather the items you'll need. You may not have to purchase them all at once. Spread things out little by little. Stay organized. If you're allowed to, take a notepad with you to jot down notes. Your clinical instructor is there to help you and it is his/her job to ensure that you get the best experience possible. Don't worry about perfecting your A&P terminology. You will hear those terms over and over again and that will jog your memory when the knowledge you gained in A&P is actually applied to a real-life setting. Do not be afraid to ask questions!! Instructors appreciate that you are willing to learn. Asking questions, no matter how silly they may seem, will get you farther than never asking them at all. Nursing school is challenging and rewarding. It's a great learning experience so far for me. Breathe, relax, and learn. I wish you the best of luck!

I currently have a small dry erase board that I used for writing to do lists but is no longer being used. You have given me a great idea on studying with mock lectures. I usually talk to myself in my head and explain it to myself that way but using the board and speaking out loud would probably help me retain and comprehend the information much better. I shall try!