AggieRNnTraining

Do not fret...as you matriculate through the nursing program, you will find your "groove" and what works best for you...some people can thrive in organized chaos, some can't. Getting your routine down and how you like things to be organized will take a bit of time, but it will come. Like you, I did not have any RN friends or anyone in my family that I could ask for advice. I had to pretty much go with the flow of things and figure things out through trial and error. By God's grace, I was able to stay afloat and thrive! If you find it difficult to figure "it" out, please use your school resources before the issue becomes unsolvable. Do not be afraid to reach out to your academic coach/advisor, faculty, and instructors or even peers. The only thing that can stop you will be you. Always remind yourself that you can achieve anything and you will do just that! I am rooting for you!

I feel bad that you are going through this situation. At the University I graduated from, we had to maintain an 80 average to remain in the program. In our nursing classes, we lost so many peers (we started with 40 students at the beginning of the program, and only 12 of us graduated) because of this grading scale. Almost all of those students tried to apply to other nursing schools in the state, but from what I was told, they were only accepted because they were excluded from our program due to grades. As far as your financial aid running out, check to see if any programs provide financial assistance for nursing majors. In my city, a program called NCWorks (part of the WIA) helped several classmates (undergraduate and ABSN) who no longer had financial aid. The program also pays for NCLEX, and after you gain employment, they will buy several sets of scrubs, a stethoscope, and shoes for your first job. A close friend of mine made it to the last semester, earned a 78.9 in a med-surg course, and was told she would not be graduating with a BSN. She spoke to the instructor, the Assistant Dean, and the Dean, but I have not heard back. She even tried to complete a grade appeal, but because we were graduating within a few weeks, she needed more time to receive the results. Luckily she could graduate with a Liberal Arts degree but not a nursing degree. I said all of that to say this no matter the outcome, know you are not alone. Many people go through this and have struggles, and what separates us is our outlook on those things and our level of determination and perseverance. If you want to pursue nursing, you can always graduate with a degree in Psychology or Sociology and then apply to an accelerated program. Please don't give up on your dreams without struggling; we would not appreciate the times when there is no struggle. Good Luck!

Personally, I am glad that I did not pursue a career in nursing until my 30's because I am much more dedicated and focused than I was when I was in my late teens and twenty's. Age is only an issue if you allow it to be. From my experience, being older than the "traditional student" works in your favor instead of against you. Professors, clinical instructors, peers, as well as patients will appreciate the maturity level, life experience, and work ethic that you bring to the table.

I did not like working in study groups either until last year. Senior year I started studying with two of my closest nursing buddies and wished I would have done it sooner. They were able to clarify things that I was not able to fully grasp and vice versa. I noticed a change in my grades and retention of information. I would say to at least try studying with one or two other people at least twice just to see if it will be beneficial.

Nursing school is extremely tough. I do not have children, but many of my classmates did and they managed just fine. They all had very good support systems at home that stepped in when needed to help with their children. Alot of us also worked up until our senior year, maybe one or two still worked PT but it was very difficult for them to balance it all in the final two semesters. So just know that you can get through nursing school having children and working, but it will not be easy! It all depends on how much you are willing to sacrifice. In nursing school you have to be prepared to commit your time outside of school to nursing. Your classmates will become your extended family, so have at least two that are as serious about nursing as you are that you can talk to and study with. You will definitely need someone to vent to that understands where you're coming from If a person makes it into a nursing program then it means they are quite "intelligent", but nursing school requires more than intelligence. You have to think outside the box and learn that not everything is simply black and white, there is not just one right answer or response. In nursing school, especially upper division, you will find that on exams all of the answer choices could be correct, but you have to decipher which is the BEST nursing action or the BEST choice. This is where the critical thinking aspect really comes into play. Critical thinking is a whole 'nother beast! I would advise you to really pick up as much information as you can in A&P, Pharmacology, Nursing Fundamentals, and other pre-req courses for nursing students because all of the courses build upon one another. If you have a good grasp on disease processes as well as how organs function, it will really help you in the long run. Also always keep the nursing process in mind when studying diseases...once you learn the nursing process you will know what I am talking about. Learn what nursing actions need to be taken, not just what medications to administer but what actions the nurse can implement in the care plan. This will help you alot in clinicals and throughout your clinical rotations. Speaking of clinicals...always go prepared! Have all of your paperwork done and know as much as you can about your patient prior to clinical because your instructor )if anything like the ones I've had) will expect you to know your patient. Get a planner because you will have a ton of things to keep up with...I know I wouldn't have survived and thrived in nursing school with one. Having great time management skills is huge and will keep you afloat. I really could go on and on about things to prepare for nursing school but I would be typing allday!! I just tried to highlight a few things that I wish someone would have told me to make my experience a bit more seamless.

Summers3, I understand exactly how and what you are feeling, I felt the exact same way as I went through the whole process of receiving the ATT and scheduling a test date. No matter how many times you prolong your test date, you will never feel like you know enough! It seems you are overly anxious right now and I would suggest that you first get your nervousness under control, because it will keep you from passing NCLEX (not your lack of content). I used Kaplan and their NCLEX workshop, Loretta Manning, U-World, and a host of other things that were provided by my university and did at least 150 Q/day for months...and I still did not feel that I knew anything. I think you have to be confident in what you do know and accept the fact you will not know everything. What helped me get through that trying time was prayer, meditation (to calm my nerves), surrounding myself with family after studying and practice questions, laughing every chance I got, appreciating all of the things we tend to take for granted (sunrise, birds chirping, etc), and speaking positive affirmations several times throughout the day. Do whatever it is that makes you feel at peace. When I went to select my test date, I initially scheduled it a month away. But after a week or so I went back in on a Sunday and changed my testing date to that following Tuesday. I passed NCLEX on my first try (about 85 Q) and took it within 45 days of graduating. I had done all I could do and was stepping out on faith. So don't be afraid of what you do not know, be confident and embrace what you have learned throughout school and if you have done all that you can do (study preparation), then go for it....after your anxiety level is down.

I am a nursing student in my senior year of a traditional BSN program. From my experience, knowing your professor's testing style is critical in passing exams (along with preparation, of course). Some professors will tell you exactly "what you need to know" but then put everything else on the exam. Some will give you a "Study Guide" that lists 14 chapters of topics to be covered on the exam but only focus on 8/14 of those chapters on the exam. What has helped me to stay above water in nursing school is analyzing the first exam. While I am taking the exam, I really assess the content covered and later compare with study guide given, the types of questions and the way questions are worded. If I notice the professor focuses more on the nursing action VS S/S of disorders, then I will spend more time on the nursing process for the various disorders. Because I am in my final year, I already know our questions will be at the higher level (Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis, Application), so I do not focus on trying to memorize definitions and things that require recall (for the most part, I learned that stuff prior to). I said all of that to say, sometimes we can't do anything about our professor teaching style or lack their of, so just try to focus on things that you can do to improve your chances of success...if you see that those things are working for you, then pass the tips along to your classmates! If majority of the class is failing, you all may need to meet with her individually first, then as a group to discuss your concerns. If this does not address your concerns, then follow the chain of command to voice your concerns as soon as possible (before you end up with a failing grade on your transcript)!!!!

To CBlover and hppygr8ful... On behalf of all nursing students...thank you for your posts!! When I come across nurses like you it is a breath of fresh air! Students are stressed out to the max and we have a lot on our shoulders also...sometimes we do not feel like going "Good Morning" at 7AM either but we do it out of respect for the nurses. Once again, thank you for being considering how we may feel!!

I definitely understand your level of frustration because I too am a nursing student entering my senior year (BSN program). The attitude we get from "seasoned nurses" in clinicals is ridiculous, especially in certain specialties. Some nurses will act like the student is not even there. I understand that the nurses are busy and have a ton on their shoulders (students are under a tremendous amount of stress too) but how much energy and time does it take to at least be friendly??? Do seasoned nurses forget about their "soft skills" and become complete task masters? Do they forget that they too were once nursing students? In clinicals I personally do not expect a nurse to teach me anything, I should already know how to perform those skills assigned to me for that day and the clinical instructor is there with me when meds are given; however, I do expect for them to allow me to do what I am there to do and if there is a problem with that, then that needs to be addressed to the clinical instructor or coordinator, not the student.

CONGRATULATIONS and thanks for your suggestions about NCLEX study material! I too am a strong believer of positive affirmations and imagery. My motto is "If you believe it and can see it, then you can be it". Once again, congratulations and I wish you the best in your nursing career!!

Hi all! I am in a BSN program; my senior year is quickly approaching and I am excited and nervous at the same time! Excited that this time next year I will be a BSN graduate and nervous that the next 8 months will be dreadful. Junior year was so physically and emotionally exhausting from the beginning to the end. Having 12 hour clinicals on Wednesday, then on Thursday having an 8 hour clinical day on top of a 2 hour mandatory study session after that clinical was so draining...not to mention being in lecture all day on the days you are not in clinical. Also I spent every single minute outside of school studying, reading, and doing something pertaining to nursing school. I expected nursing school to be time consuming and tough so I'm not complaining (although it may seem that way). I am highly grateful that I was accepted into the program and that I am doing well thus far. I just wonder if my senior year will get any better. From your experience, is senior year as bad as junior year? Do you have any suggestions to make my senior year seamless? Is there anything you would have done differently your senior year in nursing school?

sch-64 I think it is a good thing for you to have varying emotions about nursing school..it is okay for you to feel scared and anxious, nursing school is not easy by any means. My only advice to you is for you to not get so caught up in doubt that it prevents you from chasing your dream. I am entering my second semester of my Junior year at the age of 37 and I too was second guessing myself. I too thought about the debt, the fact that I was older than the traditional student, the fact I have ZERO experience in the medical field...and the list goes on and on. But after my first semester of being accepted into the program I decided to change my mindset and this is something you must do also. I have made nothing less than a B since I have been in the program and the wisdom, maturity, and life experience I have gained throughout life shows in my work ethic. As non traditional, older students the things we may view as negatives actually become the factors that stand out as positives to our classmates, professors, and colleagues at the medical facilities where clinicals are held. The first step in achieving a goal is believing you can achieve that goal. Please do not become your own worst enemy. If Nursing is the profession you want to pursue, pursue it with everything in you and you will be successful. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Sorry for taking so long to respond, I have been super busy with the new semester starting. I am a pre-nursing major so I hopefully will earn a BSN to become a Registered Nurse. For upper division, my school did not require any type of essay for this year. I found this odd because they have required them in the past. The application seemed pretty basic, all they required really were transcripts from any colleges previously attended. Like yourself, I have too prepared for the worst and have a backup plan to the backup plan, just in case! Good Luck to you as well, please let me know when you get accepted!

Hi Guys! I just mailed my application for upper division and I am NERVOUS! I had been calm and collected up until a couple of weeks ago after speaking to a few classmates. I have a 4.0 and never had to repeat a course, so quite naturally I figured I would definitely get accepted until someone told me otherwise. From what I hear, even if a student has a 4.0, they may still be denied admittance. If it's not good grades then what are they looking for? Has anyone been denied admittance even though a high GPA was maintained?