Fredled

"If he tells his girlfriend he did this, hers may go off too." Tell her that I did what, exactly? Stumble across a forum dedicated to nursing and think "hmm, maybe I can learn something about my partner's life choice from these people"? Little did I know that asking people on a forum for tips about their life experiences was a taboo act. Apparently a simple question like "what is nursing school like?" is one only a narcissist would think to ask. Seriously, you guys are taking this question WAY too seriously. Fine, perhaps I could have worded it better or more simply or something, but that does not justify this kind of response from people. It's a little disturbing, and a very offputting representation of this forum's community. Then again... I'm not sure what I was expecting. This IS the internet, after all. Thank you for all the advice from everyone. I think I've gahered all I can here. The final lesson was to never, under any circumstance, visit an online forum ever again.

Absolutely. I find it interesting (and disheartening) that many people here not only assumed the worst, but actually went out of their way to read negative things into my question. This effort even went so far as to ignore the part of my question where I ask, "What, *IF ANYTHING*, can I do to help relieve her stresses?" If I can't do anything to help, why not simply say so?! No arm-chair psychology was necessary. Seems like many of you were "looking for trouble", so to speak. If I can't do anything to help, why not just say so? Many of you did just that, but many of you felt the need to read... somewhat disturbing things into a completely inert question. This hints at a high level of sub-conscious bitterness. To my eyes, this is a really sad way to approach life. Don't tell me this is just because I'm young- age has nothing to do with it. It isn't a sign of weakness to want to see the best in people, nor is seeking out the worst a sign of maturity or strength. I don't know! I don't know what her need is, and neither does she! The reason I asked this question here is because SHE ISN'T A NURSING STUDENT YET. I don't have an understanding of nursing school, and neither does she. If she had already been a nursing student when we started our relationship, there would be no need to ask this. Sure, I could just wait until the program starts and then see what happens and what she may or may not need, but the point of this question wasn't to figure out ways that I can force my help into her life. The purpose was to figure out what kind of stresses nursing school imparts so that I can be prepared to help, IF she needs it. I also wanted to know what to expect (generally) as far as her schedule goes so that I don't turn into the cliche clingy smothering boyfriend. From what I have gathered so far, the best (and indeed, only) thing I can do is be there if she needs me, know that she may not have free time anymore, and not be a pest. These things are perfectly good pieces of advice, and frankly I'm not sure why anything else was said. Still, thank you, everyone, for your input. There's something to learn from almost every comment posted here.

And that is some darn' good, actionable advice. Thanks :) If the best/only thing I can do to help her through it is to simply not be a pest (as it's looking to be), that's perfectly fine. I'm not trying to force my help on her.

Oh, well... thanks guys. It just seemed from the few minutes I spent on it that the nursing program was, like, REALLY hard. Looks like I was just over-estimating it.

I thank you for your points regarding not smothering her. It is a valuable insight. As for your various pre-suppositions about my character and motives, I will not dignify them with a response.

Hello all! I am new the the forum. I apologize if this is the wrong place to post a topic such as this. First, some background. Me and my girlfriend are both 20, and we are both full time students in college. She is going into nursing, and I am going for a bachelor in exercise science. She will be starting the nursing program in January 2016. I have been researching what being a nurse entails, and what it takes to get through nursing school. I've read about how stressful it is, how hard the long, emotionally taxing shifts are, and how time consuming the nursing program is. Before I go any further, let me just say that you guys are amazing. I simply don't believe I would have the strength to do what you guys do. God bless all of you. Okay, moving on... The reason I came hear is because I want to support her to the absolute best of my abilities. The problem is, I have no understanding of what nursing school is truly like. Sure, I've read a few blog posts about it, but so what? What I would like from you preferably experienced female nurses, is some advice on what I, as her boyfriend, can do to help her get through what sounds like a very hard challenge. What is it like? What kind of stresses will she be going through? What, if anything, can I do to relieve those stresses, even if only a little? Obviously since I am not in the nursing profession, I lack perspective on what it's truly like. Is there any way I can get a hint of understanding? Of the program, and of nursing in general? An optional second question: I hear that nursing is an extremely high-stress job. What with the enormous responsibility that comes with essentially holding someone's life in your hands, and the attachment that comes with caring fro your patients. Combined with long hours, large workloads, etc. If it turns out that God has in His plans for us to get married, what can I do to support and help her through these aspects of her career? Thank you all for your time!