Question about Nursing School

Tait, MSN, RN · Sep 18, 2009

It's about learning how to critically think when you have no idea what they mean or what they are looking for. (Luckily it all makes sense about a year later)

Sounds like you are set if you have all the classes you listed. I did a fair amount of pre-reqs before starting the program (love waiting lists) and when I got into the program I was able to focus primarily on clinicals and nursing specific classes. I never had a semester over 10 credits. :)

Best of luck!

Tait

spacecitygroover · Sep 18, 2009

I was thinking that it should be a tad easier since I dont have to worry about any academic classes such as a&p, mico, etc

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 18, 2009

it is applying the science to the situation. Which means, you have to actually RECALL all that stuff you learned.

GeneralJinjur · Sep 18, 2009

Having the prereqs out of the way makes it easier, but it does not make it easy. There is a massive volume of information to sort through and a very alien way of prioritizing it. Basically, no matter how quickly you think or what a fantastic student you are, you will struggle with the content. It's a strange way of learning, but it works.

fsaav · Sep 18, 2009

In my program you had to have all prerequisites completed before even applying to the nursing program so that was never an issue with how hard it was. The nursing program itself is what is difficult. Like someone already mentioned, it's learning how to critically think. In almost all other classes you learn information and then pass classes by your ability to memorize and regurgitate it. In nursing school you are given a ton of information to learn and then are tested on your ability to apply that information to different situations rather than just how well you remember it. You are usually given a very short period of time to learn all this information and in addition you are in hospital clinicals taking care of patients and all the care plans, etc. that go along with it which can sometimes take hours by themselves.

Callisonanne · Sep 18, 2009

I am actually in that position currently. I had completed over 100 hrs of undergraduate classes and had finished all the pre-reqs. I just started this fall and so far I haven't been too overwhelmed. We had our first test and I felt like I did very well but I def didn't study as hard as I have in some other classes. I am definitely sure I will change and study more. I think the hardest thing is deciphering through all the medical jargon. I am currently a CNA but I haven't actually worked as one. It can be hard in class when the LPN's and CNA II's know what is going on and the teacher forgets to explain stuff. I'm like ugh....what is that??? I know from my mentor who is a current senior her main advice was to study each day. It is impossible to cram it all in. At the very least get all your notes and study guides done early and then study them for as long as you feel is necessary for you. Also give yourself plenty of time to do care plans and other clinical work. If you limit yourself you might be less likely to do the work thoroughly. Especially in the beginning where EVERYTHING is new and foreign. I hope that you get in and get through it! It will be totally worth it. I really think that the best thing is to have a good idea of your learning skills. Some people have to study 2 hrs everyday and then for the 3 days leading up the test. Some others only have to study the 3 days before the test. To each his own. :)

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

Everyone who asks me this, I say one thing.

KNOW your anatomy and physiology WELL. And I mean WELL....

Then learn your pathophysiology well.

You will survive nursing school if you can "decipher" the issues.......

southernhoneybee · Sep 19, 2009

Honestly it should help you out a bit and at least take some of the stress away, especially since most of the "science" courses are fairly tough and don't come easy to most. But like the others above have stated it is all in how you handle your past knowledge and how you put in together in your placements. You have to be able to problem solve and think critically. I know a lot of people that are having trouble with the theory portions of the course because a lot of the material is opinion and there is not necessarily a clear cut answer.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

Is nursing school tough even if you've already taken care of all the biology/sciences.
Ive already taken.
A&P 1 and 2
MicroBiology.
Sociology
Into to psychology
English
math
Whats the toughest part about nursing school?
Is it the Science or the curriculum itself??

Hmmmm before you can even apply for my program you have to have all those done and Phychology Developmental lifespan. My previous college you also had to have Chemistry and Organic Chem so I had those as well.

Then we have Nutrition and Pathophysiology but you could take those previously or during the program, I took those before, in the nursing program we still have Pharmocology, math-Dosage and Calculations, and Fundamentals for first semester, it is 14 credits and we also have clinicals and labs. This week we had 3 exams, returns and 4 assignments due. I couldn't imagine having to take the Patho during the nursing program like some do. Nursing classes a whole new ballgame compared to the Pre Reqs, you need to know your pre reqs well, they all come back into play, but it's just completely different and I don't think it's something that can really be explained until you actually go through it.

The trend I am seeing is kids with A's in pre reqs are stuggling, people with C's in pre reqs are struggling, some with no exp. are struggling and some with previous medical exp. and CNA exp. are struggling, some aren't struggling at all.

Me personally, so far I am fairing ok but I think I have always been more of a critical thinker. I look at these tests in nursing school and feel like FINALLY tests I can relate to that isn't just about memorizing things.

allnurses Guide · Sep 19, 2009

Nursing school is often a different way of thinking, and interpreting things. I had great grades going in, tried to study fundamentals the same way I'd always studied, and bombed my first major exam. Had to learn a different way of looking at things, etc. Study groups helped a lot, but that was finding my new learning style. You may not have that problem, (here's hoping!), but do be prepared for a totally different academic scene.

spacecitygroover · Sep 19, 2009

Can you guys elaborate more on the recalling the A&P knowledge?

I did okay in a&p, made a b, but I dont feel like I actually have it down all too well...

Is this gonna be a huge problem for me?

Also my college doesnt require any chemistry to enter the program.