scared nursing student

It's understandable that you are nervous, but, as long as you have a strong work ethic, good study habits, and you continue them throughout your third (and other remaining) semesters you should be okay. Try to ignore the "horror stories" they don't do you any good. Just continue doing what you have been doing to be successful in your program. Take it one day at a time.

Good Luck!

The secret is this: By the end of the second semester, students have gotten used to the school's class format. Then the ystart to get too comfortable... and lazy.

Don't get stuck in this trap! Never let your intellectual guard down. That's when people get let go from the school.

In my program, second year was when we began our specialty rotations. I stopped having nightmares/stress dreams every night when I got to third semester. It was a LOT -- don't think you can slack off -- but I felt better equipped to handle it than I did the first year stuff. I think the first year was like arriving on another planet and just trying to figure out which end is up. By second year, you have your bearings, at least. It's still scary new terrain, but you aren't the noob you were last year.

For what it's worth, we lost over 30% of our class during the program, but only one of those people left during second year; everyone else washed out in first year. Silver lining: The good part about being freakishly busy is that it will be over before you know it. :) Hang in there!

In my program, second year was when we began our specialty rotations. I stopped having nightmares/stress dreams every night when I got to third semester. It was a LOT -- don't think you can slack off -- but I felt better equipped to handle it than I did the first year stuff. I think the first year was like arriving on another planet and just trying to figure out which end is up. By second year, you have your bearings, at least. It's still scary new terrain, but you aren't the noob you were last year.

For what it's worth, we lost over 30% of our class during the program, but only one of those people left during second year; everyone else washed out in first year. Silver lining: The good part about being freakishly busy is that it will be over before you know it. :) Hang in there!

This. Especially the spot on comparison between first and second year. At least you know the drill! Remember first semester? I remember thinking, just what the **** was I thinking, willingly signing up for this insanity? Now, the insanity has become a way of life and you do what you have to do to get through it. And every now and then, your friends in your program will crack you up and make you realize you're all crazy, it's not a competition.

Go in with confidence! You got this far, didn't you? You will do great! Give it your all!

Just realize that you've already passed two semesters and there is nothing preconceived about whether you will pass or fail. Do what has been working, up your game if you feel yourself dipping, and remember that the only thing different is the information.

Personally, like many others here, my first two semesters were actually my hardest as I didn't really get into a comfort zone. You should be finding your groove by now so all you need is the effort and you will do fine.

You've come this far! Don't let your guard down and get lazy, I think that is the mistake a lot of students make. At this point you feel confident in your understanding of how the classes go and how the tests are and you make the fatal mistake of slacking in your studies.

Stay vigilant and remember that the end is in sight now!

If you need some reading for your downtime my sister and I have a blog where we share our stories about nursing school and our careers along with tips and tricks for students and nurses:

Calling the shots, sisters in nursing blog

Thanks for all the support!!!

We started out with 80 in the first semester. We lost 10 in first and second we loss 12. Now our 3rd semester is full of repeats from the previous year. Scary huh. They failed 3rd and back in this year. I pray I don't have to repeat