Scared to start nursing school

dannygurl84 · Oct 22, 2014

I've been in my nursing program for the past 8 weeks, and I honestly have not found it to be as grueling and terrifying as some people have painted it. I'll admit, after enduring three 4 week classes, my brain feels like it's about to fry and I find myself asking "How am I supposed to remember everything?" but every class builds on previous classes, which reinforces information I've already learned. And I surprisingly have retained a lot of the information that seems to have been crammed into my head in such a short amount of time. It does require studying - some people may need to study more, and others may instantly understand. However, it's going to be a unique experience for each person, so all we can do is tell you our personal experience. You may find yourself experiencing something totally different.
Skills check-offs are the most stressful for me personally because of the pass/fail aspect. So I had to learn my lab time wisely and clarifying with the instructors about when I should do this, and when I should do that, etc etc. Also, I borrowed friends and families to practice doing assessments on - trust me, when you have to do a thorax assessment and listen to lungs, it's a lot less intimidating when you've done it 100 times and know your landmarks. Be prepared to study a lot, and use your time wisely. I had to get rid of my Netflix because it consumed too much of my free time. Good luck! It's really a lot less scary than you're picturing it, I'm sure. I start clinicals this week, so I'm feeling that scared/anticipation jitter!

That's so good to know and I see me and u r different because I'm more of a hands on person but I hope I do good in clinicals and in the classroom. I'm actually excited about starting, I think I'm over the scared part.

dannygurl84 · Oct 22, 2014

I am in the last year of my BSN program, I am a 2nd degree student and started nursing school at the ripe young age of 50!!!. My advise is the same as most the others, keep up with your reading. The first semester (or quarter depending on your school) is the hardest. You will find your rhythm. Good luck!!

Thank you and good luck to you also!!

hazel30, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2014

Not trying to be rude or insensitive but you got yourself this far, not the lord.

That was so rude. Out of everything that you could've said, you posted that. Go find some happiness.

OP, I'm kind of in the same boat. I've been in my BSN program for a year, but I stay nervous. Just stay prayed up, my dear. We'll be just fine! ?

dannygurl84 · Oct 23, 2014

That was so rude. Out of everything that you could've said, you posted that. Go find some happiness.
OP, I'm kind of in the same boat. I've been in my BSN program for a year, but I stay nervous. Just stay prayed up, my dear. We'll be just fine! ?

I agree with you that is rude but I just left it alone some people just don't believe in what I believe in. I believe God help me get through this.

studentnursemon86 · Oct 24, 2014

Not trying to be rude or insensitive but you got yourself this far, not the lord.

This is not cool. I am not a very religious person, but I have my chats with the big guy upstairs on a daily basis (please get me through this day, help me help this patient, etc..)

Yes, you need to do work to get there, that is true. But many use their faith to motivate them and give them perspective on things.

I for one, rely on my faith to cope with things and it gives me the strength I need to stay up until 4am studying when all I want to sleep; or to help with a code at work without having a meltdown.

If you say "not to be rude" before typing or saying something, just keep it to yourself, because it IS rude.

LoriT1219 · Oct 24, 2014

This was a very unfortunate comment to come across, and like studentnursemon86 said, if you need to start off with not to be rude, you clearly realize just how rude it is. I, for one, do strongly believe that yes, we do get ourselves where we want to go, and that faith alone will not do the job. You can pray and pray all you want, however if you don't put in your part and hard work it will be in vain. Faith along with works is my strongest suit. I know a lot of people believe it is a waste of time, because they may be lacking faith and others who think that if they pray and not put in work, magic will just happen. Faith along with works, on the other hand is a beautiful sight to watch as it plays itself out. I wish all of you future RN's out there all the best during your great times, and during your not so good ones, which I am sure we will all have at some point. God bless each and everyone of you. :0) .....P.s... TGIF