Scared To Start Nursing School

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Hello...I will be starting my first semester of nursing school in August. While I'm THRILLED and ready to jump in with both feet, I'm scared to death! I think I'm scared of the "unknown" as it's different than other majors. Has anyone else dealt with this fear and how did you handle it? :chair:

Thank you!!!

Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

I started an accelerated BSN program this week, and I must admit I am a little freaked out. I think so much is thrown at you in the first week (20 page syllabi, 400 pages of required text to read a week, weekly online quizzes and modules, papers, exams, etc.). I think the hardest part for some students (from what I can see so far) is getting organized.

I just keep telling myself that this is all worth it, and I am an intelligent student that can definitely do anything I put my mind to.

Also, I had an 8 hour fundamentals lab on Tuesday and it clicked to me in there that this is what I want to do. All we were doing was vitals and "charting", handwashing, etc. (the basics) but I realized while in there that I am going to really enjoy this and make the best out of the entire experience.

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Hello...I will be starting my first semester of nursing school in August. While I'm THRILLED and ready to jump in with both feet, I'm scared to death! I think I'm scared of the "unknown" as it's different than other majors.

Scared? It's supposed to be hard!! It's the hard that makes it great!! If it easy, everyone would be doing it!!

(Completely stolen form the film, "A League of Their Own", and gently used to tell you that you'll be fine.)

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I'm really excited about starting school in August as well, but I'm also really scared. It's fear of the unknown. I don't want to kill anyone, either! I know they're not going to hand me a bunch of meds the first day and tell me to have at it, but I'm a bit chicken anyway.

I'm more excited than scared, though, so I think all will turn out well.

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Med/Surg.

Like many have said, it's normal to be worried about the unknown but do not fret! The first two weeks will be overwhelming: Lots of info coming at you at a rapid pace but trust me, it will all make sense and the pace won't be as insane. My best advice: be punctual, record the lectures if you can, take good notes, ask for clarification if you're confused and most importantly, read and be able to apply the material. Lastly, if you're professor hands out a study guide for the exams, KNOW IT! As far as the competencies: Practice, practice and practice some more. Practice at home if you can. The instructors will know that you have and possibly, cut you a little slack if you make a minor mistake. You will survive! Just remember: many have come before us so IT IS POSSIBLE. Best of luck!

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I just finished my second block of nursing school, and had three weeks off and will be returning Monday for the summer session.

Prepare yourself, if possible, for your nursing program. If you can pay off bills or do anything in order to make it possible not to have to work while in school, you'll have more time to study, which is a necessity.

Instruct family members on the importance of being more independent while you are in school : you can't do everything anymore, if you have been. Arrange help now, because once you enter school, you'll be very busy with studying, lectures and clinicals and won't need the extra stress.

Put your nose to the grindstone, as they used to say, and stay focused, as I have. I have watched 9 fellow students fail, most by narrow margins, and you have to stay on your toes.

Don't go in with the idea that you can do average and make up for it later : there often isn't a later.

Make yourself a promise that you will never miss school, never be late to class, or miss a clinical. Make your attendance goal 100%.

Besides that, just do your best, and nothing less.

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I just finished my first year of nursing school. Wow! I have never experienced classes that were so demanding. My number one problem is that throughout all of my schooling, I have hardly had to open a textbook. I pass with A's and B's, no problem little stress. I pump out papers the night before the due date like nothing, hand them in and get A's. Started a nursing program last August and thought it would be a breeze. . .ha! Make sure you do assigned reading, if time allows (do your best to stay on top of it). Keep yourself organized! My notebooks, binders, etc look like my 3yr old has been playing in them. If you instructors rely on handouts and jump around alot, make sure you go home, and for peace of mind type the material on your computer. Doing so is also a great way to study and memorize the material. Oh, yes, for clinicals. . .when they say know your drugs, they mean it!!! Review side effects, actions, interactions, correct dosages. . .etc before you go in front of your instructor to check off your meds before med passes. Yes, you may have a horrible day that your actually break down and cry at clinical or immediately after, but know that you are not alone. Each and everyone of us has days like this. Every student feels like they got themselves in way over their head and would rather stay home the next day in bed then go through another day of nursing school. This is normal. . .it will get better, you will get the handle of things, you will make friends, and you will feel proud that you chose nursing as a career. Best wishes!!!!

~Angela

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I start school in september and feel the same way. One second i am happy , the next second i am scared. I am trying to prepare myself by getting organized and getting links to nursing information that will be helpful to me. It is going to be haed work, but others have done it and survived. Best of luck!, and God willing we will be dishing out the same advice other experienced sttudents have been giving.

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Medicine.

Amen! I too will be starting ns this fall, I sometimes try to wonder what it will be like (will I do well?) I am looking foward to my journey and have started to study some drug calculations since my school tests us within the first few weeks:uhoh3: May GOD be with us all!!!!

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I just saw this video on youtube.. I don't know these people but it was fun to watch and showed a lighter, fun side of nursing school. I start in August too and like you am scared!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CJU9aEzx3GI&mode=related&search=

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For the OP and others who are scared of starting nursing school, read the short book "WHO MOVED MY CHEESE." For some reason, many nurses have read this book and suggest for others, especially nursing students, to read it as well. It's a short read so check it out.

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Hey time2fly - that was an awesome video. I really hope we all meet great classmates during this time of ourlives and I pray we all make it ;o)

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For the OP and others who are scared of starting nursing school, read the short book "WHO MOVED MY CHEESE." For some reason, many nurses have read this book and suggest for others, especially nursing students, to read it as well. It's a short read so check it out.

I had to read it and watch the video in my past career life (in accounting). I forgot all about it! Thanks for reminding me...I'll re-open it!

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