Self-doubt

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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As I read the forums here, I am starting to be overcome by more and more self-doubt. I wonder if I can manage working and going to nursing school at the same time. I also wonder if I'm even smart enough.

I currently have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a MBA in HR. I know those have nothing to do with nursing, but will having higher degrees help me get through nursing school.

I saw someone say you can do good in nursing school if you are good at math and anal retentive! LOL Well to do what I do (college instructor in accounting) that's pretty much a given.

I would like to hear what others think and also, how do you deal with the self-doubt about whether or not you are good enough?

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As I read the forums here, I am starting to be overcome by more and more self-doubt. I wonder if I can manage working and going to nursing school at the same time. I also wonder if I'm even smart enough.

I currently have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a MBA in HR. I know those have nothing to do with nursing, but will having higher degrees help me get through nursing school.

I saw someone say you can do good in nursing school if you are good at math and anal retentive! LOL Well to do what I do (college instructor in accounting) that's pretty much a given.

I would like to hear what others think and also, how do you deal with the self-doubt about whether or not you are good enough?

Believe me, people with far less education than you made it through nursing school. As far as being smart enough, have you taken any science classes? How did you do?

Having higher degrees won't help you get through nursing school. However, you will develop a distinct appreciation for how much of a frackin' cakewalk those "higher degrees" were!

Being good at math sure doesn't hurt, but anal retentive can work against you if you focus on unproductive activities. You really need to be able to prioritize.

We all have self doubt, find some people going through the same thing you are and offer each other support. This can be really helpful.

Good luck!

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In high school, science was one of my weakest subjects. But I did ace both of my A&P classes. I guess I should also add, that for me working full-time is really only 20 hours a week.

I'm hoping that I can find at least one person who's starting the nursing program at the same time as me, to be study buddies with and also give each other support.

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Having higher degrees won't help you get through nursing school. However, you will develop a distinct appreciation for how much of a frackin' cakewalk those "higher degrees" were!

What if I already feel like the higher degrees were a cake walk? That's a big part of my self-doubt. Because I found my higher degrees so easy.

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take all of the pre-reqs first and then ask yourself.

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I have self doubt too but I am positive and KNOW that I will get through it! I had to take both my A&P's again b/c first go round I made C's. I got B's the second time but I also have ALOT more knowledge about anatomy. I am so glad I retook..even though it didn't even end up mattering. but still really the mind is funny how if you want to do something bad enough it pretty much helps consume you into it. Really all you need to do is STUDY. I know you have previous degrees but you will have to learn a new study method. You will have to learn to study "nursing style". I really don't know exactly what that is right now, but I will very soon. But don't doubt yourself. I mean, I am sure EVERY single person going through this doubts themselves. If not, well they must be subhuman. But I doubt myself daily and I am scared to death, but I am going to put my fear into constructive energy... I am determined!

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take all of the pre-reqs first and then ask yourself.

I have taken all of my pre-reqs and quite a few of my co-reqs. Got A's in them all.

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I have taken all of my pre-reqs and quite a few of my co-reqs. Got A's in them all.

I think the real mystery here is why in the world you are worried at all. You are leaps and bounds ahead of most other prospective nursing students.

Come on, you gotta give us something to work with! Are you afraid of blood? Poo? Do you have an abusive boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/parent or all of the above? Do you have panic attacks? Some phobia about washing your hands?

So far, you sound a little like Bill Gates complaning his wallet is too small for his 100's.

You'll be fine.

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I think the real mystery here is why in the world you are worried at all. You are leaps and bounds ahead of most other prospective nursing students.
Maybe part of it is because I don't feel like I'm leaps and bounds ahead of other students. I've had people in my life tell me how smart I am, and I just don't see it. Hence the self-doubt.

Come on, you gotta give us something to work with! Are you afraid of blood? Poo? Do you have an abusive boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/parent or all of the above? Do you have panic attacks? Some phobia about washing your hands?
The only abuse I've had in my life was growing up my mother was emotionally abusive. But none of that in my life now. And I do have a small case of anxiety. But it doesn't interfere with my daily life.

So far, you sound a little like Bill Gates complaining his wallet is too small for his 100's.

You'll be fine.

I don't think it's fair to say my worry/self doubt is not valid. Am I supposed to go in all cocky? I've seen many posts on this forum where people have said, "just because you have a higher degree in something else, it's no guarantee you'll do good in nursing." Which partially adds to the self-doubt.
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Maybe part of it is because I don't feel like I'm leaps and bounds ahead of other students. I've had people in my life tell me how smart I am, and I just don't see it. Hence the self-doubt.

The only abuse I've had in my life was growing up my mother was emotionally abusive. But none of that in my life now. And I do have a small case of anxiety. But it doesn't interfere with my daily life.

I don't think it's fair to say my worry/self doubt is not valid. Am I supposed to go in all cocky? I've seen many posts on this forum where people have said, "just because you have a higher degree in something else, it's no guarantee you'll do good in nursing." Which partially adds to the self-doubt.

OP, I don't think anyone has gone into nursing without having self-doubt. It is very normal to feel the way you do. I'll be starting my 4th semester next week, and I STILL have doubts that I will make it to the end. We have lost more than half of our class, since last May.

Just this past semester, I lost two of my very good friends, who both swore that "failure was not an option." So yes, it's definitely a scary feeling sometimes, wondering if you'll be with the next group that doesn't move on to the following semester.

But you can't let those negative thoughts consume you. Stay focused, think positive, and keep your eye on the prize. If you fail an exam, or even a semester, pick yourself up and get back into the game. That's all you can do.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I took A&P in high school over 10 years ago and struggled to get a C in that class. I've always want to be a nurse, but because of that class in high school, I decided to pursue another profession when I got to college. I thought I would fail as a nurse if I barely passed A&P.

I got an Information Technology & Informatics degree and now I'm back pursing my dream of being a nurse 4 years later. This time around I passed A&P with an A. I'll be applying to an Accelerated BSN program for the fall. I'm currently taking my last prerequisite, which is Microbiology for the summer semester and I'm getting an A.

I said all of this to say, your drive will push you to study and you'll have the desire to learn for the sake of doing well in those classes. Nothing's gonna stand in your way.

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Greeeeeeeaatttt now my anxiety is through the roof. I am sooo worried. So I think you worry is completely normal. But I will say that you have great chances of getting accepted somewhere with all A's and it seems like if you put your mind to something you are able to follow through. I don't know if you are a spiritual person but I know that I will be praying EVERY DAY that I am in the program. That starts in August. I have A.D.D. and used to be dyslexic but I am not letting that stand in my way. I am worried about the clinical calculation test that I will have to take the first week and make a 90. or I fail!!! I am also worried b/c in my school you HAVE to make a 78 or better (that is a C) in the class to pass. Ugh...I can't get discouraged yet., I haven't even started.

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