Should I be a nurse?

dorkypanda · Oct 29, 2014

Micro requires a lot of time spent studying and reading. I would say it almost requires daily reading and studying. it may sound like a lot but really it's just to be on top of your game and be slightly ahead of schedule. I don't think it's an overly difficult class but it's not an easy peasy slice of cake A class either. You must put in the time and true efforts. Same with anatomy actually. you must go over the reading more than once to understand what's going on. I recommend actually staying full time in the lab for micro and anatomy. This is the time for you to learn more and to also seek help from the professor. looking at models will help in anatomy as landmarks may be tested and you need to be comfortable knowing locations.

I believe these courses are passable if you work at it and are diligently studying. you must have a good understanding of the material since it piles up as time goes on. sure something was tested on last exam but that knowledge is built onto the next exam.

I've read somewhere that those who are in nursing school say that prereqs aren't anything like the nursing courses. nursing courses are tougher than prereq courses. that makes me think I may have to up my studying game a level or two. prereq courses aren't necessarily difficult but they aren't exactly an easy A either, I worked hard for my grades.

dorkypanda · Oct 29, 2014

It seems like the micro, anatomy, and physiology are the foundations to the nursing courses. so it does make sense that nursing courses are not like prereqs intensity wise.

you may have to change your study habits if they aren't solid and schedule like. do you actually understand the course material presented? Do you seek help immediately when you start feeling confused about something? you can't wait to ask since info does build up on itself. having a good understanding is pretty important. On exams you may be asked to apply the knowledge of the material in the presented scenarios. this is where your understanding and knowledge of the material shows because multiple answers may trick you in the details.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2014

How much effort are you putting in these classes. They are the foundations of nursing. The nursing instructors will assume that in the program you already know A&P and micro and will not reteach it so you need to have it down.

But honestly I don't know you so I can't answer your question on whether or not to become a nurse.

valliloves · Oct 30, 2014

I'm sorry you are stressed out and confused. That, right there, is enough to make anyone struggle with school. I know this seems opposite of what you are asking, but have you considered finding another group of students to study with and receive some advice/encouragement about the process? Are there any tutoring services at your school?

When I first went to college, I struggled because I never truly learned how to learn. It just takes some time and effort, but discovering your learning style would be really beneficial to your study habits. Maybe take some online "what's my learning style" tests would help. They are free and finding it out can help you study better. Did you know that writing vocabulary, notes, etc in any other color besides blue or black ink helps your brain retain 80% of the information? It's true! There are multiple studies online that you can read about. Also, finding out your learning style will tell you exactly how to study to get the most benefit and retain the most of the material.

Anyway, my point is, stress and feeling confused along with needing help in studying can overwhelm anyone, no matter their knack for school in general. Also, it can make anyone question their chosen career path. Is it possible for you to go slower by reducing your class load? Just because nursing school is harder and you are having trouble now, it does not mean that you can't do it. It also does not mean that you shouldn't be a nurse. Find someone to help you write out an action plan with solutions to combat what's going on now, enroll in some tutoring services, collaborate with other nursing students (positive minded, have good study habits, and encourage others), and focus on the now.

You're going to be OK :)

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2014

You need to either quit or study more or change the way you study. Bad grades are unacceptable to get into nursing school. Period. You either find a way to succeed or you don't. No one is going to feel sorry for you and just let you pass. Schools are pretty clear about what is required to get into and graduate as a nurse. Then you either do it or you don't do it. If you are not willing to put in the time or find a way to succeed there are other majors which require less work and are easier. Or you could quit school completely and get some kind of service job with low education requirements.

varonte69 · Oct 30, 2014

I sometimes question if I still want to be a nurse too because of the prerequisites. I understand your pain. What I've been doing with my class is studying everyday even if it's for 5 minutes. Literally every minute and say count. Hopefully we both can make it through this

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2014

Varonte..here is my question. Why would being a nurse be dependent on prereqs? You need to KNOW it to BE a nurse. If you don't want to even do the prereqs then what interest do you have in being a nurse? I am just asking an honest question. That is like someone wanting to be a doctor but not wanting to go to Med school. All the classes are apart of becoming a nurse. If you want to be a nurse than you want to the prereqs because the prereqs are the pathway to becoming a nurse.

varonte69 · Oct 30, 2014

Actually I have heard a lot of nurses say the the prereqs did not prepare them for nursing school. And not wanted to do the prereqs have nothing to do with being interested in being a nurse

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2014

who are "a lot" of nurses? here is the deal...it doesn't matter if the prereqs are basket weaving. They are required and are not going to magically disappear. And guess what..doing work that you think is "stupid" is a lot of nursing. I have worked ER/Med Surg/psych. You have orders from docs are tasks that seem pointless. You do them anyway. Learning how to succeed with whatever is put in front of you is a huge part of nursing. If you think the prereqs are stupid then how exactly do you plan to be a nurse? It boggles my mind how short sighted so many people are. This career if you do decide to do it is HIGHLY stressful and huge responsibility. I have known nurses you have been sued. I know nurses who have lost their license. Success in ANY class DOES prepare you for nursing because you learn that no matter what the task you will find a way to win. Good Luck.

varonte69 · Oct 30, 2014

First of all I make good grades, and I pay my own tuition so if I don't like the class so be it.. that don't mean that I will be a bad nurse or that I shouldn't bea nurse, so besides what you think I'm gonna continue to hate these classes and continue on my path to be a nurse... so bye and have a blessed day

valliloves · Oct 30, 2014

I think validating comments as well as a kick in the butt is needed, but windsurfer, I do think you are being too hard on the original poster. She seems really distraught and is asking about what she should do since she is having trouble in her classes. She doesn't sound, to me, to be having a sense of entitlement here nor is she stating that she is unwilling to do the hard work that it takes to become a nurse. She sounds obviously stressed and needing support--not criticism.