Slacked off my first semester, bad GPA... Suggestions to do well in nursing school?

[bsn_bound13]

Last semester was my first semester in college and I let it get the best of me and I failed 3 of my classes; public speaking, sociology, and algebra. I talked to my dean and I can retake all of those classes and have my F's replaced with whatever I get next time. I'm currently on academic probation until the Spring semester. So I have a horrible G.P.A. but I am going to make up for it. I am actually really dedicated, I just got wrapped up in all the freedom I had, the partying phase that thankfully is over. I graduated in the top 10% in my high school class. Like I said, I am very dedicated to my work, I just let it get out of control. I have wanted to be a nurse since I took a nursing class my sophomore year in high school. I know its what I want to do and I know I can do it. Any suggestions to do well in nursing school? My sister graduated with her BSN and said it was very challenging and to be 100% sure it was what I wanted to do and I am sure. I just wanted some other opinions. And suggestions?

[kenpochic]

just make sure you are ready mentally to handle nursing school. I am in nursing school right now and your sister is right make sure this is something you really want. your going to need to remind yourself that a lot through the programs. Nursing school is not for everyone you have to be mentally tough and do what you have to do. My advice for right now is take your prereqs and do as best as you can. In the mean while go ahead and have some fun. Be young and party as long as it doesnt effect your grades. Do your research on your prereq professors so you can get good teachers. The only thing you will honestly really need that if you dont know in nursing school is A&P so pay attention. But right now you have to make time for some fun cause if not you will be kicking yourself later. Everything will revolve around nursing school. theres very little time for anything else. Having a whole day to yourself to have fun will be over. I spend a lot of time studying. I got high A's in all my prereqs but no matter how good you are in your prereq stage i promise you your life once you start nursing school will be nursing. not trying to scare you just telling you the way it is. so do good in your prereq but make sure you have tons of fun also :)

[kenpochic]

oh and start being organized this includes time management skills. you'll need to have those skills in ns

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

Everyone says nursing is really tough including the nursing advisors in my university. There is a lot of reading and it requires like 4+ hours of clinicals. Nursing is going to consume one's life sooner or later so its best to practice good focusing and time management skills.

[AlleycatLPN]

Hang in there! You will pull it up! Just think of it as a learning experience and now you know you have to give it your all! Work your hardest! Don't ever give up on your dream. Alot of freshman make that same mistake!

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

It's not the end of the world. My first year at college I failed everything because I discovered clubbing and alcohol. 10 years later I went to nursing school and graduated first in my class.