Smart Enough?

[happyinmyheart]

Okay.... Here's the cliche question. How do you know if you're smart enough to become a nurse...

I worked very hard in high school. I earned my grades. I am a hard worker, well organized, and I have excellent time management skills. However, I'm no genius.

I have been admitted to the early admit RN BSN program at a four year university right out of high school, given that I do okay in my pre reqs the next 2 years. I know I am VERY fortunate to have received this opportunity, as I know how competitive nursing programs are. I have researched nursing into the ground (I became a CNA, volunteered, talked to nurses, stalked this blog, researched online). Nobody in my family or extended family is a nurse so I just have no idea of the level of difficulty I have ahead of me. This blog feels like my mentor... But I'm terrified!!!

How do you know if you have what it takes? I see posts of people failing out of nursing school all the time... I don't want that to happen to me. Any advice?

[crossfitnurse]

If I can do it - anyone can. I was more of an artsy person myself in highschool. More into the music side of things, I never thought I was "smart enough" to be a nurse. Now - 6 years after I said I was never "smart enough" I'm in my last semester :)

Had I of just tried I would of been done years ago!!!!

Whatever you put IN TO IT, you'll get out of it. Work hard, over-study, be positive. You'll pass :)

[4xJG]

It's definitely not about being smart enough. If you do well enough to get TO nursing school, you can do well enough to get THROUGH nursing school, and become a nurse. It's about working hard, putting in the study hours needed, and thinking outside of the box sometimes.

It's never too early to start reading up on NCLEX question strategies & rationales. That will help you greatly in your core nursing classes. It sounds like you're willing to do the leg work and you're on the right track. Good luck! (:

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

You got accepted to an early admit RN BSN program. You ARE smart enough. Schools typically don't accept students they don't think will succeed. It is very costly To educate students, they don't want to invest in people that aren't likely to succeed. Keep working hard and you will be fine!

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day, aspiringnurse1122:

Part of learning is making mistakes and learning from them. Based on what you shared, it reads like you have a lot going for you -- hard working, disciplined, determined, time management skills (which are critical in school), and well organized (another critical gift that works wonders in school). Go for it; give it your best.

Thank you.

[happyinmyheart]

Everybody on this forum is so supportive!!! Thank you for your thoughts everybody. I will definitely be trying my hardest. It's comforting to know that others have felt/thought the same!

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day, aspiringnurse1122

As you go for it, I've found https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/how-get-any-846733.html to be extremely helpful. Other info you might find helpful are as follows:

]SQ4R Study Method

]Note Taking Systems - Academic Skills Center: Study Skills Library - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

]

Cornell Notetaking System Explained--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

Google Image Result for http://kenpitts.net/images/cornell_note_how_to.jpg

Time management

Reading University Level Materials--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

How to Read Effectively in the Sciences--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

How to Read and Study Medical Texts--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

More About Effective Textbook Study--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

An Effective Textbook Study Strategy--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

How to Mark a Section of a Textbook Chapter--Textbook Study Strategy--Academic Support

]

Thank you.

[nlitened]

If nursing is something you truly want to do, then you already have what it takes. And don't ever think you are not smart enough to accomplish something you want. Commitment and perseverance are all you need. Stay the course and good luck!

[smmctowelie69]

I have the exact same feelings you are. I have to work weekends and do four days of classes, study, and carry my boyfriend back and forth to work. I'm not that great at math either. I'm scared and excited at the same time. But I also figure if I can pass anatomy with b's I can pass nursing. My prayers go out to everyone.