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I don't want to sound like I am bragging or anything of the sort. I am a J1. 3rd year first semester in my BSN program. I was FREAKED out when I was reading everything on this forum about how hard nursing school was before I was accepted into my program. I am still freaked out by how much my fellow students complain about how difficult this semester is. I'll preface by saying that so far it isn't "easy". However, it isn't anywhere near as difficult as people have told me it is. I have all A's in my classes, have taken several tests in each class, and am about to start passing meds in clinical. So far I have all A's in my classes. I honestly spend MAYBE a total of 2 hours a day studying/busy work for my classes.

I don't have a job or a significant other, so I don't have significant distractions. However, I could see having both and still not having an issue with school. It honestly is just not that difficult. You took A&P, you can EASILY do this.

Another thing people keep bringing up is that they do NOTHING but study, sleep, eat and go to class. I'd say that was my life for the first two weeks of class, but it soon became an after thought. Again, I honestly don't spend that much time on homework/studying/busy work. It just isn't that hard. So far most of it is common sense, except for patho/pharm in which you need to study for no doubt.

People. It's not that bad. Looking at my GPA before entering my program compared to everyone else that joined my program, I don't understand how I was accepted. I am not a superstar 4.0 gpa student. That isn't me. However, I am out performing those people while spending a third of the time they are on the subjects at hand.

Study tips: When you study, DEDICATE yourself to the subject at hand. Eliminate EVERY distraction you have. Lock yourself in your room. Let people know you are not to be bothered. Hammer it out and take time to do you, and get sleep after a long period of study.... Oh you don't feel like you know EVERY LAST DETAIL for your patho/pharm class the night before your test? Well, just remember, sleep, diet and NO STRESS is key to getting an A. One thing about these tests... You can ALWAYS make a question a 50/50 chance if you have at least a little bit of knowledge. When taking the test, rely on your gut. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ANSWER unless you read it over and KNOW that it was 100% wrong (hit a brick wall and knew it).

Take care, and know that you will succeed, and if you put heart into it, you will become an amazing nurse.

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

Are you only in your first semester of actual nursing classes? I wouldn't jump the gun by saying "You took A&P, you can EASILY do this." I don't really find much truth to that, as it only gets harder in later semesters. Maybe critical thinking doesn't come as easily to others. Maybe some people just need to relax, but I wouldn't put them down for having a harder time than you.

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Specializes in Home health.

Ahh that's what I was saying after my first semester which I managed to finish with a 4.0. However, every semester after that has gotten harder - much harder! In my 3rd semester we have lost about 20 people and not a single person was able to get an a. All I did was study day and night. So it's good you have study habits that work for you, I'd keep it up and not get overconfident

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

You may be outperforming everyone because you have no serious relationship, no kids, and no job. Most people have to work during school. Lucky you...

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I disagree with the distractions thing. I am the type of person that becomes more focused on school the more hectic my life is. I love the sciences so I tend to absorb the information naturally. I am a mom of three children, lost my brother to suicide, and my husband has been deployed. I also have a special needs child. I managed a 4.0 GPA pre-nursing. We are all different and different things will focus or not focus us. Some people party...I learn. /meh It is what it is. Don't compare apples to oranges. You'll find out there are few things in common when you do. To each their own, right?

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Each semester gets more and more difficult because it builds upon what you have learned in previous classes.

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Specializes in Psych.

Congrats to you for not thinking it's that hard, for not having a significant other, and for not having children. It isn't that easy for most people, but, again, very happy that it is for you. Edit: oh, you don't have a JOB, either? Wow, lucky you. But even if you DID have all that stuff, you'd manage just fine, eh? ;)

Did you just start your junior year? Congrats, it's going to get more difficult! But keep up that attitude & maybe you'll do golden! ;)

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Specializes in Psych.
Each semester gets more and more difficult because it builds upon what you have learned in previous classes.

That is so true!!!

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It gets MUCH more difficult with the passing semesters. It may not be that bad for you b/c you don't have many, or any other commitments, but that is not most peoples situation.

I suspect your post would sound different if you had a job, kids, and your own household to take care of.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think we need to be respectful of everyone's point of view. Everyone has a different experience in school and not everyone really struggles with nursing school. I think 2 hours a day is studying and it seems to me that the OP has found their niche!

I see the OP trying to share their experience of school and what works for them. I agree that having a family and work has it's own challenges when you are in school......but the OP is just sharing their point of view!

Allnurses promotes the idea of lively debate.

This means anyone is free to disagree with anyone on any type of subject matter as long as your criticism is constructive and polite and to please refrain from name-calling. This is divisive, rude, and derails the thread. The first priority is to the members that have come here because of the flame-free atmosphere the is provided.

There is a zero-tolerance policy here against personal attacks. We will not tolerate anyone insulting other's opinion nor name calling.

Our call is to be supportive, not divisive.

OP school will become more challenging as you progress for the school will expect more and more from you. I'm glad that you are finding nursing a natural fit!

Good Luck to you on your nursing journey!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Every student is unique - resources, abilities, motivation, challenges. . . It's not a competition. Be happy for your colleagues' successes, and empathetic to their struggles but in the end, the most important thing for each of us is our own accomplishment.

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