Starting Pre- Nursing this fall.... any advice or words of encouragement

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm not going to lie: I'm getting nervous about school this fall. This fun and busy summer is coming to an end and it's time to get serious. I visited my campus recently and talked to many nursing school students and they've all said that it's not an easy major and of course it's very competitive (at least 3.6 GPA to get accepted). Due to my anxiety I'm worried that I'll be weeded out because of a low GPA, or that I won't have the strict self discipline needed to study daily at the library or not having a social life.... the list goes on and on.

Anyway, I've always been fascinated by medicine. After job shadowing numerous medical professionals and years of volunteering at a local hospital I've found that nursing best matched my personality.

I figure that anything that's worth doing is hard because if it was easy then everyone would be doing it, right?

I hope to hear from some of you!

Sincerely,

A new member sandcrab21

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I would say to try to stop freaking yourself out!!! Your instructors are there to teach and are going to go from basic to complex. It is not impossible and many people, myself included, thought the same thing when starting nursing school. However, many of those same people passed nursing school and boards. Yea, it will require studying and countless hours of reading, but you will adjust as the program rolls on and begin to feel more comfortable.

You should always take a weekend day off if possible, or do easy, busy work if you absolutely have to do something. The name of the game is to keep on top of things early, where you are not feeling the heat at the end. I aim to get everything I can get done (papers, worksheets, case studies, etc.) like within the first 2-3 weeks of a semester starting so when you have that 10-page paper, 20 chapter exam, and a clinical practicum to do in one week, you won't have to devote hours on completing that paper, you'll just have to worry about the exam and practicum.

That was a huge tangent, kinda... But just don't slack off and you'll do fine!

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I finished my pre reqs this past spring and I start my nursing program in the fall and boy am I glad those pre reqs are done! The best advice I can give is try to stay focused and dedicate yourself to this, this will be your life so do the best you can. If you feel like you are slacking off or feeling lazy remind yourself what you want in the first place and know you have to work hard to get it. Make yourself competitive and work hard, even if you dont get in on the first try keep trying and keep your mind set on the goal. Remember the best has yet to come! Good luck and I wish you the best!

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Specializes in Hospice.

I second Cheripk's advice. It took three tries for me to get in. The first time, I hadn't done near the classes I needed to do but I got on the alternate list anyway. Didn't get in. Kept taking pre and co reqs. Didn't get in second time because my GPA had suffered during my mom's illness. Third time was a charm. I had brought my GPA up (though not drastically) and had taken all the pre and co reqs I possibly could. I think the main difference was a cover letter on my application and also a reccomendation letter from a very well respected MD professor I had A & P II and Nutrition with. I got As in both those classes. So she was more than happy to write me a letter. She also mentioned my volunteer service. You need to do everything to push your application over the top and make it stand out. I would say do the very best you can on pre reqs, start volunteering in your community now (even Meals on Wheels is volunteering and very flexible with your schedule), and just keep at it til you get in. Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Go for the BSN...

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I'm working on my pre-reqs right now. Best advice I can give is to really buckle down and get serious. Also, never be afraid to speak up... that means asking questions in class and seeing your professors during office hours. Take advantage of your resources. Do not scare yourself! You can do this!

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Specializes in 1.

Yes try to relax! You are not expected to know everything you are there to learn. But also tie up any loose ends that may distract you during nursing school. I honestly quit alot of my social commitments because I already knew I was going to be swamped. Take advantage of extra help that your school may give you in the form of TA's, office hours, and going to class most importantly!! Good luck.

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Stay focus, and never give up!

Try to find a place to study that works well for you. Try coffee shops, school study rooms, libraries, etc.

Take notes in class, record the lectures, and find a good buddy in class who is willing to share his or notes with you, in case you miss class.

Buy an agenda - mark all important dates (midterm, final, paper, last day to drop, reading assignments, etc.).

Know your teachers contact information and open hours

Find time to relax!

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