As the end of August is quickly approaching, I am starting to see more and more posts in the forums about the start of nursing school approaching for many in our community. I thought I would take a moment to share a few pieces of my story, a few tips, and some words of encouragement to complete the puzzle of mystery, nervousness, and excitement that often makes up nursing school.
A few years ago, I began my pre-requisites as a pre-nursing student. I worked hard, studied hard, and in a matter of time it all paid off. I was accepted into my program and was officially a real nursing student. I obtained my first stethoscope, fulfilled my pre-clinical requirements, and before I knew it I was ready for my first day of school; the first day of the rest of my life.
The first day of class was orientation and we had to wear our school scrubs. They were rough, uncomfortable, and stiff. But still, we all wore them with pride. One by one we all filled the lecture hall and as I looked around at everyone coming in I saw a similar look on everyone's face. You probably know it; it's the look that a deer gets when they look into your headlights as you're coming down the road toward them. Yeah, that's the one. We were all scared, nervous, yet so excited for the road ahead.
After we were all settled in our seats our professors finally arrived, they all had smiles on their faces, a sort of calm in the storm. They began to explain the expectations of the program, told us about the clinical facilities, and even began lecturing on the fundamentals of nursing. At the end of the day we all went around the room and stated why we wanted to be nurses. Most of us said that we wanted to help people, others had a story about health issues in the family that opened their eyes to nursing, others were making a career change, and the list went on.
By the end of orientation we were all exhausted and surprised by the amount of work we were in for. Later that day, we went to tour the clinical facility, it was very big and a bit intimidating for us students. We all looked around in awe at the physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff running around to tend to patients and get their work done. I looked around and I saw the nurses in their matching uniforms and on their name badges I saw those two letters that I sought after, "RN." One day, that is going to be me, I thought to myself. I watched as they swiftly moved through the hallways and envied their confidence.
As time went on, we started our clinical shifts, we became more comfortable in our program, we got used to the way we were tested, and we were adapting to the workload. Each day got better, time went on, and before I knew it, our professors were talking about the different phases of being a new graduate nurse, how to register for NCLEX and obtain our licenses, and the pinning and graduation fees.
Looking back on that first day, now, I can't believe how far I have come. So to you nursing students, I say, it does get better. We all started out scared. At one point or another all of us were the wide-eyed student sitting in your seat feeling worried, excited, scared, and any other emotion you might feel. Many of us have made it through and so can you.
During nursing school my best friends were my fellow nursing students, we cried together, we laughed together, we studied together, I mean, I literally can't think of anything we didn't do together. Try your best to make nice with those around you. Granted, you won't get along with everyone, but do your best to learn from each other. Everyone in your program has something to offer. Make friends with the 'A' students, and if you are the 'A' student, help your peers. Also, develop strong study habits in the beginning that you can carry through to the end.
During clinical, I was never at the nurse's station, unless I was charting, looking at labs, or looking at the chart. Our clinical instructors did not allow us to stand around, if you have down time, go around the rooms and check on the patients. Getting a blanket for a cold patient seems so simple, but it will likely make their day, and it gives you something to do. Stay busy. Clinical is your time to learn and soak up everything that you can before you get out in the real world. If a nurse says they are placing an NG tube, ask if you can do it! Do not be afraid to try new things. Always take opportunities when they arise and don't be a wall flower as this is your time to learn. You don't learn very much if you are sitting around collecting dust.
Even if you don't get the opportunity to do something, go watch! If a fellow nursing student is putting in a catheter with your instructor, see if you might be able to watch. You get out of your clinical experiences what you put in. Even if a procedure is something only a physician can do, watch anyway! Run and tell your fellow students (as long as the patient is okay with it). Even though it may be something only the physician can do; it is still a learning opportunity. You can learn how nurses assist during those procedures. Not only that, but, there have been countless times when I went in to watch a procedure and the physician in the room taught me everything they knew.
So, here I am, a few years after my first day of nursing school; a new graduate nurse. I was in your position, student nurses, not too long ago. I remember so vividly how it feels, but mark my words, it does get better. Even if you are not successful on your first try, get up, and try again. Each day will get a little bit easier, don't get me wrong, it is a lot of work, but you will learn to manage your days. Listen to your clinical instructors, listen to your body, and give it your best each and every day. You will be alright; you can make it through, and when your days get rough find that willpower from deep within. Picture yourself as a nurse when you start to feel discouraged, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. I learned quickly the importance of a good support system. Lean on your fellow nursing students and others close to you, take it one day at a time, and study hard.
One day, soon enough, you too will look back on your first day of nursing school and you too will be amazed at how far you have come.
