Tips on Getting Through Pre-Nursing from a Fellow Pre-Nursing Student
Life is a journey, so is pre-nursing. Keep it in perspective. You are there for a reason, try to remember them." Its just the first thing that came to my head that I found properly displays the message I am trying to show.
NursesAnnouncementsArchiveArticle
My ten tips for dealing with pre-nursing classes (as I have experienced it.)
1. Shoot high Early. My first semester back I took all math, and science. it was an experiment for me to see if I was even capable of the work. I shot for a 4.0 at midterm I had it, and ended up with two bs instead of my 4.0. I came down with a lung abscess, and could have died. If I hadn't worked so hard early on I would not have passed, much less done well enough to justify the money I spent.
2. Results not excuses. Excuses won't get you through pre-nursing I have plenty. Clinical depression, Chron's disease, and I had an 11cm lung abscess. Then I heard a story about a man with cancer, who would go to chemo, and still go to nursing school. That man earned his right for a seat in nursing school, and it was his right to attend. I lamented my fate, but I learned some people walked harder roads than me, so it was a wake up call for me.
3. Wake up calls. I bombed my first quiz in statistics 36% I spent the entire week studying, and got a 96% on the exam. Take your wake up calls early, and let it give you a sense of urgency. We all make mistakes, work to rectify them early before they snowball.
4. If you are in a hole start climbing. I started back with a 2.55 cumulative. Its at 3.235 its still not very competitive. I could blame my crohn's disease, but it won't get me into nursing school. You know what might graduating with my associate studies science with a 3.5 which is what I have the opportunity to do.
5. 4 Brings me to my next point, Look at each semester as an opportunity. Every semester brings the opportunity to improve yourself. My GPA is steadily climbing each semester, and I love the ride.
6. Remember why you are taking these classes I am a tutor, so I see this all the time when I tutor, and I imagine its the same with nursing school. They are trying to groom you for the rigors of the next class, and in turn your education is trying to groom you for whatever you are going for. So remember why you are learning what you are learning, its not busy work, its so you have a chance at achieving a level of educational, and professional success that takes years of work.
7. Get ahead early. Its so much easier on you if you get ahead early, you can relax, and get 8 hours of sleep instead of cramming. So if you have the opportunity to do something a week in advance do it.
8. Take a CNA course. I know a lot of people turn their noses up at this one, and its not really necessary. However My CNA course taught me a basis for many classes to come, and critical thinking skills that I would need to succeed in classes like anatomy. Also before you drop 60 grand on your education a CNA course will give you a taste of what its like to care for a person who cannot care for themselves, and its a great way to make excellent contacts with professors who can teach you amazing things about the medical field, and students who also have similar goals and stories.
9. Enjoy the ride. Remember you have a goal, but try to enjoy each semester of material it makes it so much easier when you don't fear going to class to learn each day. Try to develop a mindset "todays going to be a good one." You might be surprised how good your day is.
10. Gauge yourself early, and adjust. If you are struggling with something that is going to be on a test, be aware of it, and prepare accordingly. I was very diligent in learning nomenclature in chemistry because it was something I struggled with. So I paid extra attention in class when it came up, and I am seeing tutors to review the material. Identify your strengths don't neglect them, but focus extra time on your weaknesses. I hope this helps I apply to nursing programs this fall wish me luck! I have been at pre-nursing about a year. P.S. Apply to multiple schools!!! Nursing is competitive so apply to as many schools as you are eligible within your area. I will be applying to over half a dozen in the fall.
