Hello nursing students!! I have a question for you...
I am currently working on my pre-reqs, and the sooner I get to applying, I am hearing more and more how "hard" nursing school is...how it "sucks"...and how it is "really hard on relationships"......
My advisor has even said you have no life while going to NS.
Please, please tell me what is it EXACTLY that makes them say this. Is it the work/study load? Is it clinical time? Is it that "hard"? what exactly? how is it different from what I am doing now with my classes?
I really appreciate what you have to say. At least I will know the whys of what I am hearing!
(I've also heard of how bad chemistry is, and I'm loving that...so it's all relative, isn't it??)
You guys are so consumed with learning how to be a nurse, you just have no idea what lyes ahead in the real working world.
And there will come a time when you wonder "why did I do this", "my heart was in it", "I made good grades," "I didn't have a social life," "infact I gave up everything to do this and its not worth the pay".
I used to think because RNs got paid more, that would compensate for all of the extra work I had put on me....NOT!
I got paid good money even being an LPN and I can tell you right now, it doesn't make any after years of doing nursing, something you once loved, can make you such B.
It will, mark my word.
I got out! I now work with my husband who is a wonderful boss, unlike the many supers I had that allthey wanted to do was write you up! I put everything in nursing. I gave up seeing my two kids grow up in their most vital years, a relationship with my dear husband, seeing my family on holidays, and you know what? None of this makes a hill of beans to the ones you are nursing. They could care less.
I think out of all of the years I worked as a nurse, I only met 1 other lady who was married, the rest were divorced!
So ask yourself, Is this really worth it????
Wow, so nursing wasn't for you....but there are a lot of nurses out there that are happy with their jobs. Out of curiosity, why are you on this board? To discourage others or discourage the nursing profession?
I have several family members who have been nurses for many years and have husbands, families, and jobs they are satisfied and successful at. I'm still in nursing school and look forward to getting into the field. I'm a returning student at age 35, this is my second round of college, and I think nursing is a great career choice if you can handle the duties of the job.
If you are accepted, go to school and talk to current nursing students. You will know what to expect.
Practice your test taking skills and be quick in writing papers. You can get textbook " Nursing fundamentals" and study guide, and study on your own. Learn medical terminology, CNA training and if you have time, work in the field.
I will be graduating from the LPN program in Canada in May. My goal is to work for a couple of years before bridging to the RN program. I am glad I did it this way, as the year I started the program I had been out of school for 15 years., and my kids were 8 months, 12 and 13. I had always wanted to be a nurse, but I foolishly got married right out of high school to an abusive man. Thankfully I have since divorced. Anyway, this course is a lot of work. I never seem to get all my reading done. Paying attention is class makes a huge difference, (surprisingly, there are several students who chat it up in class, and then wonder why they are struggling!?!), as well as taking notes, to keep you focused. At least in my school, at the beginning of every semester, we get tentative dates for all tests, exams, assignments, reflections, presentations etc...It is sort of overwhelming in the beginning, HOWEVER, at least you can plan!! I always keep a small day planner with all due dates, as well as a cue card listing for each class, all due dates for each. If I have unexpected time, then I can very quickly determine what I should spend the 'free time' on. Time management certainly is crucial to try to fit everything in, especially when you have a family to care for as well! So far I have a 92% average which I am very proud of, as there are girls in my class who are still living at home, no responsibilties, but they chose to spend their free time partying, which is reflected in their grades!
Most of what you heard is true. But I have learnt that it is how you handle the work is key. The work to become an RN is soooo much that it can overload some.
What I did was form a small group of seven and studied together. While going to class 8 to 4 we decided on study hours of 6 in the evening to 10 at night Mon to Fri and the weekend was yours for your family and friends expecially that special someone.
Another advice dont leave work to pile up. that is the killer. Study friends come in handy to pick up work you may not have been able to do. For example, members of the group who dont have children or relationships were able to pile up information for projects to make it a bit easier for those who had husbands and children. But those persons truly have to be your friends.
Abd last but not least NEVER GIVE UP. It is all worth it in the end.
Im finding that excelling well in school is more about time management than anything else. You need to try and not stress out and just find time to study. If you wait till the day before you might not always have time to adequately prepare.
I'll admit--I'm not giving up my life for school, and I'm doing pretty good. It is what you make of it.
As you know I've given up my life for school. I think it will be worth it in the end though (at least I hope so). Nothing worth having ever comes easy. But there are times when I wish I had full personal life!!
It is hard but you can do it. I am newly engaged, just bought a new house, work and I am in the hardist quarter of nursing school. It takes a really patient partner, a great study group, and sleep deprivation. As long as you keep motivated, keep the ahead, and have some time left to study it willbe okay. To get ahead I would recommend pharmacology flash cards and possibly and and NCLEX read your book. Though start testing you on these style of qestion within your first quarter. Good luck
I just started my LAST clinical yesterday!! The count down to the National Licensing exam on May 19th is on! Time management is going to be crucial, as well as a lack of a social life, to get through these last few months. We have 5 weeks of clinical with 3 projects to complete not including all the care plan, a week of exams, 5 weeks of Internship again with the lovely care plans, a week off to prep for Nationals, and then Nationals on May 19th. Of course I have bronchitis... It's hectic, but if you you thrive on fast paced environments, are an adrenaline junkie (a long term goal of mine is to work in the ER), it's a helluva ride! My goal of nursing school was concieved in my teens, but life got in the way. I will be 35 this year, and am glad to finally be able to achieve this goal!!! BTW, I think it helps to already be a mom when it comes to sleep deprivation...you've already been there, done that!
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Im finding that excelling well in school is more about time management than anything else. You need to try and not stress out and just find time to study. If you wait till the day before you might not always have time to adequately prepare.
SOOOOOO true. I breezed through first semester with lots of time on my hands. I didn't want to give that up this semester although I didn't have the time I used to. I decided to read a series of 9 books (I am a fast reader but it still took way to much of my time and I am not someone that can just pause when reading a book). I should have never started them 2 days before Second semester started. It took a huge toll on 2 of my tests because I dedicated no time to studying.
Anyway, when I put forth the effort to study (and not insane amounts) I do well.
Yes, NS is very hard. I study a lot. I have made a lot of sacrifices in my personal and (present) professional life. I am 43 yrs old. I love RN and this is the career I want for the rest of my working life. Whatever the sacrifices are, the biggest sacrifice would be to NOT become a RN. The other sacrifices pale in comparison.
I graduated in 1993 from nursing school and it was hard, mind you, but what I am hearing about nursing school now seems super hard. You have to pass a calculation test every semester, and you are given real life health problems where the answers sound crazy. Also, an accelerated program has me in doubt. I know it sounds cool to do an accelerated program, but nursing school should not be in a rush mode. I think if you are rushed, you can't take it all in. That is my 0.02 cents.
I've given up my life for school. I think it will be worth it in the end though (at least I hope so). Nothing worth having ever comes easy. But there are times when I wish I had full personal life!!.thumb.jpg.5aa4d55557c0228e31b94de19666bbbb.jpg){kind=small}
wahwahgerman
85 Posts
Wow, so nursing wasn't for you....but there are a lot of nurses out there that are happy with their jobs. Out of curiosity, why are you on this board? To discourage others or discourage the nursing profession?
I have several family members who have been nurses for many years and have husbands, families, and jobs they are satisfied and successful at. I'm still in nursing school and look forward to getting into the field. I'm a returning student at age 35, this is my second round of college, and I think nursing is a great career choice if you can handle the duties of the job.