What is the most challenging thing about attending nursing school?

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I was just wondering what is/was the most challenging thing about nursing school. I have wanted to do something in medicine since I was a little girl. I went so far as majoring in Biomedical Sciences for my first two years of college. I soon gave up b/c I couldn't get a better than a b in ochem and calculus and I really wanted to be a dr and I knew that there was no way I would be accepted to medical school. It was very heartbreaking for me. I settled with a Psych degree. I'm now married and 2 kiddos later I am hoping to become a RN. Looking back on it I wouldn't want to become a doctor- a RN is a better fit for me. And actually after having my kids I am a more focused student. For me failure is NOT an option. I am trying to prep myself for a challenge. What for you is your biggest challenge with school?

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For me, the exams back to back. You get little room for error. I had class this AM and I am still trying to recoupe from our pharmacology exam. I earned an 80% which is passing, but I am still a bit down about it.:uhoh21:

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The hardest things: juggling work, reading, clinical and studying for exams

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The toughest thing for me about nursing school was the workload. In one week, I could have two full days on clinical (and, because of that one night staying up with my patient assignment learning and getting all the required paperwork done before the a.m.), two days of class and one or two tests!

Add studying into all of that and it seems impossible!

But, I did it, and so can you! I graduated on May 4th, and am taking my state boards (NCLEX) this monday! Hopefully I pass and can say I'm an "RN"!!

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

Definitely the amount of information thrown at you and the fact that you have one, two, or sometimes three exams a week -- every week. And then all of the exams on top of preparing for your labs and clinicals and doing any other work that is due.

But it is definitely doable! I have learned that while in nursing school I am going to study hard, but rather study smart. There is just too much information to master, so I pick out the pertinent information and the information my professors are focusing on. I am only a little over a month into my program and doing very well so far -- just stay organized and on top of everything.

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Specializes in PCU/Hospice/Oncology.

stress

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The hardest part of nursing school for me has been time management. I left corporate america to attend nursing school and the transition alone was stressful because I had to adapt to a new way of thinking (criticially). Other than that, I pulled it off and now look forward to entering my 2nd semester this fall!

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Specializes in Cardiovascular Step Down & Trauma ICU.

I have to agree with many of the previous posts - the amount of information you are responsible for learning is quite overwhelming. However, I too have kids, and time management has been the greatest lesson for me to learn. But I've managed to keep my 4.0! (Sorry, had to brag a little; my 9 year old thinks I'm a nerd). Anyhow, it won't be easy, but it is totally attainable. And it will feel oh-so-good when you're done!

:mortarboard: Good luck to ya!

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Ditto what everyone said, and adding to it the fact that I have two kids at home and we are struggling financially.

You need to focus on your studying, but who can focus when you are exhausted from lack of sleep, long clinicals and trying to run a household?

It's very tiring.

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Trying for a balance between nursing school and family. Sometimes I wish the world would just stop while I am in school. But like everyone has said it is doable. I have 6 more months left then it's time to stress over the NCLEX! Maybe I'm silly for thinking this but that has to be easier. Study for one HUGE test. No papers, careplans, med cards, group projects!! (OH how I hate group projects!!)

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I have not found anything yet to be exceptionally hard (but that is subjective), it is the amount of things you need to learn and understand in a short amount of time that is difficult.

I have 2 kids (ages 5 and 9), a job in the ICU (two 12 hour shifts a week, I work nights 7p-7a) and a husband that works ft and is a ft student as well as a chronically ill mother that needs help sometimes. I also "get" things pretty fast so I think that helps as well when it comes to both bookwork and clinicals--you need to be excellent in both. I do very well in school and enjoy it a great deal! I think my job helps a GREAT deal and I encourage every nursing students to get a job in the hospital doing something--it really does help with school.

Organization is what it is all about!!!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Agree pretty much with what everyone else is saying... There is just so much info thrown at you, sometimes its a bit overwhelming. As soon as you get through with one test (usually 2 tests) there is another one (or 2) to study for. Not really any breaks. But in someways I like that because it feels like time is flying by. (7th week/16month program!!)

Good luck to you. Just remember, there is a lot but it's definitely do-able!! You can do it!! Stay positive- it really helps!

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