What I Really Learned in Nursing School

As a senior about to graduate from my BSN program, I began reflecting on what I learned throughout my four years of nursing school. In my classes, I learned pathophysiology, pharmacology, anatomy, and countless nursing skills but it was my experience in clinical that taught me what it really means to be a nurse. Nursing Students General Students Article

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What I Really Learned in Nursing School

What I learned in nursing school is how to set up an IV fluid set, what to do when a patient is exhibiting signs of septic shock, the most intricate details of hundreds of medications, how to give different types of intramuscular injections, and how to titrate oxygen. I learned the best nursing practice measures to prevent infection, how to change a central line dressing, how research drives evidence-based practice, how to complete a head-to-toe physical assessment, how to calculate weight based dosages for pediatric patients, etc. The list goes on and on...

But what I really learned in nursing school is how to balance 20 hours of clinical a week with my other classes and a part-time job. I learned how to prepare myself for walking through the hospital doors where I will take care of patients and their families on what may be the worst day of their lives. I learned that listening with open ears can speak more volumes than words and sometimes that is really what my patients need. I learned that my patients want to have a voice, be heard, and be understood. I learned the importance of validation and encouragement. I learned that nursing is extremely difficult but rewarding. I learned how to speak up and advocate for my patients because if I don't, then who will?

What I really learned in nursing school is that sometimes what seems like "no big deal" to me can make all the difference. During my medical-surgical rotation, I was taking care of an oncology patient who was receiving chemotherapy and a complicated concoction of medications. After I had completed his physical assessment that morning, I asked if I could get him anything. He told me his bed was making him feel itchy and uncomfortable. Although I figured the itchiness was related to his dry skin from the chemotherapy, I had a few minutes to spare so I ran down to the basement of the hospital to grab special, hypoallergenic sheets for him. While my patient was walking around the unit, I went into his room and did my best to make his bed with the new sheets as perfectly as I possibly could. When he returned to his room and saw his bed all made up for him he got teary-eyed and hugged me. The next day, he told me that he was actually able to sleep for the first time in weeks. Even though this happened two years ago, I remember it because it was the day I learned the true meaning of the saying, "it's the little things."

What I really learned in nursing school is that to some, I may be "just a nurse" but to the little toddler who squeezes my hand during scary procedures, I'm a superhero and to the beautiful, elegant lady who spent hours sharing her life stories and wisdom with me while on hospice, I'm an angel. I learned that nursing is extremely challenging but rewarding. I learned that I do not need the significance of my choice of profession to be validated by my peers or by my parents. I learned how to calmly and respectfully answer the question, "You're really smart. Why aren't you becoming a doctor?" I learned that what I'm doing is important and that I have the privilege to make a difference in people's lives every single day. I learned that nursing is science, nursing is art, and nursing is love. What I really learned in nursing school is that I have so much more to learn and although this career I have chosen will never be easy, it will be so, so worth it.

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amb218

About amb218, BSN, RN

Amanda is a senior BSN student graduating in May 2016. Her passions include community service and raising awareness for cancer research. She hopes to work in pediatrics after graduation.

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This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing and posting this!!

Would you mind if I share the link to this article on my nursing class's private group page on Facebook?!

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...I would just love~ to see an one year update.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.

Please do! Thank you so much ?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.
g.elizabeth said:
This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing and posting this!!

Would you mind if I share the link to this article on my nursing class's private group page on Facebook?!

Please do! Thank you so much! ?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.
DTWriter said:
...I would just love~ to see an one year update.

I realize that once I become a nurse, things will be a lot different...but that wasn't the point of my article. I incorporated the story about my oncology patient to show that as a nursing student, I often felt like I was really limited in what I could do for my patients. I soon realized though, that there were SO many things that I could do for my patients because I was a student. For example, a nurse could never leave the floor for so long to run down to the basement to get special sheets for my patient, but I COULD. It was a very important realization for me.

Also, I have met nurses with 20 years of experience that are just as enthusiastic and excited about nursing as they were when they first started. I know it's going to be extremely difficult and that's why I made a point of saying I know what I'm getting into. Thanks for reading and yes, I do hope to post again about what I learned during my first year of nursing. Stay tuned!

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Beautiful! Don't let naysayers or pessimists take your enthusiasm.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Telemetry CCU ICU.

Now that you are out of nursing school, you should know that you NEVER really leave the learning environment. Everyday you will learn something new, even if it's not apparent to you at first. If you look at the little things, you will find them.

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@DTwriter- talk about nurses who eat their young. Everyone who is a nurse does not loose their passion after a year. Yes, I'm sure the flame doesn't burn quite as strong but on a regular basis I find myself able to recall why I love what I do and also a way to do a small gesture that means the world to my patients.

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I was delighted after reading your article and I can relate. I will begin a nursing program starting this Fall 2016 and I am really excited to start. It's been very challenging and somewhat discouraging the past few years of retaking entry exams (Kaplan & Teas )for numerous schools and nursing programs, but my passion is what had me not give up. So it has been very refreshing reading everyone's experiences/stories and saying to myself "finally someone who relates", So I would like to take this time out and thank you for yours.

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Hey jackcast, I see you applied for the swboces LPN program, did you get in if you don't mind me asking ? I applied and got accepted last week.... I was hoping to find prospective students on here to go through the applying process and just keep each other informed.

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This is so insightful! I came across your profile trying to research the CHOP summer externship, and reading this was so incredibly inspiring! I am currently a junior nursing student, and have an interview for the CHOP nurse externship this February 9th and I am so nervous!! I was wondering if there is any way I could contact you for any advice you may have! I feel I could learn so much from you!

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