What kind of attitude does a nursing student need to succeed?

[Despareux]

Based on your own observations and experience, what characteristics are vital for success?

[Heinz beans]

Perserverence, as there are a lot of obstacles, upsets and setbacks. You just have to keep working at it to get through.

[ProudRN2B]

I agree with the previous post, for sure! Also be adaptable. At least in our program, they change things last minute and expect you to know the changes without them telling you.

You can not procrastinate. Stay ahead of your studies.

And be organized.

[GeneralJinjur]

Learn to let stuff go. Most of my fellow students are stressed out of their gourds because they hang on to every little thing that the instructors change or do wrong. Your nursing school will hold all of the cards and they can change everything on a whim. Since being miffed won't change a darned thing, just plan to jump through their hoops. I can't decide if I'm optimistic or fatalistic, but this approach is working quite well for me and I'll graduate in December.

Oh, and as far as understanding difficult concepts, try to explain it to a child. If you can reduce it to that level, you understand it.

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

Perserverence would be my #1 too. Nursing school has its many obstacles and no way could you get through it without a little sweat and tears. I'm not done yet, but nursing has made me realize what a tough cookie I am and how far I've come. I started out completely clueless and had no idea what I had gotten myself into- after all I was a baby. I applied to the program when I was 18! The idea of competing with people twice my age with previous degrees was intimidating, but I am holding my own.

[Despareux]

Oh, and as far as understanding difficult concepts, try to explain it to a child. If you can reduce it to that level, you understand it.

I use this technique on my own children and it has been very, very useful.

Sounds like perseverance and the ability to decipher a mountain from a mole hill are pretty important.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

You need to be hard working, because you will be putting long hours in.

You need to be organized because you have lots to do. You'll have tests at least every 2 weeks and you'll have papers to write. Get a planner or if you have a PDA, utilize the calendar feature.

You need to be flexible. Semper Gumby is my school's unofficial motto.

You should be eager to learn, but given that you are already in nursing school, you're probably like that anyway.

[GeneralJinjur]

I use this technique on my own children and it has been very, very useful.

Me too, but I didn't want to count on your having children. Another weird plus is that your kids will declare the endocrine system their favorite body part!

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

+ Perseverance

+ Determination

+ Compassion/Empathy

+ Organized, able to prioritize (though prioritizing nursing actions comes with time)

+ Hard-working

+ Flexible - because you just never know lol. There have been a lot times where faculty have made changes to my course schedules!

+ Willingness to learn - nursing is a "ongoing learning" process. In nursing school you have a lot to learn to be able to function as a new grad RN, but the learning does not stop there. There will always be new drugs and other treatments, procedures, new equipment, etc that you need to learn about. You will also have to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits every year or two to maintain your license (I think the amount varies by state? Not 100% sure how that works)

[Chapis]

a nursing student must be organized, and can't get behind on assignments, reading, etc, which that leads to no procrastinaiton, and a very humble attitude. don't argue with your instructors, they're there to teach us, not to make our life hell.

good luck to everyone on this upcoming semester.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Humility.

You WILL screw up, you WONT know everything, accept it and learn from it.

[Heinz beans]

In addition to what I have said and others, don't expect to get straight A's all the time. Thre are so many reasons out of your control that contribute to your grade that will impact on your quality of work. Sometimes just downright stupid examiners who nearly flunk the whole class. Just let it go...you will get your piece of paper at the end.