What knowledge from training do you use?

Hello everyone,

I'm a pre-nursing student finishing up her prerequisites before entering the RN program. I plan on entering pediatrics, labor and delivery, or nicu. I am a good student, and am in the honors program, but I am having a lot of trouble with the one class that is essentially the gateway into nursing for me.

The Biology for allied health class I am in is the prerequisite before taking human anatomy & physiology I and II, and microbiology. The class basically teaches students about the structure of cells, the structure of DNA, and the basic functions of the body at the cellular level. I just can't seem to wrap this level of science around my brain. I'm not sure if it is partially because my teacher is a hard grader, or if I'm really just not cut out for this... I am passing the class (so far), and on some lessons have done quite well, but I am not sure I will get a good grade in the class.

I understand the basic functions of the body, and have a basic understanding of what pregnancy, childbirth, and pediatric health are about, as I am a mom myself. I don't mean to sound cocky, I know I still have a LOT to learn. I just mean that I understand a lot of the terminology and what certian procedures entail, having done a lot of preperatory research during my pregnancy. I believe I will catch on when I start to learn the details of organ functions and what-not, but I keep hearing that nursing programs are really hard, and I question whether I am capable...

I guess what I'm getting at is... was it difficult for anyone else getting through the "basics" before even getting into practical training, such as doing clinicals? Is it really that training is HARD, or more that it just entails a lot of dedication, focus, and effort to succeed? (ie-you have to study in order to learn, it's not an "easy ride")

Any comments/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you