What are nursing classes really like?

gkbroaro · Oct 8, 2009

I am interested in learning the answer to this too. Also, the level of difficulty?

Coruscatedgirl · Oct 8, 2009

Nursing 101 We are learning the history of nursing, culture and diversity, nursing practice acts (legislation and laws), HIPAA, and we are beginning to learn how to create care plans. Those are the basics.

ccbloom · Oct 8, 2009

Thanks for the reply! Is it mostly just taking notes and studying the material? When do you actually start learning more about procedure and care vs. the history (I do understand that the history of subjects is usually the start of any classes, but it's usually sooooo boring to me )

Trigirl.m · Oct 8, 2009

I think every school is different. I am 4 weeks into N101 (Fundamentals) course at a 2 year diploma program and we have covered nursing history, HIPAA, ethical issues, medical asepsis and head to toe physical assessment (temperature, pulse, BP, Cardio, respiratory, neuro, skin, GI). We sit in class and take notes for 10 hours each week, then practice on our "lab buddy" an hour or two each week for the physical assessment test in two weeks. Every other weekend are designated "clinicals", and so far we've done demonstrations on assessment techniques, bed making, range of motion and bed baths. This upcoming Sunday is our first day at the hospital where we will get a tour and orientation, followed by a scavenger hunt on our floor . Afterwards we will buddy up for bed baths and bed making for the rest of the day. Saturday will be more assessment demonstration and practice.

It sounds like alot, but it is really manageable; we just had our first test and I did well.

Because schools do everything differently, you would probably get the most accurate portrayal by finding someone who is currently going to the nursing school of your choice and asking them, or an adviser.

Good luck!