What is the one thing you wish you were told before starting nursing school

LEN-RN · Jul 13, 2009

I agree with the post about personal life. Let your friends and family know that they may not hear from you AS MUCH.

My family was in the stone age, I was a stay at home mom, (nothing wrong with that) but I never realized how handicapped I made everyone. There was SO much resistance when I started. OMG you would have thought I was beating them.

I should have bought stock in paperplates and cups, I probably filled half a land fill with paper products after realizing that no fairy god mother was going to show up to clean my kitchen.
Laundry was an issue, it seemed that underwear and socks got dirty by themselves, so I found myself picking up packs at Walmart, hoping no one got a rash from wearing them right out of the plastic.
My crockpot was my bestfriend. I dont use her anymore I dont know where she went.
On line banking and bill pay(someone already suggested this) HUGE help.
Listen in class, sit up close but not too close, stay away from the drama queens/kings, and like someone said, dont be a know it all. Listen. Listen. Listen. And if you dont get what is being taught, please dont lean to the person next to you and say "what was that??explain that to me........" because that person will miss what is being taught when your asking them questions. Please wait until after after the lecture or demonstration.
and if the teacher is reviewing for a test or quiz write it down!!!!! If the teacher doesnt review, YOU ask "can you give us any tips??" All she/he can say is NO. (you will be surprised at how relaxed some get before exams, and talk and talk and talk. So have your pen writing it all down)
Do your homework. Those 5 point assignments that seem small, ADD up very quickly. Can be difference from an A or B.
Pack a water bottle, crackers, peanuts, and loose change, tylenol, ibuprofen, feminine products,(you may lose track of things, times), deodorant(I was in a hurry, and guess what I forgot to put on) Include a change of clothes for the car, ketchup from the cheeseburger doesnt look good on your shirt and pants. Umbrella.
Bring highliters, pencils, pens, paper
dont lend anything out that you need back.
BE on time.
Dont show up with "thanksgiving dinner" every class - very distracting. Keep it small, crackers, nuts.
Gum smacking and cracking is a NO no.
Dont have your bluetooth in your ear and please turn your phone to vibrate. (I learned to accidentally leave mine off in my bag, because how was I able to help in find the soccer cleats, or football helmet, andthen the cat had elastic hanging out of her rear?)

But most importantly have fun!! It really is a whirlwind, you will think it is NEVER going to end. But it does, it will, and the experiences and friendships you make will last a lifetime. I would do it all again. Oh, and my husband now does laundry and dishes. As do my kids. But you should see their sock and underwear drawers!!

and you asked for one tip, Sorry.

NeoNurseTX, RN · Jul 13, 2009

EVERYONE in your class was the top of whatever they just came from. Now you have to work harder to keep those A's.

psychonaut · Jul 13, 2009

I wrote this in another thread: actively seek out clinical opportunities. Be proactive, volunteer, do as little "shadowing" and as much "doing" as possible. Advocate for yourself in a professional, self-assured manner.

I have bemoaned my lack of clinical skill development in my program. I have come to realize that this was largely my own fault. Had I been more aggressive in getting my hands on patients beyond the basics (beds, meds. etc.) I may have graduated having done more than 1 IV and 3 foleys.

What else...pay close attention in your physical assessment class. You will be learning way more assessment then you will ever use as a staff nurse, but that's ok. Physical assessment is one of those core things that makes a nurse a nurse. It is at the heart of the "critical thinking" that is always being harped on.

Regarding all the petty behaviors others have described here: yes, it is true, you will encounter a lot of it. Yes, you will find it disgusting (hopefully). Rise above. Professionalism starts with professional education.

Lastly: your instructors, as well as staff at your clinical sites, are your future network. Reading all the depressing news on here about how hard it is for new grads to find a job? Prepare for this eventuality. Your network will at the very least be your references, and at best be your "back door" into jobs that are not posted on any website. Keep in touch with them after you graduate. To be clear, I don't advocate any falsity here. My best nursing instructor references are from individuals I admire greatly, and from whom I learned a great deal. Keeping in touch with them is done out of a sincere respect for them as professionals and individuals.

Good luck to you all!

bymysoultosqueezeRN · Jul 13, 2009

I dont know if somebody gave that answer but Iwould say THAT THERE IS NO NURSING SHORTAGE IN MYAREA :down:

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Jul 13, 2009

In my nursing program, while I was near the top of the class (Sigma Theta Tau, 3.95 GPA, blahblahblah), I tried to be more conscious of how I was perceived. I worked hard to help my fellow classmates (& future cohorts), without being the person who would consistently raise his hand to answer questions.

I have to agree with Cruffler , and I'll tell y'all why:
I just want you to not be surprised if it turns into a "high-school" mentality, where it's not cool to be the smart kid. And be very cognizant not to do anything to be obnoxious about it. Not so much "don't rock the boat" as "be mindful of the boat's equilibrium".

I also have to agree with Cruffler and kitten..

I tried very hard to keep my grades to myself. I tried not to raise my hand so much in class. I knew the answers so damn much that I would have looked like a know it all if I answered. Even when I had to sit and listen to the silence of the room because nobody else knew it.

I had the chance for my instructors to evaulate me during clinicals and tests.

Even with all this, the students STILL hated that I was a straight A student. Even on tests where there was only a few A's they just assumed it was me.

One thing I learned in nursing school is that people and their emotions are very fragile. Especially when they are just barely passing.

It's not my fault that I passed the test and you didn't. But, it makes them feel better, I guess.

I would never gloat, ever. But it didn't matter. Many nursing students (in my program anyway) were jealous of those of us who did well.

SnowRain7489 · Jul 13, 2009

You need to know what your learning style is &practice using it w/nursing material.
Just because 1 student who gets all A's studies "such'nsuch" way, does not mean that if u study "such'nsuch" way then u will get straight A's.
Make a schedule which must include the following: social engagements, exercising, meals, specific study assignments, lecture&clinical, breaks, driving times, etc. It makes u aware of the limited of time u have.
Do not quit your "before RNschool life." Meaning that if before you started RNschool you'd fish, read a book, garden, sing along w/ the radio in your room, etc. -then continue that- of course keeping in mind that u need to cut back on these things, but not eliminate them.

determined 2succeed · Jul 14, 2009

I tried very hard to keep my grades to myself. I tried not to raise my hand so much in class. I knew the answers so damn much that I would have looked like a know it all if I answered. Even when I had to sit and listen to the silence of the room because nobody else knew it.

I commend you for being able to do that! It is so hard for me to stay quiet. Well, in my pre-req classes anyway.

My Aunt who just retired from nursing after 40+ years sent me a couple of books for me to acquaint myself with clinicals, etc. One of them had a quote from a "Nursing Instructor" (names were kept annonymous) and they said "The nursing student that scares me the most, is the one that knows it all." Now, in your case you seem to really know your material but I wouldn't consider you a "know it all" - that seems to be reserved for the obnoxious people I've had encounters with that just being the first one to answer or just like to hear themselves talk even when wrong.

Keep up the great work, you've definitely worked hard for your A's.

sproeber89 · Jul 14, 2009

To RUN!!!! Ha, no but in all joking aside I wish I was told just how hard it is. However, I have learned from nursing school that you don't have to attend every social event and it's okay to say no sometimes. Lots of people don't understand me when I say no but my family, best friends and boyfriend are so supportive of it. It made me realize who is the most important people.

mah09 · Jul 14, 2009

BE A NURSE EXTERN especially if you are in a tough job market. The hospitals hire their externs first. My program discouraged us from working because the program was very intense, so now we have excellent GPAs and no jobs. It would have been better to be a nurse extern with an average GPA - they have jobs.

mybrowneyedgirl, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2009

Always attempt to get a letter of recommendation from your clinical instructor. Any Nurse Extern job I wanted required these and it was helpful if you didn't have to chase one down. Hold onto those and make extra copies.

Nepenthe Sea · Jul 14, 2009

I commend you for being able to do that! It is so hard for me to stay quiet. Well, in my pre-req classes anyway.

It's hard for me to stay quiet, too :lol2: