What would you say to a pre-nursing student?

peabozzle · Sep 3, 2016

This is my advice for any student...nursing or otherwise. YOU are in charge of your education. You are the one that has control over the experience....make the most of it. When you get into a clinical environment, volunteer to do EVERYTHING. Don't sit & wait for your preceptor to ask if you want to do something. YOU ask if they will help you tackle that skill; if for some reason its not optimal for you to actually do it, ask if you can watch them, & if they will at least explain what they are doing. I love teaching & preceptoring students. That being said, the first time I have to look for my student is the last time I will look for my student. If you aren't there to learn & take advantage of every single opportunity (or even look for your own learning experiences) then I am worthless to you. Also, this is a pet peeve of mine.....be quiet. Yes, ask questions, answer questions...but don't offer your opinion on specific nursing specialties until you have some experience to back it up. As an OR nurse, nothing is more annoying than a student who has been there ONE shift to decide that all I do is sit on my butt all day. Having said all that, good luck to you in your education! Nursing is a wonderful, complex, fulfilling, aggravating career!

vgyore · Sep 3, 2016

Patience You are not going to know everything overnight. Be kind to yourself. The skills and knowledge will come in time. Focus on today. Ask yourself what is the one thing I can do today that will move the needle the most. You can't do it all. Sometimes the one thing is a nap or drilling cardiac meds. Pace yourself.

Always be activated Be of service to patients and staff. Give people what they need before they ask. It makes an impression. Ask yourself what I would I want in that situation. Doctors and nurses are more likely to teach and open up when they see a little hustle.

Ask questions Now is the time to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one that is not asked. It may save your career or a patient's life.

Food & Water Please eat and drink before clinical. We don't want to peel you from the floor when your blood sugar drops.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Sep 5, 2016

Prereqs are hard! Be prepared to work hard to pass your classes.

In Clinicals, keep 2 mind-sets, if possible. 1) meet your schools requirements 2) keep an eye out on the way the actual staff works.

jlawson93 · Sep 9, 2016

The best decision I made before nursing school was becoming a CNA and gaining experience. I ended up working in a hospital after 2 years on a dementia/Alzheimer's unit. I spent 2 1/2 years on an adult medical/surgical progressive unit and gained SO much knowledge and experience. I worked in healthcare my entire time in nursing school. I took boards, became an RN and started as an RN on my floor immediately while some other students struggled finding jobs. Working in healthcare even PRN will put you miles ahead some of the others in your class!

jj224 · Sep 12, 2016

I read this on a Reddit AMA yesterday of a 93 year old retired surgeon. A premed student asked him how important lower level classes were. He responded with something like this. With your education, you're building a tower / high-rise. Everyone's got their eye on the top, the penthouse, but your basic classes are the structure and foundation of that tower. Without them, the tower will fall over.

I guess what I'd say is - don't take classes just to pass them / get an A.. learn the material. Don't do the minimum to get by. Immerse yourself in this. Nursing school is short and you're expected to learn a lot. Put in the long hours and hard work now and it'll pay off later.