What Should I Expect The First Week of Nursing School?

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 13, 2008

I am in a BSN program, but I'm sure the experience is similar.

There is A LOT of information to absorb regarding schedules, special requirements, etc. Also, there is a ton of reading to do. Just take a deep breath and soak in as much as you can.

I was very overwhelmed when I was in your shoes, but looking back, it really wasn't that bad. Just keep and open mind and my best advice, NEVER get behind on your reading.

As far as scare tactics, I believe they use those to make sure students are really serious about being there. The ones that aren't are often weeded out in process.

Best to you,

Diane

kat von b · Dec 13, 2008

First off congrats on getting accepted!! I started an ADN program this fall and I remember being really nervous too.

They will overwhelm you with information when you are at school. Just go home, find a way to get organized, and sort through all the info they are throwing at you. They may try to scare you off but it's just to weed people out. I dont think anyone actually left after the first week of our program. We were on campus everyday that first week or two and then went on our normal schedule. We started doing careplans pretty much right away but we only had to do a few this semester and they were pretty basic. We didnt start clinicals until a month or so into the program and I had the best instructor, she made it a great experience!

You'll do great and remember you wont be alone that first day, everyone else will be nervous too!!

Crux1024 · Dec 13, 2008

Expect the butterflies to be alive and kickin in your stomach.

Expect a mound of papers and rules and expectations to be thrown at you.

Expect to look around the class wondering who your new friends/acquaintances may be and if theres anyone you should talk to.

But also Expect to graduate...youre foot is already in the door, so keep on walking!

You may be overwhelmed, overjoyed or just content. Just try to listen and remember their expectations. Keep any paperwork you recieve, organized (I can tell you, 1st semester, I used to lose my notes all the time!!). Pay attention to the syllabus' that they may give. And come prepared with at least a notebook and a pen.

Our first day of class 4 people were kicked immediately for not turning in their health physical forms to the school nurse. One girl brought every single textbook (15!!) in a HUGE rolling suitcase. One kid wore his uniforms to lecture, which the letters clearly stated were for clinicals only. Also, a couple had no pens or paper (or anything else besides their purses.)

It will be a little confusing, just make sure you're prepared. And SMILE!!

I can remember the instructor saying...."Welcome to the first day of the rest of your lives. This is Nursing 101."

Corny? Maybe...but it was a proud moment for me.

Good Luck.

smartin13 · Dec 13, 2008

The first few weeks we discussed professionalism, the handbook, plagerism, and the history of nursing. It was a ton of information that wasn't particularly interesting to me. I suggest taking a few days to figure out how to organize yourself. I personally use two 3 inch binders one for clinical/lab one for lecture. I have mine divided into weeks. Some people have just one binder for everything. Some divide it up into topics. Whatever you think will help you most. Our notes are available on line before class so we can print out the power points I do three to a page with spaces on the right to take notes some do two to a page some do six whatever works best for you. We had orientation proior to the first day of class so we did not have to discuss grades, proffs or anything like that they just dove right in. Good luck and come back here for advice, it's a great resource!!

Do-over, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2008

We jumped right in on our first day. we did cover the syllabus but also got started on the content. We didn't start clinicals right away, but the first day of clinicals was very intimidating for me. However, I ended up really enjoying my first clinical rotation and learned more than I ever thought I could!

Just be prepared to work hard and enjoy yourself. And do not fall behind. Can't stress that enough. Good luck.

sbostonRN · Dec 13, 2008

The first week in my program was orientation to clinical, lecture and school policies. It was a ton of information and I wish it was dispersed through the semester because I forgot most of it immediately (as did many of my classmates).

The first week of actual lectures was very interesting and not too overwhelming. A few Nursing 102 students told us horror stories and tried to scare us, but I stayed pretty relaxed and it worked out well for me. I would suggest going in with an open mind, a blank notebook, and a smile, and you'll do fine.

I bought 4 2" white binders and 3 packages of dividers (the ones with 8 tabs). I used 1 binder for school policies, quizzes, clinical info, and everything we got in orientation. I ended up filling the other 3 binders with lectures throughout the semester. Bring lots of paper and maybe one of those notebook hole punchers to your first class. Don't buy anything too expensive until you know you need it. I almost debinded all my books and bought a rolling bookbag, but it turns out I never needed one. I never once brought my textbooks anywhere but my kitchen table!

If you program doesn't require one, I'd suggest looking into a PDA (maybe ask some upperclassmen if they have them). I have a Palm TX that I was required to buy, and it is very convenient for looking up definitions during lecture. We need it for clinical, but it is useful for everything!

Good Luck!

whiteoleander5 · Dec 13, 2008

Hi!! I was just hoping to get some insight as to what to expect that first week (or first few weeks) in the nursing program (ADN)? I know every school can be different...but just a general idea would be nice! I feel very nervous after attending orientation last month. Do they try to scare you on purpose? Is it really THAT bad?? Will it start out pretty basic...or is the first semester just as hard as the rest of them? I've heard horror stories of doing care plans...when will that start?? And what's the first real day of clinicals like? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! I'd love to hear some stories - if you can remember your first few weeks!! Thanks!!

Since I am a new nursing student myself and just finishing up my first semester, I hope I can help you out. I remember our orientation in August, I left it thinking to myself... "*** am I getting myself into?"... I DO believe they attempt to scare most of us. Not to make us terrified, but to "weed out" the ones who are just hoping to coast through the program... They want serious students who will be future nurses. You wont coast through it, but you also have to realize its not impossible (At least for the first semester...) My first semester was NOT has terrible as I had previously imagined it would be. I have heard horror stories also, but I certainly cant say that my first semester was terrible. It was equally as challenging as prereqs, except more interesting and hands on. This semester has been nothing but the basic topics that we are learning... we are learning simple skills that a nurses aide would learn. Care plans havent been difficult either, we have done two of them this semester. They are time consuming but not hard--- My usual issue was "Should I pick this diagnosis or that one?". My first day of clinical I was shaking like a leaf but so is everyone else.. You will find that you grow into your nursing student role as the clinical days move along. The very first day of clinical we learned basic skills... handwashing, bedmaking, bedbathing, and how to take vital signs... and it took us two weeks to learn that. So by the third clinical day we were on to our nursing home, and eventually to a hospital.. where we practiced all those skills. We also had one day where we got to give out meds to a patient, but dont worry, it was so much fun and you will be well prepared if you should have to do the same! Although, I dont know how your program works... but thats what happened to me.

I have been pleasantly surprised with the semester. I do know that it only gets more difficult after the first one, but I am happy to say that I really loved my first semester of nursing school, and I think you will also. :loveya:

chuckz, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Just stay organized and ahead on your reading. The difference between nursing school and what you are used to is extreme. It is an enormous amount of information like the others said.

Take each day as they come. I was one of those students when I started that always liked to look at what I had due and get a head start on it. Now that the first semester is behind me, I realize that it will overwhelm you if do that. Try and stay ahead, but don't think of what is due these next 2 weeks, think of what is due THIS WEEK.

Congrats and you will do fine.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 14, 2008

Just stay organized and ahead on your reading. The difference between nursing school and what you are used to is extreme. It is an enormous amount of information like the others said.
Take each day as they come. I was one of those students when I started that always liked to look at what I had due and get a head start on it. Now that the first semester is behind me, I realize that it will overwhelm you if do that. Try and stay ahead, but don't think of what is due these next 2 weeks, think of what is due THIS WEEK.
Congrats and you will do fine.

You pretty much hit that nail right on the head. :yeah:

QuietRN · Dec 14, 2008

Wow!! Thanks for all the responses (keep 'em comin)!! I really appreciate the support! It's so nice to have this resource....to know that so many other people have been through this before! I just keep telling myself "I can do this!" I'm a little worried how everyone says they stay up all night quite often. Are these people just the ones who procrastinate studying till right before a test? Or is this a really common thing for everyone? I have two little girls. :yawn: I need Some sleep. I CAN do this.....right?! :confused:

Thanks for the suggestion of looking into getting a PDA. I will be doing that....but not till our current cell phone plan expires (early spring). I did get a laptop though...and look forward to taking that to class (with all my books downloaded onto it). Thanks, also, for the organization tips! I like how some said that it takes a few days to find a way that works for you. I will at least be prepared with a notebook, pens/pencils (they seriously showed up W/O them?! How on earth did they even make it into the program??) and a binder or two! I am lucky that I know someone else starting the program at the same time! We've had some classes together and so it'll be nice to have someone to talk and study with.

Thanks again for all the support! I've already learned so much from this forum and will definitely keep coming back!! :loveya:

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Chaos. Plain and simple.

Grabasstic chaos.