What you wish you knew before you started?

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Hey everyone...I'm new here and plan on starting nursing school next year!

I want to know, from those of you who are in school or have completed, what was/is the hardest thing about nursing school and what did you wish you had known before you started?

Anything to be more prepared?

I have worked in hospitals and doctors offices in an administrative capacity for 10+ years. I even did a short medical mission to central America several years ago. I am a people person and told by many friends, as well as colleagues in the medical field, I would be a great nurse.

Still, it's intimidating. I know it's going to be so hard.

Any stories you'd like to share would be appreciated!

Lola

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I think A&P was the hardest for me.

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I think A&P was the hardest for me.

I agree A&P and Pharm!!!!and I wish I knew how hard it would be to find a job as a LPN...

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Study constantly!!!

Get as many contacts as possible. Network. Knowing people is your best bet at getting a job outside of long term care.

When you learn information in one class think of how you can use it in the next class. Example: While learning drugs in pharmacology... try to remember what diseases they treat, and know the basics about that disease? You will need this information for Med-Surg.

Buy a Littmann stethoscope or at least a decent one. (Amazon.com has them for $48.50.) No need to buy one that is not so good for 20 or 30 bucks when you are going to want a good one when you graduate. I would also make sure you understand the point system for making it into the ASN program if you ever plan to go on.

Always read ahead, whether it is studying for a class, or preparing for the N-CLEX,

stay ahead...

If you get discouraged, DON"T give up.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in LPN.

I enjoyed A&P and pharmacology, but took chemistry twice before barely passing with a C. To each their own...

I wish I knew how stressful nursing school would be. I had a two year degree before even starting nursing school, but it was by far more difficult that anything else I had done in college so far. Time management, being prepared, and organizational skills are crucial, as is reliable yet flexible childcare if that is an issue.

I wish I knew how mean-spirited some nurses and nursing students can be. I had also been told often that I would make a "good nurse", but looking back on it they were people who thought nurses were basically compassionate caregivers and had no idea what nursing really entails.

You need the ability to be assertive, to learn technical skills very quickly, to memorize a lot of information about medications and diseases, to be able to use critical thinking, and the time and devotion to study for tests.

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Right now, I'm studying as much math as possible, because I know it will help with the chemistry. That seems really intimidating. I've also heard before A&P is hard.

I didn't hear it was hard to get a job as an LVN/LPN, though. That's sad to hear. I do want to get an RN eventually, but I'm not getting any younger and don't want to take too much time off of work. I have an opportunity to live with my father for free while I'm in school.

I'll be going to school in New Jersey. I'm in California right now and I always see a lot of ads for LPN/LVNs out here. However, I know I'm sort of moving laterally, pay wise (as a medical office assistant manager/executive assistant, or transcription, which I've been doing for a long time). But I really want to do more patient oriented work.

Thanks so much for the replies!

Oh, do you guys happen to remember which entrance exam you had to take for LVN/LPN program?

I'm wondering which ones are used the most. Planning on beginning studying immediately!

Thanks for the encouragement!

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

As far as school goes, maybe I am not the norm but I had no issues and actually enjoyed most of it minus the behaviors of some of my classmates and the school politics... The only part that I didn't like much was the millions of drug cards I had to make! The math is simple algebra, so as long you know the equation and you have a calculator, it is a snap (coming from someone who hates math). Also highlighter pens were my best study tool. Since are tests and quizzes were from the text book I highlighted the most important things from the lecture, so when I went back to study I would have more focus.

After graduation I thought I might be satisfied working LTC, but quickly learned otherwise. I had always dreamed of working in OB, and eventually did. If you have a passion for something, pursue it, even if it takes while. Also, money is not everything. Getting experience and keeping your sanity are equally good. BTW I have never had a problem being employed. LPN/LVN jobs have been abundant where I've lived.

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Thanks Kat! This is definitely not 100% about money for me. Yeah, the thought of job security in a solid field is attractive, but I currently work with patients now and I love it. I'm making decent money already, but I'm limited as to what I can actually do for the patients because I just don't have the credentials to do more, basically.

I'm not sure what specialty I want to end up in. I've enjoyed working in psychiatric, but also obgyn, and I also loved it when I was working for a plastic surgeon. Sooooooo......

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