Which classes did you find more difficult? Pre-reqs or nursing courses?

NeoNatMom · Feb 28, 2012

I have been asking these same questions and searching for testimonials as well. It is going to be a mixture and I can tell you that because some people choke under pressure and stress and some look at it differently than others. Some do well in classes they enjoy the topic covered. If you like science, it will be easier because the passion for it comes through. Try using what you studied the day before in your everyday life. Think of the body parts your learning, practice, memorize and do not worry about how hard nursing is going to be. If you focus too much on what you haven't even reached yet, you will 1) not even get that far because your priorities are backwards, and 2) you will not enjoy the experience. There are so many out there you can't even imagine being where we are. Let's celebrate each semester as one step closer to doing our dream in helping others. I am a stresser, and am constantly changing my mind about what classes to take and how to balance them. But in the end I have always done well. You will too. Just trust your gut!:hug:Good Luck!

KatieJ91 · Feb 28, 2012

I personally think that the material in science classes such as biology and human anatomy are at the same level as nursing classes. The difference is that in per-requisites you HAVE to get good grades in order to get into the nursing program. Once you are in nursing school some people see it as just trying to pass. I am OCD about my grades so I try hard even if I will still graduate with a 2.5. I personally got good grades in pre-reqs, but I get the same if not better in nursing school. I think it is about your learning style and learning to answer nursing questions which are different. Some people get really good grades without trying, others study to get them, and then some struggle to get a passing grade. It all depends on the person! I'd say if you were able to do reasonably well in your pre-reqs that you will be able to do the same in nursing classes. Plus the material gets so much better. I like going to class to learn about what I want to do for the rest of my life :)

Nurse2b7337 · Feb 29, 2012

For me it is A&P so far!!!! It is a lot of information and it's primarily memorization. If you want it bad enough and I know all of us do you will make it!! The best of luck!!

grpman · Feb 29, 2012

The pre-req's are much easier and there are a few reasons why. First your nursing classes will cover twice as much material in the same amount of time. If you are disciplined then this might not matter, but for most it does. Secondly, say good bye to the normal way of asking a question. This may or may not be a problem to you, but I can say that NCLEX style questions are harder for most.

The people that tell you there is no dif between the classes are highly disciplined, highly intelligent, or both. The rest of us will tell you the nursing classes are more difficult.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 1, 2012

Hands down, the core nursing classes and clinicals. In your pre-reqs, traditional science classes and liberal arts, you typically succeed by memorizing everything and being able to spew it back out (with some exceptions, of course, I don't want to debate all that).

In nursing classes, the "think outside the box", actually, the "think" part, comes into play. Memorizing data is useful, but it's not what you'll use for testing. Application of knowledge is what's key, and that takes some practice. The students who seem to have the hardest time are the ones who argue incessantly that the answer is "A" when the instructor has stated the most correct answer is "B". Can take some getting used to, thinking the way you're expected to think for nursing success.