Why is it sooo hard?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · May 3, 2008

It's hard compared to alot of other majors because it's not enough to spit back information that you learned, you have to be able to apply information to the clinical setting and learn how to become a critical thinker, able to see the signs of something you learned in class.

bluangel215 · May 3, 2008

Many in my class have difficulties with how questions are worded on exams. It's not enough to just memorize the information...you also have to know how to apply it to the clinical setting and which answer is the most important. Most of our exams are multiple choice and all of the possible answers are correct, but you have to be able to pick the most right one.

Another difference is the grading scale. It differs from school to school. At my school, you have to have a culmulative score of 75% or above on the exams to pass the class. If someone fails one class, then they have to wait a year to return to the program.

It is difficult because the instructors want to make sure you know the information well and how to apply it so you can pass the NCLEX, any other exit exams, and that you will be competent enough to take care of patients.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · May 3, 2008

Because people's lives are in nurses' hands.

Nurses have to be intelligent, critial thinkers, and be highly competent in their skills.

Music in My Heart · May 3, 2008

People keep telling me how hard nursing school will be (i start college this summer).
WHY is it so hard? what makes it so difficult?

I guess it depends what people mean by "hard."

It does require consistent EFFORT (nearly every single day, in my case), SACRIFICE (not nearly enough time with my family...), PERSISTENCE (some things don't come as easily as others), and a commitment to UNDERSTANDING, not just memorizing (though that's a part of it, too).

Often times when people say "hard" they mean "low probability of success" or "conceptually difficult."

I have not found it at all difficult conceptually and by expressing those traits above I am doing very well in nursing school.

Do not let others define things for you. Get in, apply yourself, and see for yourself. Some people struggle and others flourish. Most people get through somewhere in the middle.

carebear1976 · May 3, 2008

I really don't think it's "hard" for everyone. I know quite a few people who I do not consider to be very smart, and they graduated Nursing like it's nothing. It's weird.

Nurseinprocess · May 3, 2008

It's not as scary as I had thought it would be. You have to put forth effort, and apply yourself, but it isn't as all-consuming as some will tell you.

goingformydream · May 4, 2008

I am in my 1st semester... last year this time I was thinking.. hmmm.. why is it hard.. now that I am in the program, I don't think of it as "hard" meaning not easy to understand... but very very very timeconsuming... lots and lots of information in a very short period of time...but.. I really enjoy the material.