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What is Nursing School like?
I'm a pre-nursing student in an ADN program #nursing #nurse and hear all sorts of stories about nursing school. I'm curious what the day to day is like, how often you are in clinicals weekly, how often are tests, and how many classes you take a semester?
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4 answers
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kim’s Answer
Nursing school can be tough. I found the clinicals to be the hardest. Pay attention to detail, always be prepared, don't be late to anything.
Updated
Kerrie’s Answer
I think nursing school is what you make it. I think it depends on what type of personality you have and what type of person you are. When I went to nursing school many years ago, I was 23 and finished my BSN at school specific for nursing. I worked full-time and went to school full-time during the day. I made friends easily and studied with them on a regular basis, as I was not a great test taker at the time, so any advice from others was a big help. I loved the clinical rotations and excelled at them, as I was a very curious student and loved to research the patients I was assigned to.
Now, I won't lie, nursing school takes a lot of hard and dedicated work. Some of the classes were harder than others, but a lot of it is common sense. If you apply the knowledge learned in the academic setting to the clinical setting where you work with patients, then you will do well. If you need help, be sure to ask for help when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to ask questions. Be humble and understand that nursing is a lifelong process.
Now, I won't lie, nursing school takes a lot of hard and dedicated work. Some of the classes were harder than others, but a lot of it is common sense. If you apply the knowledge learned in the academic setting to the clinical setting where you work with patients, then you will do well. If you need help, be sure to ask for help when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to ask questions. Be humble and understand that nursing is a lifelong process.
Thank you for your reply!
Gwen
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hello Gwen,
I went to nursing school many years ago. What I believe must have changed is how nurses are trained to use the newest technology.
But there are essentials: the basic sciences (math, pharmacology, nursing theory/science, child growth & development, care for age groups, community care, etc). So there is plenty of studying that takes place.
As all programs must prepare RN students to take the NCLEX board exam, there will be many similarities. There are board required clinical hours that must be met.
As nursing requires in class course work as well as clinical training, going to nursing school is equal to more than a full time job. I was able to work while I took the pre-requisites, but once in nursing school, I quit all outside work and focused only on school.
Testing was standard: quizzes, mid-terms, and finals. If there are specific patient technologies, these must be practiced first in a lab setting and then passed while giving actual patient care. I clearly remember giving my first intramuscular injection: my instructor stood right by my side and actually guided my hands.
Here are some helpful websites! I hope you receive many more responses to your questions:
https://www.registerednursing.org/guide/in-school/
https://www.rnprograms.org/course-outline.htm
https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science/academic-programs-1/nursing/nursing-bs
https://www.herzing.edu/blog/day-life-nursing-student
Sue
I went to nursing school many years ago. What I believe must have changed is how nurses are trained to use the newest technology.
But there are essentials: the basic sciences (math, pharmacology, nursing theory/science, child growth & development, care for age groups, community care, etc). So there is plenty of studying that takes place.
As all programs must prepare RN students to take the NCLEX board exam, there will be many similarities. There are board required clinical hours that must be met.
As nursing requires in class course work as well as clinical training, going to nursing school is equal to more than a full time job. I was able to work while I took the pre-requisites, but once in nursing school, I quit all outside work and focused only on school.
Testing was standard: quizzes, mid-terms, and finals. If there are specific patient technologies, these must be practiced first in a lab setting and then passed while giving actual patient care. I clearly remember giving my first intramuscular injection: my instructor stood right by my side and actually guided my hands.
Here are some helpful websites! I hope you receive many more responses to your questions:
https://www.registerednursing.org/guide/in-school/
https://www.rnprograms.org/course-outline.htm
https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science/academic-programs-1/nursing/nursing-bs
https://www.herzing.edu/blog/day-life-nursing-student
Sue
Thank you!
Gwen
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
So nursing school is the hardest thing you will ever do in your life. It will be your proudest accomplishment. Clinical and testing depends on your program as well as the amount of classes you take at a time. Nursing is about life long learning. It's about advocacy. It's about making a difference. All the hard work absolutely pays off in the end ! Good luck 🍀
Thank you!
Gwen