3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
The most challenging and stressful situations in nursing school are those where you find you have not learned what you were taught beforehand - either in your prerequisite classes or in your previous nursing courses. You will have no free time, but you will either have to go back and learn the basics you skipped over or try and wing your way through. The problem with "fake it until you make it" is that your training is compromised because you don't have the foundational knowledge to build upon and the quality and safety of care you give will be compromised. Please learn well what you are taught in your preparatory classes. It will be a huge gift to yourself - and to your patients.
Almost as challenging will be seeing pain, suffering, and death firsthand. It's very difficult to adjust to emotionally, but if you have the knowledge and skills to bring comfort and relief, you can make a huge difference in hundreds if not thousands of peoples' lives.
Best wishes as you move forward with your plans. Follow your heart, set your standards for yourself high, and commit to give your best with integrity every day and you will do well.
Almost as challenging will be seeing pain, suffering, and death firsthand. It's very difficult to adjust to emotionally, but if you have the knowledge and skills to bring comfort and relief, you can make a huge difference in hundreds if not thousands of peoples' lives.
Best wishes as you move forward with your plans. Follow your heart, set your standards for yourself high, and commit to give your best with integrity every day and you will do well.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Grace
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Dear Grace
Excellent question I would echo my college.
I would ask you from a stand point of. Who? what? when? where? and why?".
Just for obvious reasons.
1. Who: Have you seen working as a nurse?
Family, friends, TV. 911? General Hospital? COVID disease?
2.What. What made you think of an interest in the field of nursing?
What has influenced you to inquire about this occupation?
Fame, fortune? The need to heal and help others?
Are you good with your grades in school, some schools have GPA qualifications. What areas of nursing that interests you?
New Born delivery Psych Nursing ER Nursing? Medical Surgical Operating Room?
3.When. are you thinking about becoming a nurse. Long term short term goals.
4.Where. Are you planning to attend? In state out of state? where will you be living ? How will you support yourself while going to school. what will you be eating it gets that serious when you're studying and forget to eat dinner or lunch.
5.Why. One does not become a nurse for money or fame or glory
sometimes it is grueling hours and situations that deal with life and death. As my college alluded to long sleepless nights studying the multi theories about all subjects of life and what makes it tic.
I would suggest that you try to see if you could arrange a job shadow with your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor in your state. DHS is good with determining job interests and suitability.
Also write to different Schools of Nursing and the State Board is a good source of references.
One thing is for sure you will never run out of work as long as there are people and there is a definite need.
Excellent question I would echo my college.
I would ask you from a stand point of. Who? what? when? where? and why?".
Just for obvious reasons.
1. Who: Have you seen working as a nurse?
Family, friends, TV. 911? General Hospital? COVID disease?
2.What. What made you think of an interest in the field of nursing?
What has influenced you to inquire about this occupation?
Fame, fortune? The need to heal and help others?
Are you good with your grades in school, some schools have GPA qualifications. What areas of nursing that interests you?
New Born delivery Psych Nursing ER Nursing? Medical Surgical Operating Room?
3.When. are you thinking about becoming a nurse. Long term short term goals.
4.Where. Are you planning to attend? In state out of state? where will you be living ? How will you support yourself while going to school. what will you be eating it gets that serious when you're studying and forget to eat dinner or lunch.
5.Why. One does not become a nurse for money or fame or glory
sometimes it is grueling hours and situations that deal with life and death. As my college alluded to long sleepless nights studying the multi theories about all subjects of life and what makes it tic.
I would suggest that you try to see if you could arrange a job shadow with your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor in your state. DHS is good with determining job interests and suitability.
Also write to different Schools of Nursing and the State Board is a good source of references.
One thing is for sure you will never run out of work as long as there are people and there is a definite need.
Thank you so much for answering my question. I have good grades in GPA and I want to become a nurse because I love working with people and I was a CNA for a while and I loved it.
Grace
Hi Eric! Thanks for providing all this great info. I’m curious though if you have any advice for this student to address their main question around which parts of nursing school are the most challenging. Are there any details you can add about this? Thanks in advance!!
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
Updated
Jaclyn’s Answer
Congratulations on your decision to become a nurse! It’s truly one of the most admirable professions. With that being said, nursing school is tough! You can do it but it will take dedication and hard work. Truthfully, getting a job and working 12 hour shifts was easier than nursing school! My best advice is :
* study a lot! Find a study partner that you work well together
* during clinicals do everything you get the opportunity to do. It’s your best learning time so take initiative
* have an open mind of what area you would like to specialize in. You may be surprised at what area you are most interested in
* work in a hospital while in school- you will learn so many hands on skills
* if possible, get your Bachelor’s degree now. Many hospitals are only wanting to hire those who have a BSN
Good luck to you! I know you will be so happy with your decision to become a nurse .
Jaclyn Dyer
* study a lot! Find a study partner that you work well together
* during clinicals do everything you get the opportunity to do. It’s your best learning time so take initiative
* have an open mind of what area you would like to specialize in. You may be surprised at what area you are most interested in
* work in a hospital while in school- you will learn so many hands on skills
* if possible, get your Bachelor’s degree now. Many hospitals are only wanting to hire those who have a BSN
Good luck to you! I know you will be so happy with your decision to become a nurse .
Jaclyn Dyer