5 answers
LaRissa
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
13
Questions
Asked
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What is the hardest part of becoming a registered nurse and what helped you overcome the hardships?
I am a junior in high school interested in becoming a registered nurse but before I commit to the career I would like to know more inside information.
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5 answers
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
225
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hello!
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a rewarding but challenging journey that involves rigorous education and training. Here’s an overview of some common difficulties aspiring nurses face and various strategies that can help overcome these challenges, based on experiences shared by those in the field:
Common Challenges in Becoming a Registered Nurse
Intensive Education and Training
Challenge: The nursing program is demanding, requiring a strong foundation in sciences, critical thinking, and clinical skills, along with long hours of study and practice.
Solution: Establish a solid study routine early on. Use organizational tools, such as planners or apps, to keep track of assignments and due dates. Form study groups with classmates to share knowledge and motivate one another.
Clinical Rotations
Challenge: Transitioning from classroom learning to clinical practice can be daunting. Students often feel overwhelmed by real-life patient care responsibilities and the fast-paced environment of healthcare settings.
Solution: Approach clinical rotations with an open mind, understanding that every experience is an opportunity to learn. Seek feedback from instructors and mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or for help when needed.
Balancing Responsibilities
Challenge: Juggling coursework, clinical rotations, part-time jobs, and personal life can create significant stress and time management issues.
Solution: Prioritize your commitments and develop strong time management skills. Create a schedule that includes time for studying, clinical preparation, work, and self-care. Make sure to allocate time for relaxation and hobbies to avoid burnout.
Emotional Stress
Challenge: Working in healthcare can be emotionally taxing, especially when faced with difficult patient situations and high-stakes decisions.
Solution: Practice self-care techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or physical activity, to manage stress. Additionally, develop a support network, including classmates, friends, and family, who can provide encouragement and empathy.
Licensing Exams (NCLEX-RN)
Challenge: Preparing for the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam for RNs, can be intimidating due to its breadth of content and high stakes.
Solution: Use targeted study resources, such as NCLEX prep courses or online question banks. Create a study plan leading up to the exam, and consider taking practice tests to gauge your readiness and build confidence.
Strategies to Overcome Challenges
Building a Support System
Connect with peers in your nursing program, professors, and mentors. Encourage open discussions about difficulties and share resources or study techniques.
Seek Out Resources
Utilize academic resources provided by your school, such as tutoring and counseling services. Also, consider joining study groups or nursing clubs to foster collaboration and learning.
Gain Experience Early
Look for volunteer opportunities or certifications (like becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant) to gain exposure to the healthcare environment before enrolling in nursing school. This experience can build your confidence and understanding of patient care.
Stay Informed and Adaptable
Keep up with current trends in nursing and healthcare. Being adaptable and willing to learn continuously will serve you well throughout your career.
Practice Self-Reflection
Regularly assess your progress and feelings about your journey. If you encounter setbacks, use them as learning opportunities and celebrate small victories along the way.
Becoming a registered nurse involves hard work and commitment, but many have overcome these challenges with the right strategies and support systems. The journey can be demanding, but the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives makes it all worthwhile. If nursing is truly your passion, stay focused on your goals, seek help when needed, and embrace every learning opportunity. Good luck on your path to becoming a registered nurse!
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a rewarding but challenging journey that involves rigorous education and training. Here’s an overview of some common difficulties aspiring nurses face and various strategies that can help overcome these challenges, based on experiences shared by those in the field:
Common Challenges in Becoming a Registered Nurse
Intensive Education and Training
Challenge: The nursing program is demanding, requiring a strong foundation in sciences, critical thinking, and clinical skills, along with long hours of study and practice.
Solution: Establish a solid study routine early on. Use organizational tools, such as planners or apps, to keep track of assignments and due dates. Form study groups with classmates to share knowledge and motivate one another.
Clinical Rotations
Challenge: Transitioning from classroom learning to clinical practice can be daunting. Students often feel overwhelmed by real-life patient care responsibilities and the fast-paced environment of healthcare settings.
Solution: Approach clinical rotations with an open mind, understanding that every experience is an opportunity to learn. Seek feedback from instructors and mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or for help when needed.
Balancing Responsibilities
Challenge: Juggling coursework, clinical rotations, part-time jobs, and personal life can create significant stress and time management issues.
Solution: Prioritize your commitments and develop strong time management skills. Create a schedule that includes time for studying, clinical preparation, work, and self-care. Make sure to allocate time for relaxation and hobbies to avoid burnout.
Emotional Stress
Challenge: Working in healthcare can be emotionally taxing, especially when faced with difficult patient situations and high-stakes decisions.
Solution: Practice self-care techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or physical activity, to manage stress. Additionally, develop a support network, including classmates, friends, and family, who can provide encouragement and empathy.
Licensing Exams (NCLEX-RN)
Challenge: Preparing for the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam for RNs, can be intimidating due to its breadth of content and high stakes.
Solution: Use targeted study resources, such as NCLEX prep courses or online question banks. Create a study plan leading up to the exam, and consider taking practice tests to gauge your readiness and build confidence.
Strategies to Overcome Challenges
Building a Support System
Connect with peers in your nursing program, professors, and mentors. Encourage open discussions about difficulties and share resources or study techniques.
Seek Out Resources
Utilize academic resources provided by your school, such as tutoring and counseling services. Also, consider joining study groups or nursing clubs to foster collaboration and learning.
Gain Experience Early
Look for volunteer opportunities or certifications (like becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant) to gain exposure to the healthcare environment before enrolling in nursing school. This experience can build your confidence and understanding of patient care.
Stay Informed and Adaptable
Keep up with current trends in nursing and healthcare. Being adaptable and willing to learn continuously will serve you well throughout your career.
Practice Self-Reflection
Regularly assess your progress and feelings about your journey. If you encounter setbacks, use them as learning opportunities and celebrate small victories along the way.
Becoming a registered nurse involves hard work and commitment, but many have overcome these challenges with the right strategies and support systems. The journey can be demanding, but the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives makes it all worthwhile. If nursing is truly your passion, stay focused on your goals, seek help when needed, and embrace every learning opportunity. Good luck on your path to becoming a registered nurse!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
LaRissa
Cindy Muhonja
Registered Nurse
49
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hello LaRissa
Nursing is definitely rewarding. We get into it because we love what we do. My greatest advice to you would be to get into nursing knowing you love it. Looking at it as a well-paying career is not wise. Nurses deal with a lot of stuff that the rest of the world doe not. This is a privilege and a burden. You have to be a nurse to understand that. We have morbid humor for a reason. Things we may find funny may be inappropriate to others - but they do not get to do what we do. If they did, they would be one of us and understand our humor.
We have to find humor in very grim circumstances. We have to hold people's hands during their worst possible experiences on earth - sometimes we are the only people they can talk to. Think about a patient who is terminal and their family comes in crying everyday. They don't need that sadness. They also cannot talk to their family because it will make the family sad. The physician comes in for about 10 minutes a day. But the nurse is there for more than 12 hours. The nurse is their go-to for pretty much everything. When in pain, when they need to move, when they need to vent, when they are looking for advice - some even look for emotional support from the nurse.
For those working in long term care, there is a high death rate in that community. At my second job, one of my duties is to declare that the person is gone. There are a lot of heavy responsibilities put upon a nurse. We have strict ethics, which means that even though the burden is heavy, you don't get the glory. Mostly, the physicians get the glory. During Covid, the only people who saw how many people died were nurses. We had to deal with it, but we could not talk about it. There are strict rules about discussing your patients.
Not all areas of nursing are grim. You can choose a happier option. You can work in mother baby and welcome beautiful babies into this world, helping mothers. You can work outpatient and help people with things like immunizations. It used to be hard sticking people for bloodwork and injections, but nowadays its just part of the day. You may end up in a school watching over children. You may end up in public health. You may end up in leadership. Or work in a jail. There are many areas in nursing that are not as grim. You have to choose your comfort level.
Other areas to consider are psychology nursing where you help with mental illnesses, surgical where you work in operating rooms and public health and research. Also leadership. There are so many options in nursing.
Nursing is very rewarding. I love my career. And you get a lot out of it. But only do it if your heart is in it. All the best.
Nursing is definitely rewarding. We get into it because we love what we do. My greatest advice to you would be to get into nursing knowing you love it. Looking at it as a well-paying career is not wise. Nurses deal with a lot of stuff that the rest of the world doe not. This is a privilege and a burden. You have to be a nurse to understand that. We have morbid humor for a reason. Things we may find funny may be inappropriate to others - but they do not get to do what we do. If they did, they would be one of us and understand our humor.
We have to find humor in very grim circumstances. We have to hold people's hands during their worst possible experiences on earth - sometimes we are the only people they can talk to. Think about a patient who is terminal and their family comes in crying everyday. They don't need that sadness. They also cannot talk to their family because it will make the family sad. The physician comes in for about 10 minutes a day. But the nurse is there for more than 12 hours. The nurse is their go-to for pretty much everything. When in pain, when they need to move, when they need to vent, when they are looking for advice - some even look for emotional support from the nurse.
For those working in long term care, there is a high death rate in that community. At my second job, one of my duties is to declare that the person is gone. There are a lot of heavy responsibilities put upon a nurse. We have strict ethics, which means that even though the burden is heavy, you don't get the glory. Mostly, the physicians get the glory. During Covid, the only people who saw how many people died were nurses. We had to deal with it, but we could not talk about it. There are strict rules about discussing your patients.
Not all areas of nursing are grim. You can choose a happier option. You can work in mother baby and welcome beautiful babies into this world, helping mothers. You can work outpatient and help people with things like immunizations. It used to be hard sticking people for bloodwork and injections, but nowadays its just part of the day. You may end up in a school watching over children. You may end up in public health. You may end up in leadership. Or work in a jail. There are many areas in nursing that are not as grim. You have to choose your comfort level.
Other areas to consider are psychology nursing where you help with mental illnesses, surgical where you work in operating rooms and public health and research. Also leadership. There are so many options in nursing.
Nursing is very rewarding. I love my career. And you get a lot out of it. But only do it if your heart is in it. All the best.
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
51
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
LaRissa, that is a very important question. Many RNs go into nursing hoping to be taken care of themselves. You need to become strong now. Self care for you will be an important activity for you going into your nursing program.
My first 3 jobs after nursing graduation were working in 3 different ERs/EDs right out of nursing school. This is a fast paced area with cardiac arrests, trauma patients, burn patients, abused patients and more. Nurses are the staff talking to the patients and families. The TV depictions show physicians performing our job. We provide physical, emotional, spiritual care to patients, their families, and their friends.
My 4th job was in a MICU/CCU where I worked for 15 years at a major teaching/medical center in Chicago. Again, fast paced with multisystem organ failure patients, grieving families and many specialty services rounding on the patients. Here, I dealt with death on a daily basis as living wills were not yet available. Most patients were resuscitated. This is a lot for a 23 year old young adult to deal with.
Burnout can occur easily as you are giving of yourself for 8, 10 or 12 hours at a time with little time to unwind. Please, please, please start your road to self care now. I have volunteered in a theatre since I was 23. Anyone that knows me, knows this. Theatre has been my salvation.
Hobbies, art, music, exercise, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, meditation, yoga, sports can all be your saving grace. When you come home, make sure it is your comfort zone. All of these activities will help you have the energy to care for others.
I would recommend you volunteer at a hospital or clinic or take a job as a nursing assistant prior to nursing school. Many of my classmates left nursing school after their first semester because they didn't have any idea what being a registered nurse entailed.
I have put a lot of difficult topics in this talk. This is a rewarding career. I have been a volunteer, nursing assistant, RN, Teacher-Practitioner, and a Nurse Practitioner in nursing. This field is never boring and always challenging. You can see the world and always find a job. I love what I do because I make a difference in peoples' lives. Good luck on your journey Larissa!
My first 3 jobs after nursing graduation were working in 3 different ERs/EDs right out of nursing school. This is a fast paced area with cardiac arrests, trauma patients, burn patients, abused patients and more. Nurses are the staff talking to the patients and families. The TV depictions show physicians performing our job. We provide physical, emotional, spiritual care to patients, their families, and their friends.
My 4th job was in a MICU/CCU where I worked for 15 years at a major teaching/medical center in Chicago. Again, fast paced with multisystem organ failure patients, grieving families and many specialty services rounding on the patients. Here, I dealt with death on a daily basis as living wills were not yet available. Most patients were resuscitated. This is a lot for a 23 year old young adult to deal with.
Burnout can occur easily as you are giving of yourself for 8, 10 or 12 hours at a time with little time to unwind. Please, please, please start your road to self care now. I have volunteered in a theatre since I was 23. Anyone that knows me, knows this. Theatre has been my salvation.
Hobbies, art, music, exercise, gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, meditation, yoga, sports can all be your saving grace. When you come home, make sure it is your comfort zone. All of these activities will help you have the energy to care for others.
I would recommend you volunteer at a hospital or clinic or take a job as a nursing assistant prior to nursing school. Many of my classmates left nursing school after their first semester because they didn't have any idea what being a registered nurse entailed.
I have put a lot of difficult topics in this talk. This is a rewarding career. I have been a volunteer, nursing assistant, RN, Teacher-Practitioner, and a Nurse Practitioner in nursing. This field is never boring and always challenging. You can see the world and always find a job. I love what I do because I make a difference in peoples' lives. Good luck on your journey Larissa!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
452
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
The hardest part of becoming a registered nurse is managing the high workload, emotional stress, and long shifts. Balancing clinical duties with patient care can be overwhelming. To overcome these challenges, building strong support systems, staying organized, and practicing self-care are crucial. Realizing the impact you have on patients helps maintain motivation.
Martin Schoen
APRN
322
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
The hardest part for me was that you get a bare minimum of experience from your program, and when you enter the real world of nursing, you don't know where to begin. Also, the nursing programs are high stress but I believe that is because of the instructors in the program, not the nursing career field. But, asking others for assistance will soon allow you to learn the skills and gain the confidence you need.