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What do you tell people that often feel discouraged starting nursing school/becoming a nurse?
I’m not the smartest when it comes to math and I’m and introvert. I start school towards the end of February and I’m scared I might not make it.
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4 answers
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
You can do this. As long as you like what you're doing, you involve in getting the education and you dedicate the right amount of time to it, then you will succeed.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Yailin
Updated
Molly’s Answer
I was not good at math and am very much an introvert. I made it! Take it one step at a time and try not to look too far forward because it is a journey. I wished I would have stopped from time to time to "smell the roses" and slow down.
Each class you take prepares you for a career that has such an amazing impact on people and also offers a variety of career options throughout your lifetime.
I often said " I'm glad this is difficult, because, after all, we are taking care of people's lives".
Make sure you eat right, or the best you can, and exercise. You'll do great!
Each class you take prepares you for a career that has such an amazing impact on people and also offers a variety of career options throughout your lifetime.
I often said " I'm glad this is difficult, because, after all, we are taking care of people's lives".
Make sure you eat right, or the best you can, and exercise. You'll do great!
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Yailin! First off, huge kudos for deciding to pursue nursing—you're already on the path to making a big difference in people's lives! 🎉
Now, I get it—starting nursing school can feel like stepping onto a roller coaster you didn’t sign up for, especially when you’re dealing with math anxiety and being an introvert. But here's the thing: you don't need to be a math genius or an extrovert to be an amazing nurse. Honestly, nursing is about compassion, care, and critical thinking—skills that you’ve already got in spades.
Here's some advice:
Math might not be your best friend, but it doesn’t need to be. Nurses use math, but you’re not solving complex equations. Focus on the basics and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—remember, there’s no shame in that. You're not alone, and everyone in your program is probably feeling a little overwhelmed by something.
Introversion? Perfect! Being an introvert means you're probably great at listening, observing, and thinking before speaking—all key nursing skills. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. You just need to focus on doing your best and being kind and empathetic to your patients.
Take it one day at a time. Nursing school isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. You're going to face challenges, but they’re just stepping stones toward your goal. Trust me, everyone has moments of doubt, but it’s those little wins every day that add up to your success.
So when those moments of doubt creep in (because they will), remember this: You have all the qualities needed to succeed—you just might need to give yourself the time and grace to grow into them. Keep going! You’ve got this, and you’re going to be an incredible nurse! 👩⚕️✨
Now, I get it—starting nursing school can feel like stepping onto a roller coaster you didn’t sign up for, especially when you’re dealing with math anxiety and being an introvert. But here's the thing: you don't need to be a math genius or an extrovert to be an amazing nurse. Honestly, nursing is about compassion, care, and critical thinking—skills that you’ve already got in spades.
Here's some advice:
Math might not be your best friend, but it doesn’t need to be. Nurses use math, but you’re not solving complex equations. Focus on the basics and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—remember, there’s no shame in that. You're not alone, and everyone in your program is probably feeling a little overwhelmed by something.
Introversion? Perfect! Being an introvert means you're probably great at listening, observing, and thinking before speaking—all key nursing skills. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. You just need to focus on doing your best and being kind and empathetic to your patients.
Take it one day at a time. Nursing school isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. You're going to face challenges, but they’re just stepping stones toward your goal. Trust me, everyone has moments of doubt, but it’s those little wins every day that add up to your success.
So when those moments of doubt creep in (because they will), remember this: You have all the qualities needed to succeed—you just might need to give yourself the time and grace to grow into them. Keep going! You’ve got this, and you’re going to be an incredible nurse! 👩⚕️✨
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Thank you so much for the encouragement, really needed to hear this!
Yailin
You're so welcome, Yailin! I'm really glad the encouragement helped—sometimes we all need a little boost! If you ever need more support or just want to keep askingI'm here for you. Keep going strong!
Dr H
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
Hard work and the desire to be a nurse are essential, almost everything else can be overcome with those two things.
Being nervous is normal! I have been a nurse for 25 years, a nurse practitioner for 19. I have also been an instructor for a BSN program and precepted more nurses than I can remember in the course of my career. And I am NOT good at math! I even took statistics twice... You don't have to excel at math, you just have to work harder than your peers who do. :) You don't have to be an extrovert, either. You can be comfortable talking to patients, their families and staff with practice and experience. My first nursing instructor gently pushed me into a patient's room on my first day of clinical because I was so reluctant to enter. (I have laughed about that a hundred times since!) As I gained confidence with experience, I had no problems. I have taught full auditoriums many times since then.
So, go ahead and be nervous; this is a significant undertaking, an important field and a new experience. But remember, YOU will determine your success. Make it happen!
Being nervous is normal! I have been a nurse for 25 years, a nurse practitioner for 19. I have also been an instructor for a BSN program and precepted more nurses than I can remember in the course of my career. And I am NOT good at math! I even took statistics twice... You don't have to excel at math, you just have to work harder than your peers who do. :) You don't have to be an extrovert, either. You can be comfortable talking to patients, their families and staff with practice and experience. My first nursing instructor gently pushed me into a patient's room on my first day of clinical because I was so reluctant to enter. (I have laughed about that a hundred times since!) As I gained confidence with experience, I had no problems. I have taught full auditoriums many times since then.
So, go ahead and be nervous; this is a significant undertaking, an important field and a new experience. But remember, YOU will determine your success. Make it happen!
Thank you so much! I really needed to hear this!!
Yailin