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What is the hardest part of being in the process of becoming a RN?
I Need Help Preparing Myself mentally
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Dr’s Answer
Heyo Kimberly, glad to see you firing those questions girl. 😎 Anyways, The hardest part of becoming an RN? Well, let’s be real—nursing school is no joke. It’s like trying to drink from a fire hydrant while running a marathon. You’ll face long study nights, emotional rollercoasters, and moments where you question your sanity.
Doc Frick already gave a great breakdown of the different nursing paths, so am gonna now talk about the unspoken struggles.
1. Mental and Emotional Load – You’re not just memorizing meds and procedures; you’re dealing with life and death, people in pain, and families in distress. The emotional exhaustion can hit harder than the physical exhaustion.
2. The Impostor Syndrome Phase – Every nurse has a moment where they feel like they don’t know anything. That’s normal. The key? Keep learning, ask questions, and trust the process. No one expects you to be perfect—just safe and willing to learn.
3. Time Management (or Lack of It) – In school, assignments and exams pile up faster than you can blink. In practice, you’ll have patients who all need everything at once. Prioritization will be your best friend.
4. Shift Life & Burnout – Long shifts, night shifts, and missing out on holidays can take a toll. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Find ways to decompress, whether it’s journaling, gym sessions, or just zoning out to Netflix.
5. Respect? Depends Where You Work – Some places treat nurses like superheroes. Others, not so much. You’ll run into patients who think they know more than you because they “googled it.” Keep your cool, educate with confidence, and remember: you earned your knowledge.
How to Survive? 🤔..... Well....
Find a support system (classmates, mentors, even online nurse communities).
Accept that you won’t know everything, and that’s okay.
Keep a sense of humor—it will save you on the rough days.
Remember why you started. Passion keeps the burnout at bay.
At the end of the day, nursing is tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding careers out there. You’ll touch lives in ways you can’t even imagine. And one day, when you’re the experienced nurse mentoring a newbie, you’ll smile and say, “Yeah, I’ve been there.”
You got this mate, if you are dedicated Nad passionate you can totally make it. Good luck! 🤗
Doc Frick already gave a great breakdown of the different nursing paths, so am gonna now talk about the unspoken struggles.
1. Mental and Emotional Load – You’re not just memorizing meds and procedures; you’re dealing with life and death, people in pain, and families in distress. The emotional exhaustion can hit harder than the physical exhaustion.
2. The Impostor Syndrome Phase – Every nurse has a moment where they feel like they don’t know anything. That’s normal. The key? Keep learning, ask questions, and trust the process. No one expects you to be perfect—just safe and willing to learn.
3. Time Management (or Lack of It) – In school, assignments and exams pile up faster than you can blink. In practice, you’ll have patients who all need everything at once. Prioritization will be your best friend.
4. Shift Life & Burnout – Long shifts, night shifts, and missing out on holidays can take a toll. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Find ways to decompress, whether it’s journaling, gym sessions, or just zoning out to Netflix.
5. Respect? Depends Where You Work – Some places treat nurses like superheroes. Others, not so much. You’ll run into patients who think they know more than you because they “googled it.” Keep your cool, educate with confidence, and remember: you earned your knowledge.
How to Survive? 🤔..... Well....
Find a support system (classmates, mentors, even online nurse communities).
Accept that you won’t know everything, and that’s okay.
Keep a sense of humor—it will save you on the rough days.
Remember why you started. Passion keeps the burnout at bay.
At the end of the day, nursing is tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding careers out there. You’ll touch lives in ways you can’t even imagine. And one day, when you’re the experienced nurse mentoring a newbie, you’ll smile and say, “Yeah, I’ve been there.”
You got this mate, if you are dedicated Nad passionate you can totally make it. Good luck! 🤗
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kimberly nursing offers a lot of freedom, with the ability to work full- or part-time and in various different environments—a fact that isn’t talked about enough and that healthcare leaders should emphasize more. Nursing is also a recession-proof career, another aspect that healthcare leaders should use to attract more future nurses. Those who choose this path will always be able to find a job. The high demand for nurses gives people in this profession the opportunity for career progress and travel.
✅ CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)
Certified nurse assistants work under the supervision of LPNs and RN to care for patients in a variety of medical settings. They usually help patients and residents with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and eating. CNAs can also provide basic clinical care, such as taking vital signs and consulting with patients about their health issues. Jobs are available at hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• 4 MOS EDUCATION — You'll need to complete an accredited CNA program to work as a CNA in your state. Most CNA programs range from 75 to 150 hours and include classroom coursework and practical training. Topics of study might include medical terminology, body systems, nursing assistant duties, communication skills and patient care techniques. Graduates are usually awarded a certificate of completion. Vocational schools, community colleges and some chapters of the Red Cross offer CNA training. Additionally, hospitals and clinics sometimes offer on-the-job training programs for CNAs. You'll need a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate to enroll in most CNA programs.
• SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $34,500 to a high of $48,000
✅ LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
An LPN or LVN is a type of nurse who is responsible for providing patients with essential care. This includes helping them to eat, dress, bathe, etc. They assist Registered Nurses (RNs) and Doctors in keeping detailed records, maintaining clear communication between the entire care team, and working with patients and their families to understand procedures and how to care for sick relatives.
• 1 YR EDUCATION — LPN programs focus on the basics of nursing and patient care. You can typically find and enroll in an LPN program at your local community college or vocational school. You may expect this type of program to require 1-year of full-time study. Study topics could include patient assessment, anatomy, medical terminology, nutrition, patient education, and lifespan patient care.
• SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $45,000 to a high of $66,500
✅ ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN)
ADN stands for associate’s degree in nursing and it can give you a solid foundation for a career in healthcare. Popular among registered nurses (RNs), this degree provides opportunities to work in entry-level nursing positions. A registered nurse with an ADN can work in various health care facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and nursing homes. They provide care to patients with illnesses, injuries, diseases or disabilities. These nurses also educate patients and their families about medical conditions, treatments or preventative care.
• 2 YRS EDUCATION — Typically, it takes two years to earn an ADN if you attend school full-time. In contrast, BSN programs typically take four years to complete. Both timelines can vary depending on the program you attend and your previous level of education. For example, some schools offer accelerated nursing programs for both ADN and BSN degrees. In addition, if you've completed prior college credits, you may be able to transfer those credits to either an ADN or BSN program and graduate earlier.
• SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $71,000 to a high of $78,500
✅ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
An RN BSN is a Registered Nurse who has earned a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). As an RN BSN, you are in a position to work toward leadership roles at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, doctor’s office, or other healthcare settings. You also have the option of working in neuroscience, critical care, geriatric medicine, mental health, midwifery, or one of many other fields of specialty. Their duties are largely the same as a Registered Nurse—providing care to patients and seeing to their health needs—but because of the more advanced level of education obtained, RN BSNs are often preferred by employers over RNs who have earned ADN
and are paid more.
• 4 YRS EDUCATION — A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a 4-year degree you can earn to become a registered nurse. This guide will explain everything you need to know about BSN degrees, including what they are, how to get one, top programs, and whether a BSN is worth it. A BSN program is longer than an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and more expensive. However, BSN-trained RNs often get better career opportunities, and the BSN salary is typically higher. So, deciding which RN licensure path you want to take depends on your tuition budget, career goals, and priorities.
SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $82,500 to a high of $98,000
CONCLUSION
Even though having short work weeks is a major benefit to staff nursing, working 10-to-12-hour shifts can be physically and mentally taxing. If you work overtime, which can happen somewhat often, then you may have to work over 12 hours a day. Many nurses also work on weekends or even holidays, since patients require care even when most other employees have those days off of work. Having long weekends to rest typically balances out working long shifts.
Hope this will be helpful Kimberly
✅ CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)
Certified nurse assistants work under the supervision of LPNs and RN to care for patients in a variety of medical settings. They usually help patients and residents with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and eating. CNAs can also provide basic clinical care, such as taking vital signs and consulting with patients about their health issues. Jobs are available at hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• 4 MOS EDUCATION — You'll need to complete an accredited CNA program to work as a CNA in your state. Most CNA programs range from 75 to 150 hours and include classroom coursework and practical training. Topics of study might include medical terminology, body systems, nursing assistant duties, communication skills and patient care techniques. Graduates are usually awarded a certificate of completion. Vocational schools, community colleges and some chapters of the Red Cross offer CNA training. Additionally, hospitals and clinics sometimes offer on-the-job training programs for CNAs. You'll need a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate to enroll in most CNA programs.
• SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $34,500 to a high of $48,000
✅ LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
An LPN or LVN is a type of nurse who is responsible for providing patients with essential care. This includes helping them to eat, dress, bathe, etc. They assist Registered Nurses (RNs) and Doctors in keeping detailed records, maintaining clear communication between the entire care team, and working with patients and their families to understand procedures and how to care for sick relatives.
• 1 YR EDUCATION — LPN programs focus on the basics of nursing and patient care. You can typically find and enroll in an LPN program at your local community college or vocational school. You may expect this type of program to require 1-year of full-time study. Study topics could include patient assessment, anatomy, medical terminology, nutrition, patient education, and lifespan patient care.
• SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $45,000 to a high of $66,500
✅ ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN)
ADN stands for associate’s degree in nursing and it can give you a solid foundation for a career in healthcare. Popular among registered nurses (RNs), this degree provides opportunities to work in entry-level nursing positions. A registered nurse with an ADN can work in various health care facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and nursing homes. They provide care to patients with illnesses, injuries, diseases or disabilities. These nurses also educate patients and their families about medical conditions, treatments or preventative care.
• 2 YRS EDUCATION — Typically, it takes two years to earn an ADN if you attend school full-time. In contrast, BSN programs typically take four years to complete. Both timelines can vary depending on the program you attend and your previous level of education. For example, some schools offer accelerated nursing programs for both ADN and BSN degrees. In addition, if you've completed prior college credits, you may be able to transfer those credits to either an ADN or BSN program and graduate earlier.
• SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $71,000 to a high of $78,500
✅ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
An RN BSN is a Registered Nurse who has earned a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). As an RN BSN, you are in a position to work toward leadership roles at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, doctor’s office, or other healthcare settings. You also have the option of working in neuroscience, critical care, geriatric medicine, mental health, midwifery, or one of many other fields of specialty. Their duties are largely the same as a Registered Nurse—providing care to patients and seeing to their health needs—but because of the more advanced level of education obtained, RN BSNs are often preferred by employers over RNs who have earned ADN
and are paid more.
• 4 YRS EDUCATION — A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a 4-year degree you can earn to become a registered nurse. This guide will explain everything you need to know about BSN degrees, including what they are, how to get one, top programs, and whether a BSN is worth it. A BSN program is longer than an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and more expensive. However, BSN-trained RNs often get better career opportunities, and the BSN salary is typically higher. So, deciding which RN licensure path you want to take depends on your tuition budget, career goals, and priorities.
SALARY — Salaries can range from a low of $82,500 to a high of $98,000
CONCLUSION
Even though having short work weeks is a major benefit to staff nursing, working 10-to-12-hour shifts can be physically and mentally taxing. If you work overtime, which can happen somewhat often, then you may have to work over 12 hours a day. Many nurses also work on weekends or even holidays, since patients require care even when most other employees have those days off of work. Having long weekends to rest typically balances out working long shifts.
Hope this will be helpful Kimberly
Thank You Michelle. We need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.
Doc Frick
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Great question Kimberly!
One of the hardest parts for me was getting used to being in someone's personal space. I am a shy person, which made it even harder. As a nurse you will get used to seeing people without their clothes, dealing with body fluids, all while maintaining empathy for the fact that this might be the worst thing that's ever happened to them. So when you are dealing with people at their worst and they are sometimes angry or unlikable, just keep telling yourself that this could be one of your parents or grandparents. I overcame my shyness on the job by realizing, at work, I am in a role. That is how the patient sees me. I am the same person, but I represent a role. You will learn to deal with the more embarrassing, unpleasant part of the job. Just use your empathy and keep your sense of humor.
Good Luck,
Lisa
One of the hardest parts for me was getting used to being in someone's personal space. I am a shy person, which made it even harder. As a nurse you will get used to seeing people without their clothes, dealing with body fluids, all while maintaining empathy for the fact that this might be the worst thing that's ever happened to them. So when you are dealing with people at their worst and they are sometimes angry or unlikable, just keep telling yourself that this could be one of your parents or grandparents. I overcame my shyness on the job by realizing, at work, I am in a role. That is how the patient sees me. I am the same person, but I represent a role. You will learn to deal with the more embarrassing, unpleasant part of the job. Just use your empathy and keep your sense of humor.
Good Luck,
Lisa
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
Some nurses say the long hours and being on your feet all day.
Others say they are not respected by Sr Staff.
Still others, say the pay is not that good.
These are what nurses have told me, as a Peer Support Specialist.
Granted, I am not a nurse.
Still others, love being a nurse and it was the best choice they could have made.
So it depends on who you ask, and where you work.
Others say they are not respected by Sr Staff.
Still others, say the pay is not that good.
These are what nurses have told me, as a Peer Support Specialist.
Granted, I am not a nurse.
Still others, love being a nurse and it was the best choice they could have made.
So it depends on who you ask, and where you work.