3 answers
Lily
Student
Biloxi, Mississippi
1
Question
Asked
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What was the hardest part about becoming a nurse?#spring25 #spring2025
I plan on attending college this fall to become a nurse and I am worried I will struggle or the work will be too hard for me. I was wondering if anyone has tips?
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3 answers
Nicole Crowder
Nurse Practitioner
24
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
There is a guarantee that the work will be hard and challenging but you will love learning about ALL of the new things about the body and how you can help your patients learn, grow and heal. Do not worry-just stay focused on your goals and if it is for you, you will achieve them! Enjoy the journey!
Nicole
Nicole
Atri Bhatt
Worker's Compensation Nurse Medical Case Manager
8
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Atri’s Answer
Hi Lily!
Congratulations on starting nursing school soon! I remember what it was like starting out as a brand new nursing student! The first thing I want to say is always give yourself grace. Nursing school is difficult and so is being a nurse, so that being said it is so important to be patient with yourself. You won't understand everything right away, nor will you understand how to do certain things---thats okay! That is always my first piece of advice for any new nurses and any nurses that I have taught.
In terms of learning nursing school content and material that you have lectures on: 1. TAKE NOTES and make quizlets. I do not know how you learn best, but for me repetition was KEY! Nursing school is a lot of memorization. EX: learning side effects, mechanism of action of certain drugs, etc. So quizlet was definitely my saving grace in terms of knowing material. Others agreed, because they would ask me to share my quizlets as well!
2. Lean on good professors! You will find out very quickly which professors have a true passion for teaching and which ones do not. The ones who do will offer to go the extra mile to make sure you understand the content! ASK MANY QUESTIONS, you wont know, unless you ask!
3. Make outlines of the material for yourself using the powerpoints or however your professors convey the content, and put them in your own words
4. Lean on your peers as well. Make a good study group with good people and explain the concepts to eachother, its a great way to learn!
As for hands-on learning:
take advantage of your clinicals. Do not be afraid to jump in at your clinical sites and ask the nurses (if they let you) to watch and assist different things. Watch how the nurses are interacting with the patients. Look up the patient charts (your instructor should have access) and really dig in the charts to find out what is going and what the doctors are choosing to do proceed with their treatment plans, it will help you apply what youre learning in class!
This was just a little advice! Good luck!!
Congratulations on starting nursing school soon! I remember what it was like starting out as a brand new nursing student! The first thing I want to say is always give yourself grace. Nursing school is difficult and so is being a nurse, so that being said it is so important to be patient with yourself. You won't understand everything right away, nor will you understand how to do certain things---thats okay! That is always my first piece of advice for any new nurses and any nurses that I have taught.
In terms of learning nursing school content and material that you have lectures on: 1. TAKE NOTES and make quizlets. I do not know how you learn best, but for me repetition was KEY! Nursing school is a lot of memorization. EX: learning side effects, mechanism of action of certain drugs, etc. So quizlet was definitely my saving grace in terms of knowing material. Others agreed, because they would ask me to share my quizlets as well!
2. Lean on good professors! You will find out very quickly which professors have a true passion for teaching and which ones do not. The ones who do will offer to go the extra mile to make sure you understand the content! ASK MANY QUESTIONS, you wont know, unless you ask!
3. Make outlines of the material for yourself using the powerpoints or however your professors convey the content, and put them in your own words
4. Lean on your peers as well. Make a good study group with good people and explain the concepts to eachother, its a great way to learn!
As for hands-on learning:
take advantage of your clinicals. Do not be afraid to jump in at your clinical sites and ask the nurses (if they let you) to watch and assist different things. Watch how the nurses are interacting with the patients. Look up the patient charts (your instructor should have access) and really dig in the charts to find out what is going and what the doctors are choosing to do proceed with their treatment plans, it will help you apply what youre learning in class!
This was just a little advice! Good luck!!
Char Allen
Registered nurse
6
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Char’s Answer
My mom once said that nothing worth having comes easy, and I try to remember that whenever I face challenges. Lily, I know nursing school will be tough, but if you really want this, you can do it. Nursing classes are meant to be challenging, and there will be tough days, but you’ll get through them.
Always pay attention to your mental health. Know when to take breaks and try to keep healthy habits in your life. Make sure you get enough sleep, drink water, and eat well. Take time for yourself, whether it's hanging out with friends or enjoying some alone time. Remember, you can't help others if you're not taking care of yourself. Don't wait until the last minute to finish assignments. Use office hours if you don't understand something, and join study groups. I made many long-term friends in study groups, and sharing ideas can really help. If you’re stuck, try looking things up on YouTube; there are lots of videos that explain things clearly. Take your time with studying; cramming the night before usually doesn’t work well. Know your limits and when to push yourself.
You can do this, one step at a time! And don’t forget to have some fun :)
Always pay attention to your mental health. Know when to take breaks and try to keep healthy habits in your life. Make sure you get enough sleep, drink water, and eat well. Take time for yourself, whether it's hanging out with friends or enjoying some alone time. Remember, you can't help others if you're not taking care of yourself. Don't wait until the last minute to finish assignments. Use office hours if you don't understand something, and join study groups. I made many long-term friends in study groups, and sharing ideas can really help. If you’re stuck, try looking things up on YouTube; there are lots of videos that explain things clearly. Take your time with studying; cramming the night before usually doesn’t work well. Know your limits and when to push yourself.
You can do this, one step at a time! And don’t forget to have some fun :)