3 answers
Gabriela
Student
South Gate, California
1
Question
Updated
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What advice would you give to students who feel scared to start the nursing program because many people say it’s very hard and almost impossible?
Many students feel nervous or discouraged about starting the nursing program because they often hear that it is extremely difficult and that very few people succeed. What advice would you give to someone who is passionate about nursing but feels scared that they might not be able to handle the challenges?
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3 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
It's definitely tough, but you can do it. You'll deal with some annoying stuff, like memorizing a lot and handling different personalities. But if you fill your life with things you love, it'll feel challenging but not impossible. Keep in mind, it's just four years, and you'll have many more years to build your career.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Gabriela, having a bit of fear is ok, and perfectly normal. No doubt nursing school is hard, but not impossible. I think the biggest thing is being prepared and seeking out resources to help you with your studies. It's been a little while since I've been in nursing school but here are some things that helped me get through it! Time management, find a way to keep yourself organized this is critical since you will have to balance your lecture course work and then clinical rotations. I also worked a part time job although the hours were limited so if you keep yourself organized you are ahead of the curve in that space! Also depending on the school you will be attending if you are able to get any of the pre-requisite course work done ahead of time at a community college and the school will allow those credits to transfer that might alleviate some of your stress as you'll be able to focus more on your nursing coursework (be sure to check with your college about that!)
Next study groups, finding classmates to study for exams was helpful 1. it kept me focused, 2. it allowed me to me bounce ideas off of them, 3. if there was a portion of the text or lecture I wasn't sure about and a classmate was more knowledgeable about that topic it allowed me to get clarity, and 4. it broke up some of the boredom studying on my own. Also at least where i went to school I discovered some of the questions on our exams were based off the NCLEX study guides so having one handy might serve you in several ways.
I was in your shoes once many years ago and was passionate but unsure! Keep that passion in mind to drive your focus! Wishing you much success!
Next study groups, finding classmates to study for exams was helpful 1. it kept me focused, 2. it allowed me to me bounce ideas off of them, 3. if there was a portion of the text or lecture I wasn't sure about and a classmate was more knowledgeable about that topic it allowed me to get clarity, and 4. it broke up some of the boredom studying on my own. Also at least where i went to school I discovered some of the questions on our exams were based off the NCLEX study guides so having one handy might serve you in several ways.
I was in your shoes once many years ago and was passionate but unsure! Keep that passion in mind to drive your focus! Wishing you much success!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Gabriela,
Firstly lemme just say, I was told becoming a doctor was impossible too, but let me tell you, nothing is impossible. There is always a way if you’re passionate enough! Don’t let others tell you otherwise. Remember, you are the one who creates your opportunities, and you are the one who opens those doors , no one else can do that for you. So, toss that fear aside, and go for it! I totally can tell that nursing can feel overwhelming..... at first, especially with everyone saying how tough it is. But here’s the thing: Nothing worth having comes easy. People might say it’s hard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle it! It just means there’s a challenge ahead, and challenges are what help you grow. You know one thing I say when someone tells me how hard and struggling everything is, I had tell them, "If it weren't for all this hardships, you wouldn't be the person you are" so know that these challenges are whats gonna build you up strong.
If you're passionate about nursing, that’s already your superpower. Passion and dedication are exactly what you need to succeed. Don’t focus on the difficulty, focus on your why—why you want to be a nurse in the first place. Keep that fire alive, and when things get tough (because they will), remember why you started.
And here’s the big piece of advice: Take it one step at a time. Don't try to digest everything at once. Celebrate small wins, ask for help when you need it, and remember, every nurse has been through it and made it to the other side. So, who in the world says it's impossible, Well know that if those guys made it so can you too.
Now lemme say something about the field. So basically, there are moments when you’ll feel like you're drowning in information, but those moments pass. You'll start to build confidence in your skills, and as hard as it can be, the rewards are beyond what words can express. Nursing isn’t just about textbooks or tests, but, it's about real, human connection. It’s about touching lives when they need it most, whether it's comforting a scared patient or being the one who makes them feel heard and cared for. The love you give and receive from your patients, from your colleagues, and even from yourself as you grow through the process—that’s where the magic happens.
And, you know what? Every nurse goes through struggles, even the ones you admire. The fear, the doubt—it’s natural, but it’s not something that should hold you back. It means you care, and that's one of the most powerful qualities a nurse can have. Soooo, When you face tough days (and there will be tough days), lean into the support system around you. Your professors, classmates, and mentors—they’ve got your back. And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. You’re only human, and the strength you need to move forward comes from that balance.
This isn’t said to be impossible Gabriela. It's just another hard part—but it's also one of the most fulfilling paths you can take. If you're passionate about nursing, the hardest part is already over.... you've chosen it. The rest is just about taking it one day at a time, one step at a time.
So yea buddy the road might be tough, sure, but you’re tougher. If you truly want it, you’ve already got the best tools to make it happen. Keep your eyes on the goal and take it one step at a time. You've got this Gabriela and I am rooting for you always. If you need anything to ease up that confidence or questions feel free to ask always.
Research the Nursing Program Requirements
Nursing programs require a lot of memorization and critical thinking. Start developing good study habits now and work on time management because it is an important key to have masterred.
Gain Practical Experience Shadow a nurse or volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. It’ll give you firsthand experience of what it’s like to be on the frontlines, and you’ll get a feel for the environment and the work. Look into a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program if you haven’t already. It gives you direct patient care experience, and the hands-on experience will make you more confident going into nursing school.
Stay Inspired and Remember Your "Why"
The most important step: trust yourself. You've got the passion and drive. As long as you stay focused and committed, there's no reason why you won’t succeed.
Firstly lemme just say, I was told becoming a doctor was impossible too, but let me tell you, nothing is impossible. There is always a way if you’re passionate enough! Don’t let others tell you otherwise. Remember, you are the one who creates your opportunities, and you are the one who opens those doors , no one else can do that for you. So, toss that fear aside, and go for it! I totally can tell that nursing can feel overwhelming..... at first, especially with everyone saying how tough it is. But here’s the thing: Nothing worth having comes easy. People might say it’s hard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle it! It just means there’s a challenge ahead, and challenges are what help you grow. You know one thing I say when someone tells me how hard and struggling everything is, I had tell them, "If it weren't for all this hardships, you wouldn't be the person you are" so know that these challenges are whats gonna build you up strong.
If you're passionate about nursing, that’s already your superpower. Passion and dedication are exactly what you need to succeed. Don’t focus on the difficulty, focus on your why—why you want to be a nurse in the first place. Keep that fire alive, and when things get tough (because they will), remember why you started.
And here’s the big piece of advice: Take it one step at a time. Don't try to digest everything at once. Celebrate small wins, ask for help when you need it, and remember, every nurse has been through it and made it to the other side. So, who in the world says it's impossible, Well know that if those guys made it so can you too.
Now lemme say something about the field. So basically, there are moments when you’ll feel like you're drowning in information, but those moments pass. You'll start to build confidence in your skills, and as hard as it can be, the rewards are beyond what words can express. Nursing isn’t just about textbooks or tests, but, it's about real, human connection. It’s about touching lives when they need it most, whether it's comforting a scared patient or being the one who makes them feel heard and cared for. The love you give and receive from your patients, from your colleagues, and even from yourself as you grow through the process—that’s where the magic happens.
And, you know what? Every nurse goes through struggles, even the ones you admire. The fear, the doubt—it’s natural, but it’s not something that should hold you back. It means you care, and that's one of the most powerful qualities a nurse can have. Soooo, When you face tough days (and there will be tough days), lean into the support system around you. Your professors, classmates, and mentors—they’ve got your back. And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. You’re only human, and the strength you need to move forward comes from that balance.
This isn’t said to be impossible Gabriela. It's just another hard part—but it's also one of the most fulfilling paths you can take. If you're passionate about nursing, the hardest part is already over.... you've chosen it. The rest is just about taking it one day at a time, one step at a time.
So yea buddy the road might be tough, sure, but you’re tougher. If you truly want it, you’ve already got the best tools to make it happen. Keep your eyes on the goal and take it one step at a time. You've got this Gabriela and I am rooting for you always. If you need anything to ease up that confidence or questions feel free to ask always.
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