2 answers
Haylee
Student
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
696 views
What was the hardest part about becoming a nurse?
For example was it hard to balance your personal life and your education?
Was it hard to pass your classes?
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2 answers
Char R.
Registered Nurse
79
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Haylee,
For me, balancing personal life and nursing school took a lot of work but worked well for me. I was pretty busy during the school year (September to May). School was my priority, but I managed to work part time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) on the weekends throughout the school year and still was able to have a bit of a social life. I worked Fri/Sat one week, then Sat/Sun the next. Because I chose a semester-based nursing program (rather than quarter-based), I was less stressed and didn't feel like my classes were rushed. During the summers, I chose to avoid summer school and instead recharge my brain, pick up extra weekday work hours and get some weekends off, and tend to my social life more. This was probably the best way I balanced it all.
On the other hand, the classes were very challenging for me. During nursing school, you have to take classroom courses on campus as well as clinical training at the hospital (sometimes 10-12 hrs at a time). This was one of the hardest parts of nursing school. The busy school schedule! The coursework was also challenging. There's a lot to remember, and some topics are complex. But a lot of the topics are interesting! The classes were never so difficult that I couldn't pass them though. I passed every class.
My suggestion is to make friends in your program who can be your support group and study buddies. Also, if you're worried you're going to fail a class or you feel like you're not understanding the coursework, get a tutor right away! Lastly, a good planner/ organized calendar will help because your schedule will be tight.
Overall, if you have a great support system at home and school, you really want to be a nurse, and you're already a dedicated student, it's 100% possible to balance it all.
For me, balancing personal life and nursing school took a lot of work but worked well for me. I was pretty busy during the school year (September to May). School was my priority, but I managed to work part time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) on the weekends throughout the school year and still was able to have a bit of a social life. I worked Fri/Sat one week, then Sat/Sun the next. Because I chose a semester-based nursing program (rather than quarter-based), I was less stressed and didn't feel like my classes were rushed. During the summers, I chose to avoid summer school and instead recharge my brain, pick up extra weekday work hours and get some weekends off, and tend to my social life more. This was probably the best way I balanced it all.
On the other hand, the classes were very challenging for me. During nursing school, you have to take classroom courses on campus as well as clinical training at the hospital (sometimes 10-12 hrs at a time). This was one of the hardest parts of nursing school. The busy school schedule! The coursework was also challenging. There's a lot to remember, and some topics are complex. But a lot of the topics are interesting! The classes were never so difficult that I couldn't pass them though. I passed every class.
My suggestion is to make friends in your program who can be your support group and study buddies. Also, if you're worried you're going to fail a class or you feel like you're not understanding the coursework, get a tutor right away! Lastly, a good planner/ organized calendar will help because your schedule will be tight.
Overall, if you have a great support system at home and school, you really want to be a nurse, and you're already a dedicated student, it's 100% possible to balance it all.
JB Molina
Nurse
2
Answers
Santa Rosa, Calabarzon, Philippines
Updated
JB’s Answer
Hi Haylee!
As someone with experience in different nursing roles, I know becoming a nurse is challenging. It's not just about tough classes or clinicals—you'll handle those. The real test is building emotional strength. Balancing your personal life with a heavy academic load can feel never-ending. There will be late nights with flashcards, early mornings at clinicals, and finding time for family and friends who might not fully understand what you're going through.
Passing classes is hard, but remember why you're doing it. You're not just aiming for a degree; you're preparing to save lives, comfort people in tough times, make quick decisions, and stay strong even when you're tired.
Through these challenges, you'll grow in resilience, empathy, and purpose. Nurses don't just learn about medicine—they develop the ability to share in others' pain, even when they're tired. This is invaluable.
If you're on this journey or know someone who is, be proud of your strength. You can do it! I look forward to welcoming you to this rewarding experience.
As someone with experience in different nursing roles, I know becoming a nurse is challenging. It's not just about tough classes or clinicals—you'll handle those. The real test is building emotional strength. Balancing your personal life with a heavy academic load can feel never-ending. There will be late nights with flashcards, early mornings at clinicals, and finding time for family and friends who might not fully understand what you're going through.
Passing classes is hard, but remember why you're doing it. You're not just aiming for a degree; you're preparing to save lives, comfort people in tough times, make quick decisions, and stay strong even when you're tired.
Through these challenges, you'll grow in resilience, empathy, and purpose. Nurses don't just learn about medicine—they develop the ability to share in others' pain, even when they're tired. This is invaluable.
If you're on this journey or know someone who is, be proud of your strength. You can do it! I look forward to welcoming you to this rewarding experience.