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For nurses or nursing students, what was the biggest challenge during your first year in nursing school and how did you overcome it?
I’m starting my LPN program soon and want to prepare myself mentally and academically. I’ve heard the first year can be challenging, so I’d love advice on what to expect and what made the biggest difference for you.
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Palmer’s Answer
I’m an LPN of 3 years and going back to get my RN soon. My biggest challenge was time management. I had a planner that I color coded for each class and assignment. I always stayed ahead but not too far ahead. I would say I tried to get as much “class work or homework” out of the way so that the rest of the week I could spend studying, making flash cards, reading my text books, taking lots of practice questions, and even studying with a buddy. I found that a small study group worked best for me and it was just me and 2 other girls. We created games to help us study. To learn and practice skills we used stuffed animals, baby dolls, and each other. Time management will get better the more you practice and once you establish your own routine. Use resources to study like Mark K, Nurse Sarah, and Simple Nursing. Download an app called Board Vitals and take practice questions. Do this everyday in some spare time you have. Listen to lectures on your phone at the gym or in the car on your way to class. These are somethings that I did to help me but everyone has their own routine. I was nervous and beyond overwhelmed in the beginning. It does get better once you get your own routine. Make sure to take time for yourself. You can’t be a nurse and take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. Take a hot shower or bath. Go for a walk or a run. Listen to some music. Watch your favorite movie. You won’t always have time for friends and family because you will always be busy with studying, but still try to make some time because it’s good for the soul and you’ll need it. This is my best advice for anyone going to nursing school. I hope this helps! Best of luck!! And remember you can do hard things!🩷
Thank you so much. I appreciate all of your advise. I do plan to pursue my RN license after completing my LPN program, so I'll be definitely keeping your feedback in mind :)
Samone