Shelby
What is Nursing school like? Is it all hands on - or more book work?
I want to be a nurse but i have a hard time studying from a book. I need to see what i'm doing and see where i go wrong. Is this going to be a struggle for me?
. #nursing #registered-nurses
5 answers
Ann Clark
Ann’s Answer
I joined a study group and we met twice a week for 2-3 hours, quizzing each other and helping each other through assignments. I think that's what helped me the most.
There is a lot of labs and clinical experiences that allow you to apply what you've learned in class, but I feared each and every one of those experiences. We were expected to know every single thing about each one of our patients' inpatient and home medications, admitting diagnosis, past medical history and previous diagnoses, disabilities and how to safely assist them while they move. We would get our patient assignments around 5pm and I would be up all night studying all those things to be prepared for a 6am clinical day. Each patient would have 2 dozen medications to look up and at least 10 diagnoses. Had to be able to answer why my diabetic patient would be on rosuvastatin, for example, and whether or not the dose was appropriate.
If we couldn't answer the clinical instructor's questions, we would fail the day. You could only fail one or two days before failing the whole clinical rotation...then your very existence in nursing school was in jeopardy.
Nursing school can be grueling. But most programs aren't as rigid and are more understanding of people who learn better with alternative methods. I graduated from nursing school in 2004, so programs have changed a lot since then. There is all kinds of assistance available now for learners with differing needs.
There is no need for you to go through nursing school as terrified of failure as I was. There is support and assistance available to you. You just have to seek it out and ask for it.
Tanya Villers, MSN, APRN, NP-C
Tanya’s Answer
As a former nursing instructor, I like to thing we do a good job of integrating what you learn in a text book into actual practice. There is however a level of memorization that you will need to do. You will need to memorize anatomy and physiology, as well as pharmacology. However, a good instructor will give you activities to make your learning interactive, so you will have an easier time learning the subjects. If you really want to be a nurse, you can do it. I also am not much of a text book learner and I have managed to become a nurse practitioner. Good luck!
Patty Born
Patty’s Answer
Shelby,
I am just like you. I am a visual/tactile learner. Nursing school was hard for me for this reason. There is a lot of emphasis on the test scores and that was the part I didn't do so well in. Practicals, however, were my specialty. I could "do" what I was supposed to do I just couldn't always demonstrate my knowledge by taking tests. There's no way around it though. You have to do well on all of your exams. Your clinicals are also important, but your test grades will make or break you. Study, study, and when you feel like you can't go on, study some more!
Good luck,
Patty
Erlease Freeman
Erlease’s Answer
College in general is quite challenging. Regardless of you major you will have to study hard. If you have difficulty focusing or need to improve your study skills you can look into courses or study groups that help students in this area. Just know that it will not be easy and will take a lot of commitment and dedication. Stay focused and know who your support persons are; stay away from negativity and anyone who is not trying to help you reach your goals. Good luck
Cielo Ortiz
Cielo’s Answer
Nursing school is immediately implementing & putting into action what you learn in class into action. I completed my initial nursing degree in a community college so in a week, we'll have 2 days in class & 2 days in clinical. Like Erlease said, getting into a study group would be very helpful, you can bounce ideas with each other, & your classmates usually have a simpler explanation than what instructors can give.
Stay focused & you'll do great! Good luck!!