As most of you know by now, I am a senior nursing student. This means that I have had some clinical and nursing class experiences under my belt. Trust me when I say it was a learning experience my first semester. I was use to getting good grades in high school and my first few exams were not going as planned. I quickly realized that I needed to stop worrying about the grade letter. With that being said I wanted a post to cover five items that I wish I had known going into nursing school.
1. You study constantly. There is a reason why they say nursing school is hard. The exams will test you in a way that you never have experienced before. Questions are no longer knowledge questions, but rather application questions. Retention of the information you learn your first semester is important. Every nursing class builds upon one another.
2. Memorization is not the way to study! Yes you will have to memorize lab values and medications, but overall memorization is not helpful. Nursing tests expect you to know something, i.e. a disease, and will ask you what is your top priority with it, i.e. treatment. Application of your knowledge is key. I really hope that makes sense!
3. A&P is tough. You have to memorize so much...bones, muscles, etc. But this class is meant to weed out individuals who are not going to truly apply themselves. Nursing schools want dedicated students who are going to work hard.
4. You are going to experience a moment during clinical where you feel like you know nothing!! And that is totally okay. They do not expect you to know every drug, every disease, or how to do something completely perfect. What they are expecting is for you to have a general idea of your patient and know the skills you were taught. However, do not be afraid to ask questions. Clinicals are truly a learning experience.
5. It is a time commitment. Your nursing school classes are going to require a lot more time from you than general education courses. Not only will you have exams, but you also have simulation labs, papers, and clinicals. As you have heard me say before, have good time management skills. Get used to a routine. Take time before school begins to explain to your family, friends, and significant others that yes you will be busy and that their support is appreciated.
What did you wish you had known before nursing school?
P.S. Have you noticed that I really liked lists? haha.
I wish I had known that there would be times I didn't think I could make it through nursing school. I wish I had known how much nursing school would test my drive and determination to do what I wanted to do. Most of all I wish I had known that nursing school would be the hardest thing I've had to continue to push myself through; yet, it is also the most rewarding experience because of the patients and friends I have met along the way that have taught me so much more than I could have learned in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThank Christine for sharing! Friendships in nursing school are truly like nothing else! (:
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