Question for RN's : How hard is nursing school? 11-28-11
I had heard that nursing school was the most stressful, difficult experience and that it was such a hard program, etc. But nursing wasn't my first degree, so unlike many nursing students I had something to compare the experience to. As far as academics go, nursing is less intensive in terms of reading / writing / social sciences, etc. Your homework load isn't really all that bad. The part of nursing that's hard is: 1) It does take a lot of time. There are practicums (internships) and depending on what school you're in they may not be paid. Doing classes, doing an unpaid internship, having a regular job and trying to raise a child is VERY hard. When my son was four I caught him throwing my textbooks in the trash can because he wanted mommy to play with him. Talk about a broken heart! 2) Tests, tests, tests. There are tests to prepare you to take tests that are supposed to prepare you to take tests to see if you're prepared to take your boards. And no I'm not exaggerating. I'm a good test taker and naturally confident in that area, so it didn't bother me. I had classmates that were miserable over all the tests though. That being said, nursing school is very do-able. The good thing about nursing is that nursing students tend to make friends fast and they'll help you pull through. Everyone hates math and organic chemistry, but the vast majority of people who are committed overcome it. Nursing schools also seem to be more motivated to make things work for you so that you can make it through. Compared to my other degree, my nursing classes were way more flexible and my advisers and teachers far more attentive and helpful. Even though doing nursing school and raising a child as a single mom was hard, it's paid off in spades now that it's over. I am now able to support myself and my son very well (comparably! :P ) by working only two days a week. All the time I used to stress about missing with my son is made up now by the fact that I'm home way more than I would be with any other job. The biggest thing is just to commit, find out what who you can get to back you in your dreams, and then rely on whatever support systems are available to you. It'll be hard but you can do it and you'll never regret making the sacrifices you had to make to get through! Date=11-28-11 Name:Lisa ReportAbuseClick here to have the Board Manager review this message. |