What is Nursing School Like: Is it as Difficult as I'm Hearing?

If you're considering enrolling in nursing school, you've probably talked to other nursing students who've been through the program. No doubt, you've learned the course of study can be challenging. After all, being a nurse requires some rigorous preparation.

However, keep in mind that nationwide, the retention rate for nurses who are enrolled in bachelor degree programs is generally much higher -- more than 70 percent -- than for other programs. What that means is that most nursing students are driven to succeed.

They work hard at mastering their coursework and completing their clinical practice. They understand before they enter the program how important a web of friends and family is to their success. They make the most of the support system at the college they enroll in, uplifting and being uplifted by their fellow nursing students.

They also learn to communicate well with instructors, counselors, and mentors, asking questions as needed and ensuring they understand assignments and practices. They also work at developing soft skills, such as good organization and time management.

So is nursing school hard? Yes, in some ways. But in other ways, if you avail yourself of the support system, and you're willing to put in the hard work, you will find it's possible to succeed.

Here are some of the challenges, and ways to overcome them.

Challenge 1: Completing the Required Courses

Whether you go for an associate degree to get your RN, or enroll in a longer program to earn a bachelor's degree, you are going to have to get through the nursing school curriculum, with courses such as these:

• Pharmacology
• Medical surgical nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Pathophysiology
• Acute care nursing
• Dosage calculations
• Anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology

In addition to these nursing-specific courses, you will have to complete math and English courses, as well as some electives. You will likely need to maintain an average GPA of 2.5.

Completing your course work satisfactorily means you will need to carve out time to study and do papers. This can be harder than you think, especially if you have to devote considerable time to childcare, taking care of the home, and possibly working fulltime. Most nursing students cut back on working hours and realistically require help with children and home so they can devote the time needed to their studies and to attending class or clinicals.

Beyond this support system, you will need good organizational and time management skills to succeed (see no. 3). You should also have a good internet connection and a reliable computer for doing assignments and communicating with nursing instructors, as the importance of technology in nursing training grows.

Challenge 2: Maintaining a Positive Outlook Even When Things Get Tough

Nursing can create a heightened sense of excitement during emergencies. You'll get a taste of that in nursing school, particularly as you begin to practice procedures in a clinical setting. Beyond the obvious challenges of the course work you have to memorize and master, there's also the day to day drama of sick or wounded people.

Are you someone who gets frantic during an emergency? Can you maintain a patient, calm, and calming demeanor so that you're not lost when you need to demonstrate what you've been learning?

You may need to talk to nursing school advisors about the best ways to deal with the intense situations you'll encounter as you learn.

Challenge 3: Developing Good Habits

You can't afford to procrastinate with your study and work habits. Here are a few suggestions; follow them all or pick a few, but make sure you stick to them and you'll improve your odds for overcoming the many hurdles of nursing school.

• Make some type of calendar, be it on your phone, on the computer, or on paper, marking assignments and tests. Look at it often. Do not wait until the last minute to tackle assignments or to study for tests.
• You will feel more relaxed during tests if you keep up with course material rather than cramming the night before.
• Map out what you will do each day to advance your studies and to meet deadlines.
• Get to know your instructors, but don't waste their time or yours by idle schmoozing. Consult them as mentors whenever possible.
• Get to class ahead of time so you can review and organize your materials.
• Ask questions so you understand the course material, particularly if you find it challenging. If you find some areas particularly difficult, you may need a tutor.
• Look into study sessions with classmates.

Do you think you can take on the rigors of nursing school? If you want to earn an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), ECPI University offers this program. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions professional today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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