Nursing School Expectations
Going from a pre-nursing to a nursing student was a difficult transition for me. I thought I knew what to expect, but damn I was wrong. I didn’t know if I was able to continue the program because the stress felt so debilitating. I learned a lot during my nursing school journey. So let me share what I learned with you so you can start the program with your head up high.
Prior to nursing school I was a straight A student; a perfectionist. I did everything I could to get the best grades possible and was kind of used to being an above average student...until nursing school. Nursing school turned my world upside down.
First thing you need to know: you finally made it into the program so that means you are no longer in a competition. Understand that everyone is on the same level. It took me a very long time to understand that my classmates are friends, instead of competitors, and that cost me some friends. Learn from my mistakes; you are all there to help one another and just learn.
You are told from day one of your pre-nursing career that you need to have the highest of grades to get into the program. While that is true, nursing school is a whole different game. I had the same mindset when going into nursing school. My first pharmacology is what really showed me how nursing school is just a different level of difficulty. I studied for my first nursing exam for about two weeks for hours and hours on end. I felt confident. I took my exam in the same seat where I took my TEAS, superstitious I know.
I got my first C on an exam in my college career.
I broke down. I went to my dorm room and just cried. I didn’t understand what I did wrong. I did everything that I usually did. But nursing school is just that hard. Everything was different: how you study, how you take your exams, and it completely changes how you look at school. Exams are completely different. They are taken on the computer, all timed, all the answers you have are right but you must choose the BEST one, and worst of all, select all that apply.
Grades still matter, but this is the time to focus on building your own foundation and finding your own groove. I used to think that I needed A’s, but honestly, new grad jobs don’t look at your grades. The quote “C’s get degrees” became such a mantra for me. I’m not saying to throw away your grades. I didn’t get anything lower than a B for my classes even though my mindset changed. Do your best, but it’s okay if you don’t get the A you expected. Changing my mindset of getting A’s all the time to just using this time to learn as much as possible took off a lot of pressure; it helped with my mental health, let that help yours.
Is it possible to still have life outside of nursing school?
Yes.
The majority of your time is allotted for nursing school, but your entire life is not gone. I was told before to say goodbye to your friends, family, significant other, sleep, and free time. That scared me as a prospective nursing student, but it was completely wrong. It’s all about balance and time management. I carried on a relationship, saw my friends and family regularly, had a part-time job, slept, and still got good grades. Everything is possible. It’s true that you get less sleep, and you may spend more time studying and writing than seeing friends and family, but you can still live your life. Nurses are the worst at self-care because they are too busy taking care of others. It’s important that you have time for yourself. For the sake of your mental health, you need to take breaks. Not everything is about studying; make sure you are happy and healthy too.
You can definitely have a job while being in nursing school. I used to work at Yogurtland and my manager was very flexible with my school schedule as it continued to change throughout the program. All it takes is communication and ensuring that school is a priority. There were students in my cohort that were parents and had heavy responsibilities. They had so much more on their plate. I have no idea how they did it, but they did. You can and will do it too.
Clinicals and care planning are the backbones of nursing school. This is where you start building your foundation as a nurse and learn the most. It’s the most stressful part but the most critical. You start establishing your bedside practice and see how each discipline functions as a team to care for a patient. I’ll have another blog dedicated to clinicals and care planning because they have their own expectations.
Having the title “nursing student” is such a blessing. It means you’re there to learn and to make mistakes. The majority of instructors do not expect you to know everything but do expect you to try. But don’t be surprised to find that some instructors will test the living hell out of every single detail before you do it. It just makes you more conscious about why you’re doing it. Moving with intention. Don’t take advantage of the word student because once you’re licensed and working, your career is on the line. As a student, you have so many nets to fall back on and you always get back on your feet and continue to grow and learn.
Long story short…
Everyone in your cohort are your friends. You all made it to the program so there is no reason to compete with one another. Instead, help, learn, and uplift one another, even if you are in different programs. You are all there to become the best nurse that you can be. Everyone will and does practice differently so it’s okay if you’re doing something different but still have the same results.
Grades are important but they are not everything. There is no reason to add more pressure to yourself to get those perfect straight A’s. Always do your best but don’t be defeated if you don’t get those same grades you used to get. Nursing school is just hard in general but C’s get degrees. Patients won’t ask about your grades. New grad jobs look if you have a license and if you’re a good fit for the positions. They are not going to ask about your grade in labor and delivery if you’re applying to an ICU position.
Even though nursing school takes up the majority of your time. You can still live life outside of all the studying, careplaning, and clinicals. You get some days off, and possibly spend only a few hours studying while still having the rest of the day to yourself. Time management, communication, and balance is important. Make sure to have time for yourself and away from school so you don’t feel so burnt out. This is something I learned that I still followed when I became a new grad nurse.
Enjoy being a student. Soak in all the knowledge you can, practice everything, ask all the questions in the world. Don’t be afraid to jump in. Listen to your instructors and learn from the experienced nurses. Spend time with your patients. Nurses don’t always have time to sit down with their patients, but you do. Even though it's only a few hours, it can be life-changing for you and them.
Nursing school is a memorable, but dreadful experience. I would never do it again, even if someone offered me a million dollars. Lol. I learned a lot about myself and faced tons of walls in my own personal life during school, especially mental health. It pushes you to your absolute limits, but it helps you become the great nurse you will be one day. Once it’s done, it’s the best feeling. You’ll look back and think “I did that.” It’s an immense accomplishment and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I wish you the greatest of luck and support during your nursing program! Now go get that nursing degree!
<3 Mags
thank you em!