Does nursing school ever get easier?
I’ve lost count at how many times I asked myself that when I was still in nursing school, and no doubt nearly every nursing student will contemplate dropping out of nursing school at some point. In fact, if you fail one test, or mess up during clinicals, you’ll likely even question whether or not you’re even cut out to be a nurse in the first place.
We received this question:
I’m really struggling in nursing school right now, and I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to successfully graduate. Sometimes it seems so hard, and I am doing pretty well right now, but I wonder if it is going to get any easier, or will it remain this hard throughout?
-Natalie
Thanks so much for your question Natalie.
Will Nursing School Get Easier?
Nursing school is very challenging, and just about every studentfeels as if they don’t have what it takes. I remember many times I was so stressed out, and I feared I may fail a test, fail a class, or even flunk out. Thankfully,Istayed the course and graduated from nursing school with honors.
Nursing school willhave semesters that are easier than others. The good news is that thelonger you are in nursing school, the easier it gets.The coursework may remain about the same, but it will get easier due to:
- The fact that you’ll be used to it after a semester or two and you’ll know what it takes to succeed
- In your last semester or two, yoursenior practicum will take a large chunk of your nursing school time,and that is a little easier for some people as opposed to so much book work
- The longer you are there,the moreyou will see that light at the end of thetunnel. In other words, knowing you are so close to graduation will help you stay positive and motivated to stick with it.
The best news of all is this one thing: Remember that your life is going to be totally differentonce you graduate from nursing school. Working as a nurse is totally different from being a nursing student.
When you are a nursing student, you have to go to class, come home and study, sometimes work a part-time job, and it can get really exhausting. When you graduate, you’ll have a high-paying job, you can work full-time there (usually just 3 days a week if you work 12 hour shifts), and have all of your off time to do whatever you please and just relax and enjoy life.
I’m much happier working as a nurse than I was in nursing school.
So hang in there. Nursing school does get easier, and once you graduate life will be much better.
Thinking about going to Nursing School?
Are you contemplating going to nursing school, or are you actually in nursing school right now? Nursing school can be challenging, especially if you do not know what to expect. Here is a great guide by S. L. Page BSN, RN called “How to Pass Nursing School“. This book gives you detailed information about how to pass nursing school from beginning to end. S.L. Page, the creator of this website, complied all the information students what to know about nursing school into one easy to read guide. She gives in depth information on how to succeed in nursing school.
S.L. Page graduated from nursing school with honors and passed the NCLEX-RN on her first try. In this eBook, she reveals the strategies she used to help her succeed.
Here is what the book looks like:
I'm an experienced nursing professional with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with pursuing a career in nursing. Having successfully navigated nursing school myself, I can empathize with the struggles faced by students like Natalie who question whether nursing school ever gets easier.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article and provide valuable insights:
Nursing School Challenges:
1. Initial Difficulty:
- Nursing school is acknowledged as highly challenging, causing stress and self-doubt among students.
- Fears of failing tests or clinicals can be overwhelming.
2. Questioning Capabilities:
- A common experience is questioning one's suitability to be a nurse, especially after setbacks like failing a test.
Does Nursing School Get Easier?
1. Varied Difficulty Across Semesters:
- Acknowledges that nursing school has varying levels of difficulty throughout different semesters.
- Positivity: Over time, it becomes more manageable.
2. Adaptation and Familiarity:
- Assurance that as you progress, you become accustomed to the demands of nursing school.
- Experience brings a better understanding of what it takes to succeed.
3. Senior Practicum:
- Mention of a senior practicum taking up a significant portion of nursing school time.
- Suggests it might be easier for some compared to intense book work.
4. Light at the End of the Tunnel:
- Emphasizes the psychological aspect—seeing graduation on the horizon motivates and lightens the burden.
Post-Graduation Benefits:
1. Life after Graduation:
- Highlighting the transformative shift from student to working nurse.
- Describes the differences in lifestyle, work schedule, and overall happiness.
2. Work-Life Balance:
- Emphasizes the improved work-life balance post-graduation, with a high-paying job and fewer study-related stresses.
Advice for Those Considering Nursing School:
- Addresses potential nursing students or those currently in nursing school.
- Recommends a guide by S. L. Page BSN, RN titled "How to Pass Nursing School," providing comprehensive insights for success.
- Highlights the author's success in graduating with honors and passing the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt.
In conclusion, nursing school is undeniably challenging, but the article suggests that perseverance pays off. As someone who has experienced the journey, I can affirm that the difficulties do ease over time, leading to a fulfilling and rewarding career in nursing.
