shanrao says ...

Hi, I am a high school student who will be a senior in the coming school year. I am very interested in becoming a nurse (preferably Admin. Nurse). I just wanted to know how hard it actually is to pass the 2yr Nursing Program. I ask this because i have talked to people about the program and many people say that it is a very hard and rigorous program. My neighbor just graduated from nursing school at the age of 47 and she said that the 2 years of the program are very very difficult and that she had been studying 24/7 for the whole time she was enrolled in it. I have talked to many nurses at the hospital i volunteer at and most of them say that it is a diffucult program, but it is worth it once you graduate.Others also say it isnt too hard, you jus need to stay on track. I was just thinking about this and i am already stressed about it. I just wanted some opinions from these forums just to get an idea of what i have to prepare for. I am very motivated to become a RN and hopefully soon after ill get my BSN so i can go to the administrative side. I know i can get into the program because i will be dedicated to it and am looking to have a high GPA for my pre-req's, but i just want to know what to expect from the 2 year program and some tips and advice will be very helpful.

 (sorry for the spelling and grammar errors, im typing this in a hurry)

Thank you.

If you are dedicated, committed, and willing to work hard, you will do well.  Is the program difficult?  Absolutely.  Do you have to study 24/7?  That's a bit of an exaggeration - but study, discipline, and time management are required.  I passed Nursing school with a 3.75 GPA working full time, supporting a family of three that grew to four while I was in school. 

How badly do you want it, and how hard are you willing to work to get it?  Those are the questions you must answer.  Don't let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dream if that's what you really want.

That being said - when you go through school, live it in the moment - don't keep focusing on the "after this I'll get my BSN, then my MSN, then my yadda yadda yadda" - enjoy the journey, and realize that your concept of what you want from Nursing now may not be what it will be three to four years from now.

Good luck, and we'll be here for you!

You are  right ted, studying 24/7 is and over statement, she probably had to study  that way, because when you get older, and you have family, and stressers that are very apparent, you tend not to retain information for short periods of time, so she might of felt, that she had to study  that way. What I am trying to say, don't worry  and stress about the hardness of the program right now, you are psyching your self out, before you begin. Don't ask anyone about how hard the program is anymore, get in there and do it, you are young,  and you don't have the stressers that I have and anyone who is older have, you have all the neurons you need LOL. Good Luck!!!

my name is carl williams and i attend the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering ! in Memphis TN @shanro i am an upcoming senior (boy) and i am in the same situation u were in 2 years ago if you still have your account that means you are well into nursing school right now ! and i have doubts about the school (nursing) because i hear it will be hard but i am willing to work hard and stay dedicated. i need guidance and a little direction can anyone give me advice?

I cannot speak to the nursing programs.  However, I can talk about college level courses, since I have a BS in biology and my paramedic certificate (had I desired to pay far too much more, it could have become an associates).

They're going to be as hard as you make them.  You'll need to learn some new study habits and basic stress management, as well as time management.  If you are able to balance class, studying, and the rest of your life, then you're halfway there.  Use all your resources if you are having trouble; there is no shame in asking somebody to help you be it a tutor or setting up a study group.  If you've a job, it is possible to work while going to school.

Okay, getting off my soapbox now. 

Good luck!