Whether you are returning to school after a lengthy hiatus or going directly from high school or other college classes, you will feel a twinge of nervous energy as you anticipate your first year of nursing school. This is a natural outgrowth of the competitive nature of gaining acceptance to a nursing program. If you are pursuing a course that leads to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, your first year will be your only year. The first 3 or 4 months become the time frame for survival.
You need to be aware that nursing schools have to produce a certain percent of their graduates who actually are able to pass the licensing test and become nurses. Because of this, most nursing schools work hard to eliminate those who they feel may not make the grade when the time comes to take the test for a professional license.
The way they do this is to make the first year or term of the nursing program extremely hard to pass. The thinking is that only those who are dedicated will survive this period. It is a sort of boot camp for nurses. If you can not make the cut here, it is considered a given that you would not make it past the test at the end to go on and become a nurse. It is better to cut you early than to have a non-performer later. It lets you move on, and it prevents a black mark on the school's reputation.
By knowing that this is how the system works, it can give you a head start on building your resolve and dedication to make it past this trying time. Begin your work to survive by establishing a small group of 4 to 6 classmates who are motivated to make it through. Use them as a study group to enhance your ability to master the information that will be coming at you fast and furious.
This will also give you a support group to encourage you when you make that first low grade on a test. They will be there for you when an instructor begins to point out your every weakness as a leader and worker. This group will give its members incentive to keep pressing on. This works well because among other things, you will not want to let your friends down. You will do well to get their approval.
Carve out enough time to actually make the study notes and do the reading that is required to pass college level course covering difficult material. Make your studies your number one priority. Solicit your family if you are married with children to be your second line of emotional support behind your study group. Work to make this a family project to get you through nursing school. Your whole family may feel like they should be taking the exam to become a nurse, but the results for your education will be tremendous.
Learn to organize your notes. You will find that some will translate from one class to the next if you have them organized and available. Get plenty of rest every chance that you get. Being well-rested will be a big plus on test days or when long clinical shifts are expected.
Paint on a smile and stand your ground no matter how dismal it may start to look. The school really wants you to pass their school and your nursing exam. If they see you are determined to succeed, they will eventually come around and find ways to help you achieve your goals.
