Before starting nursing classes, students have a lot of misconceptions about what the courses will actually be like. They have heard rumors about no social lives, caffeine binges and mass memorization, and it can be intimidating. Here are five myths about nursing courses that deserve to be busted:
Remember Information from Prerequisites
You have completed about two years' worth of prerequisite classes to get into nursing school. That's a lot of information, and some students are worried that they will get into their first day of nursing classes and be handed a test about anatomy and microbiology. Don't worry. When you get into a nursing program, they assume that you bring that information with you and teach you to apply it in the context of nursing. A quick look at your notes will be enough if you feel you are missing something.
You'll Spend Most of Your Time on Skills
When you imagine nursing school, you may think that there will be classes about starting IVs, making beds, doing vitals and many other nursing tasks. The truth is that it takes a lot less time than you think to learn each of these tasks, and you will spend the majority of your time in the classroom and in clinicals. With nursing, the best learning is through doing. You may be surprised at how many skills you acquire so quickly.
"It's Going to Be SO HARD!"
Others may disagree, but nursing classes are not hard, at least not in the way that theoretical physics is hard. There is a high volume of information, which takes time to learn. The test questions are tricky sometimes, but you get used to them. The beauty of nursing is that it strives to be practical, and things make sense. Once you get used to the nursing way of thinking, things fall into place. Your mileage may vary, but most nurses would agree.
You Have to Compete
Getting into a nursing school can be difficult. You compete with other nursing hopefuls by getting the best grades. You may jealously compare scores because the best students get in and the rest get left behind.
All that changes when you get into nursing school. Some may still push themselves and brag about it, but it's a different mindset. There is a spirit of collaboration and teamwork encouraged by group projects. One of the best keys to success in nursing school is a good group of friends to laugh and study with. It reflects the profession because, on a unit, nurses should be a team and help each other.
Nursing School Will Make You a Nurse
Alas, the completion of nursing school won't make you a nurse. The nursing classes you take will prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and if you pass, you will officially be a nurse. Additionally, nursing school provides the basics of nursing, so when you get your first nursing job, there is still more to learn about your specialty, the facility policy and practicing on your own. You will get the tools, but passing the NCLEX and then working hard at your job will make you a nurse.
Ultimately, the best way to find out what nursing classes are like is by attending yourself!
Photo Source: Flickr
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