Ask a Nurse: How Challenging Is Nursing School?
Experienced nurses, Glenda Hargrove and Karen Furr, offer guidance, advice, and expert tips for managing work and study while in nursing school. Answering the question “how tough is nursing school?” involves looking at factors like a student’s strengths, motivation, and readiness.
This guide explores the nursing school challenges faced by two nurses to help answer this question, even though there’s no clear way to measure nursing program difficulty. Compassionate and dedicated students who commit themselves to the field can excel as nurses.
Glenda Hargrove obtained a nursing diploma and later completed an online nursing program. Karen Furr earned her MSN in nursing education.
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On this page, Hargrove and Furr give nursing education advice for aspiring nursing students on classroom and clinical practice in nursing, the toughest parts of their programs, expected coursework, and balancing work and study in nursing. Both nurses stress that nursing requires a strong commitment. As Furr puts it, “I was working/studying nonstop.” Hargrove agrees, advising newcomers to prepare “to immerse yourself in nursing because it will consume your life.”
Challenges of BSN Programs
A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program prepares graduates to work as registered nurses (RNs) and is required for nursing jobs in some states. Earning a BSN also opens up opportunities for nursing career advancement and higher salaries where the degree isn’t mandatory.
According to Hargrove, “there is no ‘easy’ nursing program, but preparation is key.” Despite wanting to spend weekends with friends after a busy week, she knew she had to prioritize her nursing education to stay on track.
“I stayed motivated knowing that the short-term pain would lead to long-term gain. I would graduate on a specific date and be a practicing nurse.”
Curriculum Expectations
A typical BSN program covers topics like health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, as well as clinical internships and exams. Hargrove’s online program required her to participate in discussions, write research papers, and complete projects, but it didn’t include clinical rotations or tests.
Students need to be good at math and science. Hargrove explains that “if you can understand basic formulas, you can use the numbers to figure out nursing dosages and drip rates. A solid foundation in science helps you learn more.”
Workload Expectations for nursing students
Nursing students face a demanding workload that can be challenging yet rewarding. Understanding these expectations is crucial for success. Nursing programs typically include a mix of theoretical and practical components, ensuring students gain the necessary skills for their future careers.
One significant aspect of a nursing student’s workload is the volume of nursing assignments. These assignments often involve writing nursing essays and conducting research. Many students turn to online nursing papers services for assistance with their work, especially when deadlines loom. Custom nursing papers can help students focus on their studies while ensuring they submit high-quality work.
In addition to assignments, nursing exams play a vital role in assessing students’ understanding. Preparing for these nursing exams requires dedication and effective study strategies. Utilizing online nursing essays and resources can provide valuable insights and help students excel.
Moreover, nursing students must balance their academic responsibilities with clinical practice. This hands-on experience is essential for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The combination of classroom learning and clinical hours means students often have to manage a heavy schedule. Time management skills are critical, as they will need to juggle multiple tasks, from writing the best nursing papers to preparing for practical evaluations.
Networking with peers and seeking support can ease the burden of the rigorous workload. Joining study groups or accessing top nursing essays can foster collaboration and enhance understanding of complex topics.
The workload expectations for nursing students are high, encompassing nursing research, assignments, and exams. By leveraging resources like online nursing platforms and custom papers, students can navigate their studies effectively. Embracing these challenges not only prepares them for a successful nursing career but also helps them develop essential skills for their future.
Challenges of MSN Programs
A master of science in nursing (MSN) program prepares students for advanced practice nursing roles, like nurse anesthetists, nurse administrators, and nurse practitioners focusing on certain patient groups, such as family nurse practitioners (FNPs) or adult-gerontology. An MSN also serves as a path to a doctoral degree, which can help with nursing career advancement.
Students enter the program ready to dive into studies within their chosen specialty. “One tricky part of my program was that many classes were designed for students in two different specialties (FNP and nursing education). Although the content was the same, the examples were different, making it hard to follow along,” explains Furr.
Curriculum Expectations
An MSN program usually starts by reviewing and building upon the BSN curriculum. The latter part focuses on the student’s specialty, like advanced practice or nursing education. Clinical practice in nursing prepares graduates for careers in these advanced fields.
Like a BSN program, nursing students should have solid math and science skills for their future jobs. Furr suggests that students find mentors in their specialties to better understand advanced content.
Workload Expectations
Completing an MSN program typically takes two years. Furr worked 36 hours a week while taking three credits (two classes) each semester. “Master’s-level classes require more reading, research, and case studies than bachelor’s classes, which takes more time,” she notes. Her specialty, nursing education, also included clinical and classroom practicums.
Furr advises that students gain some nursing experience before starting an MSN program. “I found that those with real-world experience could understand and apply advanced concepts more easily than those coming straight from a BSN program,” she says.
Skills For Success
In addition to the skills highlighted by Hargrove and Furr—math and science knowledge, time management in nursing school, and organization—nursing students should develop critical thinking in nursing. Hargrove emphasizes that her program prepared her to “think beyond bedside nursing in terms of public health, administration, and research.”
Improved critical thinking in these areas can benefit students in their current jobs and future careers.
Hargrove and Furr also stress the importance of anticipating challenges and preparing for them. “It’s crucial to prioritize your time and even your relationships for success,” advises Hargrove.
This comprehensive approach not only addresses the workload expectations of both BSN and MSN programs but also provides valuable tips for nursing students aiming to navigate the difficulties of nursing school successfully.
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