What to Expect in Your First Year of Nursing School
Interested in knowing what your first year of nursing school will be like? This guide can help you discover what you’ll learn and experience in nursing school. It also offers survival tips for your initial year. Feeling nervous on the first day of nursing school is normal. Sometimes, this feeling can last for the entire first year. Nursing school demands a full-time commitment. You’ll need to handle nursing courses, attend lectures, participate in group projects, go to clinicals, and pass exams. There might be times when you have to skip social events, stay up all night studying, or feel stressed. But remember, you’ve made the right choice in becoming a nurse. You’re entering a community that has been consistently voted the most trusted profession year after year.
This guide will get you ready for your first year in nursing school. It covers what to expect in the first semester, what you’ll be learning, and what supplies you’ll need. It also talks about how classes are structured, the level of difficulty, and when your clinical rotations will begin.
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Your First Semester of Nursing School
The first semester of nursing school is quite unique. It’s like a blend of learning a new language, art, and science. You’ll be introduced to new medical terms and phrases. You’ll learn how to care for patients while studying human anatomy, science, and the effects of drugs on the body (pharmacology).
Typically, nursing schools hold a general orientation for first-year and second-degree nursing students. This orientation provides a detailed overview of what to expect in nursing school.
In your first semester, you’ll have a more focused orientation. This is when you’ll meet your professors and fellow nursing students. Professors will:
- Review the curriculum
- Explain the syllabus
- Set expectations
- Discuss the required clinical and simulation lab uniforms
- Go over necessary supplies and essential textbooks
Teaming up with another first-year nursing student or a group is a smart move! Sometimes, this partnership forms unexpectedly. Your first buddy might even be sitting next to you on your orientation day!
Having a study buddy can make the semester and your first year of nursing school less intimidating. A buddy offers:
- A support system where ideas can be exchanged, or you can vent your frustrations
- Accountability
- Lasting friendships
Other significant takeaways you might experience during the first semester of nursing school:
- Adjusting your study approach: While some might find it easy, nursing school involves memorization and understanding new medical terms and phrases. Using flashcards or dedicating more study hours can make the semester successful.
- Thinking creatively: Everyone learns differently. Lectures usually provide a lot of information on PowerPoint slides. You might need additional study tools like videos or more time in the simulation lab to grasp the concepts better.
- Facing mental and physical challenges: Let’s be honest—nursing school is demanding. Many students find it stressful, which can impact their mental and physical well-being. It’s important to recognize this early on and seek help from professors, nursing staff, or your school’s mental health department.
What Supplies to Buy Before Nursing School Starts
Simplify your supply shopping for the first year. Since you’re a student, funds might be limited. Here are 10 essential items to prepare for your initial semester:
- Stethoscope: Essential for skills labs and clinicals. Don’t forget it at home.
- Scrubs and Shoes: Your school might provide the required scrubs and shoes. If not, you’ll need to buy them. Get two pairs of scrub tops and bottoms, along with sneakers or recommended shoes.
- Planner: Use Google Calendar or buy a planner from a nearby store. Jot down assignment deadlines, project due dates, and exam schedules.
- Textbooks: Buying textbooks can be expensive. Explore other options like renting or using audiobooks.
- Index Cards: These are always handy! Use them for additional study support.
- School Bag: Invest in a durable bag that’ll last the entire school year.
Pens, Pencils, Highlighters, and Notebooks: Keep yourself organized and prepared. - Supplementary Study Materials: Some nursing students go overboard with study guides. Stick to those recommended by peers or professors. Remember, much of this information is available online for free.
- Compression Stockings: Standing and sitting for long periods are common in nursing school. Compression stockings can improve blood circulation and reduce leg swelling.
- Masks and Hand Sanitizer: While your school and clinical sites may provide these, it’s good to have your own.
What You’ll Learn in Your First Year of Nursing School
The content of your first-year curriculum depends on your institution and whether you’re entering as a two-year or four-year student. Prerequisites can also affect your curriculum. In general, here’s an example of core classes for the first year of nursing:
First Semester:
Nursing Fundamentals
Anatomy and Physiology I
Health Assessment
Second Semester:
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Psychology
Anatomy and Physiology II
The initial nursing year is heavily focused on science. This structure helps students establish a solid foundation for patient care. Luckily, simulation labs accompany these classes. These labs allow you to practice new nursing skills before applying them to real patients.
How Classes are Organized
The structure of your classes depends on your school. You might attend large lectures with over 60 students or smaller classes. Virtual lectures could also be an option.
Professors usually lead lectures. Around midsemester, you might have group projects. You’ll present either alone or with a group in front of the class.
Skills or simulation labs are generally smaller. This is intentional. Here, students practice nursing skills on mannequins. These labs encourage you to:
- Ask questions
- Gain hands-on experience
- Apply what you’ve learned in lectures
Alongside a stethoscope and notepad, bring a positive attitude and curiosity to the simulation lab. It’s a great place to learn from mistakes. Mistakes are natural and even experienced nurses continue to learn daily.
When Clinicals Begin in Nursing School
Typically, clinical rotations begin in the second semester of nursing school. However, this varies by institution. Clinicals mark the first time you care for patients as a nursing student.
The placement and format of your clinicals depend on various factors. Some schools allow students to choose their preferred hospital for clinicals based on location. Others place students wherever there are openings.
Clinical rotations can occur once a week, for half or full days, depending on your school. Generally, a bachelor’s of science in nursing requires 300-700 clinical hours.
Difficulty of the First Year of Nursing School
The difficulty of the initial nursing year can vary. Some find it easy, while others find it challenging. Multiple factors contribute to the level of difficulty:
- Experience of the professor
- Blend of lecture and in-person learning
- Student’s experience
- Amount of time and effort put into studying
Nursing programs can be more demanding due to the heavy science content. Courses like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology require extensive study time. Nursing programs also require a basic grasp of math, as you’ll calculate drug dosages.
The first year of nursing school is like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. It necessitates effective time management and a balanced work-life approach. Remember, while the first year may be tough, support from your study partner and extra effort will guide you through.
Tips for Surviving Your First Year of Nursing School
Here are five surefire tips to help you succeed in your first year:
Prioritize Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial. Aim for 7-8 hours every night. Invest in a comfortable pillow and eye mask.
Stay Active
Strive for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Engage in activities like yoga, swimming, running, walking, dancing, or jogging.
Eat Well
Consume balanced meals packed with veggies, fruits, whole grains, and plant-based foods. These provide the energy needed for lengthy lectures.
Master Time Management
Consciously manage your time. Identify your most productive moments during the day. Utilize time management apps to organize your schedule.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is vital. Allocate time for yourself. Practice meditation, take leisurely walks, enjoy bubble baths, light your favorite candle, or read a good book.
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