I can't believe I did it! I successfully finished my first semester of an accelerated nursing program. There were definitely moments when I didn't know if it was possible, but I am so proud of myself for making it through. This was easily the most difficult thing I've ever done, and it was WAY harder than I thought it would be. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but this was definitely NOT it. If I had to sum up this past semester in one word, it'd be STRESS. I think part of the struggle was that these accelerated programs inherently move so god damn quickly. I feel like I could barely get a handle on something before we moved right on to the next thing. You ALWAYS have to be on your shit. Here are some tips I came up with for surviving your first semester: MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE PEOPLE IN YOUR PROGRAM I seriously don't think I could have survived this semester without the friends I made. This shit is HARD, and you need someone there who truly understands what you're going through. Plus, friends are an AMAZING study resource. Find someone who you work well with so you can quiz each other and encourage each other to study. Your nursing friends will keep you sane. With that being said, make sure to avoid those overly anxious, manically stressed-out people in the program that are going to exacerbate your already existing anxiety. STAY ORGANIZED Find what works best for you... but you need to keep track of all of your deadlines and exam dates. There will be so many different things going on, and you don't want to accidentally forget about that one online assignment. Also, exam dates approach faster than you think! I kept a calendar in my written planner AND in my phone. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS "DOWN TIME"... ALWAYS TRY TO GET AHEAD! Easier said than done... but this program moves so quickly that there was hardly any time for that beloved "down time" after an exam. I'd have a big test that day that I spent all week studying for, and then I'd want to reward myself by taking some time off... Obviously, it's important to find some time for yourself, but within reason! A day of down time is now all you get (if that). You should always be trying to get ahead and on top of stuff because let me tell you, SHIT GETS REAL, REAL FAST! SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR YOURSELF I've always been a straight A student. I am completely neurotic about grades, and in the past, if I didn't receive an A, I pretty much though I failed. Well, I definitely had to change that mindset! I even wrote a post about how I failed for the very first time. And it's true... shit will get really difficult and you might not perform as well as you'd like, but try not to be too hard on yourself. There will be plenty more quizzes, exams, skill checks, etc. Don't get hung up on it. Learn from your mistakes and move forward. TRIAGE AND FOCUS ON WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT There is just absolutely no way you can cover every single thing they ask of you, so pick what's important and go after it! This was something I definitely struggled with. I had difficulty figuring out what I should focus on. You just have to accept that you can't do it all and learn what your professors want from you. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF I let my stress get a little out of hand in the middle of the semester. I wasn't making enough time to do things that I enjoy and that help me relieve stress. Make sure you keep up with your running or yoga or whatever it is that helps you release some tension. It may seem like you don't have time (cause you don't), but you have to MAKE time. It really is so important! MENTAL HEALTH ABOVE ALL ELSE!
1 Comment
Melody Dunn
10/16/2018 05:01:20 pm
your videos helped me so much. your content helped me to not overthink myself out competition or certain tasks to complete but more so to want to try harder when trying to become a nurse thank you.
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AuthorMy name is Jeanie and I'm in an accelerated nursing program in Manhattan. My first degree was in strategic communications from the School of Journalism at UW-Madison, so it's been a big change, but I LOVE IT! Read my blog and check out my youtube page to peek into my journey in becoming a nurse. Archives
January 2018
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