How I did it: I studied, and studied, and studied. I also gained 15 pounds from stress but that's another story. I got there early and left late. I kissed up to the teachers. I soaked up all the experiences that I could have. I took advantage of any resources from the school/library. I had bad days where I would just CRY, but you just gotta work through it. Oh, and did I say study?

Lessons & tips: Don't just do it for the money. You gotta have the heart for it to be happy. Enjoy the experience and get to know your patients. Nursing school may be the only time in your career where you can truly spend time with the patient. Learn all you can and be open to new things. You may not agree with everyone, but just listen and make your own judgments, Try to make friends, it makes it much easier.

Resources: NCLEX review books, teachers, highlighters (lol), a Yahoo group for nursing students in my class to share notes.

Feb 06, 2009, 12:03AM PST | 2 comments | 3 cheers