#2 - Why are Nursing Classes So Hard?

Have you ever wondered why nursing classes seem so hard? Maybe you are like many nursing students that frightfully watch their GPAs drop after beginning nursing classes. Understanding what makes nursing classes different can give you a whole new approach to nursing school.

Sara writes, why are nursing classes so much harder than other classes?

Nursing school is tough, no matter who you are. I’ve never heard a student describe nursing school as easy. High expectations are put on nursing students and it can be quite challenging. There are really 3 main reasons why nursing classes are so much harder than other classes.  

One reason is the content- what you are learning is complex and continually evolving. A class in History, English, or Math will likely involve known facts and order.

 The body is complex and a continual topic of ongoing research. Learning the best practices for caring for patients is also ongoing.

The sheer volume of information you are learning and expected to recall is overwhelming. That alone can make nursing classes so much harder than other classes.

That’s not the only reason why nursing classes are so much harder the other classes. In addition to developing nursing knowledge, you have to demonstrate nursing skills. These are psychomotor skills like taking a blood pressure, starting an IV and putting in a foley catheter. Becoming competent in skills takes time and hours of practice. It takes continual energy, focus and what I call a teachable attitude. Doing something over and over that you don’t feel particularly good at, is frustrating.

 There is a certain amount of resilience that is needed to be willing to fail repeatedly for the sake of progress.

Often times you are tested in your ability to perform these skills independently, and that can make nursing classes much harder than other classes.

And finally the third reason, is the critical thinking that is required or how you “think” though nursing and patient care. Students are taught to follow what is called the nursing process- Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation. Each stage requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking. This process is used in every nursing course, all through the nursing program. It is the same process you will use as a nurse everyday to provide the best nursing care for your patients.

As if these 3 reasons, aren’t enough, your attitude matters. HOW you provide care to patients determines your grade and whether you progress through your clinical courses.

Nursing is a vocation of service. Patients expect good service and you need to demonstrate that you can do all that’s expected of a nurse with a kind, caring, and compassionate attitude.

For all those reasons, and more, nursing classes can be much harder than other classes.

 So now that you know, how can you use this information to your advantage?

1. Study content for understanding, not recall. It's not enough to recite facts and information. As you're reading, think about how this content relates to what you're learning in class and what you've learned before. Nursing content builds on previous knowledge.

 2. Practice critical thinking. Critical thinking is a skill that can be developed and refined. As funny as it sounds, talk out loud about what you're reading and learning. Reason through decisions verbally. Case studies and class discussions are meant to support you in learning how to think critically- take advantage of these tools.

3. Practice your skills often. Competency in skills requires practice- period. It's hard for students to gain confidence in clinical skills without deliberate and repeated practice. Take full advantage of lab time and open practice opportunities. Practice non-invasive skills on friends and family. Everyone likes to have their blood pressure taken!

4. Maintain a positive attitude. Some days it may be hard to smile and be kind. Patient care is an honor and a privilege. Respect, kindness and compassion are expected of students. Surround yourself with others that are positive and encouraging. Negative attitudes are infectious, but thankfully so are positive attitudes. Choose your friends wisely.

Sara’s question was a great one. If you have a friend that is struggling with the transition to nursing classes, please pass this link on to her! 

And as always, if you have a question about nursing school or life, Ask Dr. Wife.