[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school is difficult because it teaches the complex skills nurses need to provide safe and effective care to various people. Nurses are often viewed as the eyes and ears of their patients and the care team.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school, however, is far from insurmountable. Knowing what to expect from your nursing education and understanding the possible challenges can help you better prepare for the realities of nursing school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/jnep/article/download/23266/14574″ target=”_blank”]National League for Nursing[/hen-ui-link] found that the average dropout rate for nursing programs in the U.S. is between 20% and 25%. Meanwhile, 24% of first-year students across all college programs drop out after their first year of study, which puts nursing school in line with national averages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about nursing school, its requirements, and how to minimize difficulties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing School: The Basic Facts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school can refer to a handful of different [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/types-of-nursing-degrees/”]types of nursing degrees[/hen-ui-link], including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]Associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]Master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]Doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/difference-between-dnp-phd-nursing/”]Ph.D. in nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses can also obtain a handful of shorter certificates, including a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/cna/”]certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate[/hen-ui-link], a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN), or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)[/hen-ui-link] credential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Different degree programs take varying amounts of time to complete. For example, ADN programs typically take two years, BSN programs take four years, MSN programs take 1-2 years, and DNP programs take 3-4 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Courses include instruction on how to treat patients with a litany of different maladies and complex topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and psychology. Foundational science and math courses like microbiology and statistics also are common requirements before or during nursing school. Some or even all of these classes can be challenging for many students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most of these degree programs also require a clinical component. During clinical experiences, nurses receive extensive, hands-on patient care experience. Clinicals may be the first time they interact with a “real” patient. And let’s be honest: the sight of blood or other uncomfortable things can be just as challenging for some, if not more so, than nursing school coursework.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Knowledge and Skills Do I Need Before Nursing School?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes a combination of both soft and hard skills to succeed in nursing school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hard skills include an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-stem-profession/”]aptitude or ability to learn STEM subjects[/hen-ui-link], with an emphasis on those related to healthcare. You’ll also need softer skills like effective communication, empathy, advocacy, and attention to detail. Perhaps the most important skills you’ll need to graduate nursing school are persistence and effective time management, as the grind of earning a degree can be taxing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school//”]Nursing school prerequisite courses[/hen-ui-link] vary by institution, but common examples include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy and physiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Biology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Microbiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chemistry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English composition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lifespan growth and development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nutrition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can usually complete these requirements at a community college or local university. You may also be able to earn credit during high school through dual enrollment courses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Nursing School So Hard?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses carry immense responsibility in their day-to-day roles, so it stands to reason that nursing school is challenging.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/ask-a-nurse/what-are-the-hardest-classes-in-nursing-school/”]hardest parts of nursing school[/hen-ui-link] include demanding coursework, extensive class time, and lengthy clinical hour requirements. Due to the myriad of patients and conditions nurses may encounter daily, they must have full knowledge of various diseases, disease processes, signs and symptoms, medications and medication administration, lab tests and values, nursing theory, and policies and procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That’s not to mention patient interactions during clinical hours, which require adept bedside manners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What’s the bottom line? The next time you hear someone described as ‘just’ a nurse, remember how much education and training they’ve been through to practice nursing,” nurses told NurseJournal.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school requires you to work hard and be well-rounded — just as you’d need to be as a nurse. Without putting students to the test, nursing students may not become capable nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Make Nursing School Easier[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school can be difficult, but there are ways to take some of the load off your shoulders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]School Support Services[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many colleges and universities offer student support services to help you along your educational journey. For [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/working-as-a-nurse-with-a-learning-disability/”]nursing students with learning disabilities[/hen-ui-link], school support services can assist with coursework and provide needed accommodations, such as extra time for taking exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General academic support, like tutoring, can help you tackle specific classes you’re struggling with. Personal support services, like counseling, can help you overcome mental or emotional obstacles that may be keeping you from achieving your highest level. Counseling can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with nursing school burnout.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Space Out Difficult Classes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may not have complete control over when you can take required classes, but you typically have some wiggle room.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aim to space out classes that you expect to have the most difficulty with. For example, if you struggle with biology classes but must take both biology and microbiology within your first two years of undergrad, plan ahead so that you can avoid taking both in the same semester. Further, if you know you have a standing commitment on Monday nights, a Tuesday morning class may not be the ideal time slot for a tough course.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Take Your Time[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to be considered a full-time college student.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may be tempted to take 15-18 credit hours to graduate sooner, but doing so will put a heavier burden on your studies. If you’re worried about nursing school being difficult or have already struggled through a semester in nursing school, consider taking the minimum 12 credit hours so you can devote more time to each class.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrolling as a part-time student may also help.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Nursing School Really for You?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. If you find yourself continually struggling, it may be worth considering whether nursing is the right career for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That’s not to say you should give up immediately after failing your first class. If you find yourself repeatedly hitting a mental or emotional wall with a core nursing component, it may be time to think about another career path. There are plenty of possibilities both in and out of healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing School Difficulty[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the hardest thing about nursing school?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework tends to be among the hardest parts of nursing school. However, the most difficult aspects of nursing school are based on your individual strengths and areas for improvement. For example, complex biology courses may come easily to you, while the clinical experiences pose a stiff challenge.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How hard is it to get into nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school acceptance rates can vary, usually depending on the prestige of the school or program. Some nursing schools have a 100% acceptance rate. Meanwhile, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/how-hard-is-it-to-get-into-nursing-school/” target=”_blank”]highly selective nursing schools[/hen-ui-link] may accept no more than 10% of the students who apply.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How stressful is nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school creates a medium-to-high amount of stress, according to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164923/” target=”_blank”]2020 study from Brazilian researchers[/hen-ui-link]. The study found that stress levels were higher among nursing students in their sixth to tenth semesters compared to those in their first to fifth semesters. Additionally, you are more likely to experience higher stress if you are in a lower income bracket than your peers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the hardest class in nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathophysiology and pharmacology are considered among the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/ask-a-nurse/what-are-the-hardest-classes-in-nursing-school/”]hardest classes in nursing school[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathophysiology is the study of different anatomical systems and how different diseases affect these systems. Pharmacology is the study of medicines and their effects.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]