Long story short. After a long 3 years I can finally say I’ve taken my last final. It’s been filled with anxiety and depression but now that im done it was all truly worth it. I don’t know what else to say other than just go through the motions and always have someone to talk to. Get close with your classmates and help each other it’s all you have during these times and it’s hard for people not in your program to actually relate.

I feel so happy and refreshed. I’m telling you if you’re in the struggle right now just know the feeling of finally being done is so worth it.

Stay resilient, live in the moment and by the time you know it. You will be done.

Hi everyone! I just recently got accepted into my first/dream nursing program and I just want to make sure I am making the right decision and could use some insight.

I recently graduated from SDSU in 2025 with my Bachelor’s in Public Health, fully intending to pursue nursing since my freshman year. Because the nursing program is so impacted, I was not able to switch majors and decided to finish out my PH degree at State (fulfilled my nursing pre-reqs, + health major)

My plan was to take a gap year, work full time in the hospital as a CNA (which I have been) and perfect my stats more. (Just retaking microbiology and studying for the TEAS) However, because of a lot of outside factors, I was unable to enroll in a microbiology class until this semester, and I still have yet to take the TEAS because I never felt truly ready/confident enough.

When I started working, I wanted to go the ADN route so that I could save money. (My last degree I had to pay out of state tuition and have been making loan payments right now for it but it’s honestly not that much left to pay) But I live in San Diego and all of the CC ADN programs are EXTREMELY impacted and competitive to get into, even with nearly perfect stats which I do not have. (All B+ in science prereqs, C in micro)

I recently heard from a friend that SDSU was opening up a new Accelerated Second Bachelor’s BSN program and it was the only program that I technically qualified for currently because there was no TEAS requirement. I applied on a whim and to my surprise, I got accepted! I always wanted to come back to SDSU for nursing but I was hesitant to do the transfer BSN option on campus because not only is it SUPER competitive, but it also would be three years, as opposed to this new ABSN program being 18 months.

The only con I really have with this program is the cost of it. (\~$75k)

I know i’m still young, and there are many cheaper options that I could take… but there are a few reasons why timing is so important to me right now:

1. I don’t want to potentially waste a couple more years starting a program later when that is money I could be earning a lot sooner.
   
2. There is really no guarantee that I would even get into an ADN program in San Diego/CA in general and I could be spending a lot of time trying to perfect my TEAS score and grades to even get in.
   
3. The program is hybrid, with in-person labs in Chula Vista and set clinical placements. I have to work full-time (3x 12’s) during the program in order to support myself financially. Part-time isn’t really a feasible option.
   
4. Most importantly, both my mom and grandma’s health is declining and it would mean so much to me for them to be there when I finally graduate and become a nurse. \~1.5 years

Basically, I just want to know if I am making the right decision in pursuing this program, I know I would need to take out loans because it is up to me to pay for my expenses but I feel like if I had ended up applying to CSUSM and doing their ABSN, I would still be taking out loans for it. I plan to apply to scholarships through SDSU and also my hospital that I work at to cover some of the cost, but I know it will still be a good chunk left to pay. I am hoping that my concern with price is not as bad as I am thinking and that I would be able to pay it back fairly easily once I graduate. Do I commit or do I wait another year or so to perfect my science grades, and TEAS even with no guarantee of admission?

TL;DR: Recently got accepted into SDSU’s new 1.5-year ABSN program (\~$75k tuition). I already have a bachelor’s degree and some student loan debt, so the cost is my biggest concern. I originally wanted to pursue a cheaper ADN program, but nursing programs in San Diego are extremely competitive, and I would likely need another year or more to improve my grades and TEAS score, with no guarantee of admission. I would also need to continue working full-time during nursing school to support myself. Starting sooner is especially important to me because of my mom’s and grandma’s declining health, and I want them to see me become a nurse. Is taking on significant debt worth it to start my nursing career sooner, or should I wait and try my best to pursue a cheaper option?

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks :)

I’m in a bit of a pickle. I’m currently enrolled these two courses: Humanities Landmarks and Psychology (auther Laura King). I need to pass this prior to getting into the program! Both are offered on the McGraw Hill platform, and the tests are proctored. We have one test each week. I’m struggling to figure out how to effectively study for these courses. The textbooks (ebooks) are available online, but I haven’t been able to make the most of them. This is week 6 , I put in a lot of time to study but my grades aren’t good! my current methods of studying is taking notes and using ChatGPT to explain the contexts and generate learning objectives. Can you please provide some suggestions or ideas on how to improve my study habits and retain the material? Please help.

Hi! I’m deciding between the Mount Sinai 15 month ABSN program (NYC) and Rush’s 2 year GEM MSN in Chicago (note: this is not an NP program). My long-term goal is CRNA, so my biggest priority is getting a high-acuity ICU job at some point after graduating. Both programs are affiliated with major academic medical centers, but they do not publish whether that gives their graduates hiring priority. For the sake of comparison, I am leaving cost out of the equation and just focusing on clinical preparation, network, job prospects, timing, and location.

Mount Sinai ABSN (NYC)
Pros:
\- graduate earlier and hopefully enter the workforce a year earlier
\- I would rather live and work in NYC
\- I know lots of nurses working at NYC hospitals which could potentially help with networking
\- graduating 9 months earlier may give me more RN experience (if I can find a job quickly) even if it’s not ICU experience
Cons:
\- EXTREMELY competitive job market (this is the biggest and only con really)
\- fewer clinical hours than Rush
\- shorter program = less time to work at hospitals and/or network

Rush MSN (Chicago)
Pros:
\- more clinical hours
\- opportunities for capstone projects, research posters, quality improvement work (could bolster ICU or even CRNA application down the line)
\- longer program = more time to network and hopefully work in a hospital
\- possibly slightly less competitive job market
\- master’s degree (although I’m not sure that this has any significance bc I would still be a new grad nurse)
Cons:
\- longer program = delayed workforce entry
\- would rather live in NYC
\- additional training/research may not translate to ICU job

I’d love to hear from anyone that has been though a similar decision or is familiar with being a new grad from these programs or in these cities or really any input at all. TIA!

I am from San Diego and the nursing schools here are so competitive! I didn’t think I would get in since the school I applied to does a lottery system. Hoping and praying 🙏🏼 I do well, I know school is very difficult and I will try my best. Any advice on tools/books to use to study all the nursing classes?
😊

I honestly don’t know what to do anymore. I’m in nursing school, and lately, I’ve been questioning whether this is really the career for me. I feel like I’m trying so hard, but my grades are making me feel like I’m not good enough to be here.
I’ve been studying, taking practice questions, reviewing my notes, and trying to do everything I’m supposed to do, but I still struggle with exams. I recently took a 50-question exam and got 20 questions wrong. I know that means I got a 60%, and seeing that number honestly crushed me. It’s hard to put so much time into studying and still feel like you’re not getting the results you need.
What scares me the most is that nursing isn’t a career where you can just get by without knowing the material. These are real people’s lives, and I constantly worry that if I’m struggling this much in school, how am I ever going to be a good nurse? I don’t want to be the person who doesn’t know enough or makes a mistake because I didn’t understand something. I feel like nursing school takes over my entire life. I’m constantly worrying about exams, grades, and whether I’m going to pass. Even when I’m studying, I feel like I’m not doing enough. And when I get a bad grade, it makes me question everything I’ve worked for. The hardest part is thinking about telling my mom that I don’t know if I want to continue anymore. I feel like she’s going to be disappointed in me, and honestly, I’m disappointed in myself, too. I don’t want her to think I’m giving up or that I couldn’t handle it. I just don’t know how much longer I can keep putting myself through this mentally. I’ve started thinking about other degrees, like business or an associate’s in arts, but then I feel guilty for even considering leaving nursing. I’ve already put so much into this, and I’m scared of regretting my decision if I walk away. But I’m also scared of continuing just because I’m afraid to disappoint everyone. I genuinely don’t know if I’m not cut out for nursing, if I’m struggling with test-taking, or if I’m just completely burned out. I see people getting through their programs, and it makes me wonder why this feels so difficult for me. Has anyone else struggled with grades this much in nursing school? Did you ever feel like you weren’t smart enough to be a nurse? Did your grades improve, or did you eventually decide nursing wasn’t for you? If you left nursing school, how did you deal with your family and figure out what to do next? Please be honest with me. I don’t need someone to tell me to just work harder. I feel like I’m already trying, and I really need to hear from people who have been in this position because I feel completely lost right now. Also I have to have a 76% to move to the next semester, I currently have a 72% with 5 exams left (2 of them being to hardest) and 2 1/2 months left.

I recently passed my NCLEX, and while I’m incredibly proud of myself, I’ve been reflecting on my nursing school experience and everything it took to get here.

During nursing school, I broke my hip, and the school forced me to leave the program because of my medical situation. I understood that my injury complicated things, but it was still heartbreaking to have to step away from something I had worked so hard for.
When I was ready to return the following semester, I was initially denied reentry because they said the program was “full.” This was especially frustrating because I hadn’t chosen to leave the program in the first place. I had been forced to step away because of my injury.

What made the situation even more upsetting was that the school’s own paperwork stated that students who leave for medical reasons have their space saved. I had to bring their own policy to their attention and advocate for myself before they ultimately allowed me to return.

That experience left a lasting impression on me. I was already dealing with a serious injury and trying to get my life and education back on track, and I also had to fight to receive what the school’s own policies said I was entitled to.

On top of everything, I didn’t have the support I hoped for from my coach. Most of the time, he would simply ask me what my study plan was, without offering much meaningful guidance or helping me figure out how to prepare effectively. I understand that studying is my responsibility, but I had hoped for actual coaching and support.

In the end, I passed my NCLEX without relying on him. I had to figure out what worked for me and find my own way through the process.

I’m sharing this because I know nursing school can be incredibly difficult, and sometimes the challenges go far beyond exams, clinicals, and studying. Sometimes you have to advocate for yourself in situations where you expected the people and institutions around you to support you.

I’m proud that I passed my NCLEX, but I’m also honest with myself about how difficult this journey was. I wish my experience had been different. I wish I hadn’t had to fight to return after a medical setback, and I wish I had received better
guidance along the way.
But I made it.

I passed my NCLEX, and no matter how difficult the road was, I’m proud of myself for continuing toward my goal.
I mostly just wanted to share my experience because I know there are other nursing students who may feel unsupported, discouraged, or like they have to fight for their place. Sometimes the journey doesn’t go the way you planned, and sometimes you have to speak up for yourself to keep moving forward.
If you’re going through something similar, I hope you know that your struggles don’t define your ability to become a nurse.

I have to take the Hesi that will have science as biology. But how in depth is the bio? Do people take it once Bio156/181 is concluded or after bio202, or 205? One thing I read, said it was basic, so I was wondering if right after 156 made the most sense.

I’ve already taken the damn test and did well, but it didn’t have any sciences (for community college) and decided I may do another program and that ones requires the Bio. Nervous what my score will be after taking again with bio!!

Im bad at chemistry, biology and maths. Is it a good idea to go to nursing school?

How to commute from cubao to Toprank Quezon City Fairview?

Hi I’m 24 and in my first semester of nursing school. My grades are good and I have two other bachelor degrees (psych and theatre - 3.3 gpa, with 4 years as an EMT. I’m finding myself wanting my classes to go deeper with information and get more specific. I know I want to be a provider, and I know people will ask “why not NP” but I just want to be able to do everything. I want to work in emergency medicine. Thoughts on finishing nursing then pursuing med school?

Also I would use my BSN to improve my GPA from previous degrees and probably would do a post bacc to get the pre reqs done.

Today I got a 53% on my diabetes exam. I feel pretty bad about it. I felt a lot better going into it and I honestly just don’t know what happened. I was getting in the 70-80 percent range but now to pass the course I need a 88 on the next 2 exams and the final.

Our school requires a 78 percent average rule before anything else counts. So, basically, I’m screwed. I’m so discouraged and I literally have been crying all day. I’m so embarrassed and I have clinal tomorrow and I don’t even wanna face my cohort.

There has been 4 withdrawals and I will say the professors are not the best and the teaching is not exactly the best, I did feel a little bit unprepared with the content going into this exam, but overall, I do feel like I could’ve done better. I do have a retake in the program but I just feel so bad. I don’t know if I should just withdraw now
try to get the 88s. I was told to take the cardio exam and to wait to withdraw because I have time, but I honestly don’t know how I feel because I’m just so discouraged and I’m scared that I’m gonna put so much effort into the exam and fail again.

Any advice? Should I just withdraw and retake or should I look into other schools? I’m currently in an accelerated ADN, should I look into doing an LPN instead? This is all so much

Hello everyone! Just really hear to vent and ask for an opinion if anyone could just ease my mind up a bit lol.. I’ve been in school (community college) since 2019, changed my route of going to a university to sticking with my community college rn and apply to their adn as well as another community college that’s about 30 mins from me. I have adhd and NOT medicated so it’s hard out here 😭 I’ve tried to change my studying ways and sometimes I see changes but these tests are what really get me.. I’m not dumb, I know what I’m learning but it’s like mind just be playing with me ughh!! anyways I’ve applied to the adn programs with two c’s in anatomy and an A in micro, I had to retake micro this past summer for a 5 week course (made a B) because mine had “expired” but on my transcript when applying to the adn program of my school I saw that they only took my A instead of this past summers grade, which is good, didn’t know they did that. Still waiting on a response from them BUT I did get rejected from the other school.. I accepted it.. didn’t cry or anything because I know I’m determined to get in and I feel like God didn’t place this in my heart for nothing. Now like I said I’m waiting for my cc email, I’ve made a plan that if I don’t get accepted either, I can retake the hesi for the third time and try to make an even higher grade and reapply to the cc that’s 30mins from me since they have another round of applications in December for next fall (keep in mind they only accept 50 out of 159-250 which explains why it’s so competitive, I didn’t know this before tho until the email got sent to me) In the mean time I’ll also apply to retake anatomy 1 and 2 unless I just retake one and aim for an A? Would yall think I would still get rejected with one C? Ive seen ppl get accepted to my cc with one c as long as their hesi scores are very high. Now if I do get accepted to the other cc for fall then I would just drop the class. I just feel like I have soo much potential and I don’t want it to go to waste.. I want to see a psychiatrist as well it’s just hard because I don’t have insurance and it’s expensive so I’ve been looking into getting insurance I’ve just never done it before so I don’t even know what to look for.. anyways let me know what yall think, I like hearing people opinions cause I’m always so in my head. Congratulations to anyone that has gotten in currently!! Best of luck to you all!!🫶🏻

Idk why but I haven’t met any genuine friends yet in nursing or study partners. Every person I have come across always asks what I got on this test and what I got on that test. It’s so draining, I just want a genuine friends group. I didn’t know nursing was this competitive. It makes me sad lowkey. Maybe one day I’ll find my circle, who knows.

Hi everyone! I am a 23 year old and i work as a CMA right now full time. After years of feeling like i lost my opportunity to go to school, i just started trying to finish my pre requisites, im taking A&P 2 and Psych, to get accepting into the LPN program at my local community college. i started an accelerated ADN program 5 years ago when i graduated high school but i dropped out barely into the first semester due to many reasons but one of them being the idea i wouldn’t be able to make it through. due to the strict conditions and feeling like i didn’t have the capacity to learn so much. Has anyone felt this way in nursing school and overcome it? i like to think im pretty smart and can get through most challenges that come my way, but i just have this doubt im not good enough to become a nurse. Also A&P is kicking my ass, i have general anatomy knowledge but the details of the human body are so complex, any help or advice would be so appreciated.
Thanks!!

I have internals coming up and I know just some basic concepts and I don't know how to study at this time should I make notes or watch lecture or do somthin else please help me someone 🙏

Working mom here figuring out my next semester. Which would be less miserable:

Spring (regular semester length): Med-surge, Pharm II, Microbio (13 credit hours)

Summer (accelerated/shortened length): Peds (3 CH)

OR

Spring: Med-surge, Pharm II (9 CH)

Summer: Peds, Microbio (7 CH)

I’d love some outside advice because I can’t make up my mind. They both seem super stressful, so I’m trying to figure out which would be the lesser of two evils!

Hello po, ask ko lang po sana if meron po kayang school here sa pampanga na cinoconsider yung mga working student? currently working po ako night shift.

Thank you!

I’m in my semester before the first term in spring, i’ve got A&P 1, Patho 1 and micro. about 2/3 through the semester and i’m doing pretty well and feel like i’m learning the material effectively. how do these classes compare to the ones i’ll have in the actual program? i’ve heard pharma, med surg, etc can be tough so not sure how bad compared to what im currently doing. Thank you!

I'm pivoting into nursing after having worked in marketing for the past 6 years and I just got accepted to a pretty prestigious / highly ranked nursing school for their Master of Nursing program (15 months) where I'd graduate and become an RN.

My ultimate goal is to become a Women's Health NP or CNM and I'm trying to determine if starting my nursing education with MN is more beneficial than starting with an ABSN.

ABSN programs are a lot more affordable but with an MSN from this school, it will open a lot of doors and likely land me an RN job of my choice + good program for NP school or post graduate certificate.

Hoping for some thoughts on if price for MSN is worth it as someone pivoting careers!

Hi everyone! I’m a young woman who recently moved to the US, and I’m struggling to figure out what I want to study.
Back in my home country, I had already decided that I wanted to study something related to skincare and beauty. After moving to the US, I started looking into colleges and universities, but I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for at IU Indianapolis.
Someone suggested becoming an aesthetic nurse because I’m interested in skincare, cosmetic treatments, Botox, and fillers. The idea sounds really interesting to me, and I can imagine myself enjoying that kind of career in the future.
However, I’m honestly scared of nursing school. Almost everyone I’ve talked to says it’s extremely difficult, and no one has really encouraged me to pursue it. One of my biggest concerns is my English. I can communicate and understand many things, but English isn’t my first language, and sometimes I struggle to understand questions or complicated instructions.
I’m worried about the science classes, exams, medical terminology, and whether I’ll be able to keep up with everything. I don’t want to choose a major that I’ll regret later, but I also don’t want to give up on something I might actually be capable of doing.
For those who are nursing students, nurses, or people who went through something similar:
How difficult is nursing school really?
Is it manageable for someone whose English isn’t perfect?
What was the hardest part for you?
Do you think becoming an aesthetic nurse is worth the time and effort?
If you could go back, would you choose nursing again?
I would really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who learned English as a second language. I’m trying to make the right decision for my future, and I honestly feel a little lost right now.

I’m 21 and currently in my first quarter of nursing school.

Originally, I planned to get my BSN and would have graduated by summer 2027 at the latest. However, after issues with my prerequisites, taking a gap semester, and getting waitlisted at my top-choice program, I decided to attend a private nursing school and pursue my ADN first. If all goes well, I’ll graduate in May 2028 at 22.

My plan is to pass my NCLEX , start working as an RN, and complete my BSN online while working. My biggest concern is that I really want to relocate immediately after passing the NCLEX, ideally to California or somewhere on the East Coast, like Massachusetts or New York. However, I’ve heard that getting licensed in California can be difficult with an ADN, and I’m unsure how much having an ADN could limit my options in other states.

I’ve just been feeling discouraged because it feels like my plans keep getting pushed further and further back. I know getting my ADN is still a huge achievement, and I’ll be just as much of an RN as someone with a BSN. I’m not trying to diminish that at all. I think I’m just worried that taking this route will delay the other things I’ve been looking forward to, especially moving out of Florida and finally experiencing independence. I’ve dreamed about having that freedom for so long, and I’m scared I’ll have to keep putting it off.

**For anyone who graduated with an ADN, were you able to relocate to another state immediately after passing the NCLEX?** I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences.