Nursing school is a big commitment that will require a lot of time, energy, and concentration. How hard is nursing school? It is definitely challenging. After all, nurses provide lifesaving care and respond to a variety of urgent situations. They have to be ready to act confidently and with expertise. They need to handle stress well and make decisions that impact other people’s wellbeing, and their schooling must reflect that. So, yes, nursing school is hard. But preparing for it and knowing what to expect will help you be a successful nursing student.

Why Is Nursing School Hard?

We’ve established that nursing school ought to be challenging. The role of a nurse is critical, and the responsibility nurses carry can literally be life-changing. The best nursing programs prepare you for real-life patient care by immersing you in a rigorous curriculum. That’s exactly why the Xavier University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program combines online coursework with hands-on labs and clinicals at some of the top health-care facilities in Ohio.

While there will be tight deadlines to meet, lab techniques to master, and difficult tests to take, our program is manageable if you approach it with tenacity, passion, and commitment — all qualities found in a great nurse.

Truthfully, there may be times when you feel worn out or overwhelmed, but understanding how to push through those moments by looking at the bigger picture will be key. Nursing is a rewarding, fulfilling, and in-demand career that is a great move for your future. To help you prepare, here are five facts that will help you understand what to expect in nursing school.

1. You’ll Commit Most of Your Time to Studying

As a student in the Xavier ABSN program, you’ll be learning a lot of information in a short time period. Traditional BSN programs can take years to complete, whereas the Xavier ABSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months.

Even with our shorter timelines, we don’t compromise quality; rest assured that you’ll receive a comprehensive nursing education. As such, you’ll need to commit a lot of time to your coursework and studying, not only in class, but also during evenings and weekends. Be prepared to treat the program as a full-time job.

2. Time Management Is Key

Investing in a planner or scheduling app will be helpful when you embark on your nursing journey. You’ll want to block out time for homework, studying, labs, tests, quizzes, and more.

To stay on track, organize your assignments by how long they’ll take to finish and record their due dates in your planner.

You may also want to manage expectations with your family and friends and let them know that you’ll be very busy with your nursing education. This may mean missing out on events you’d normally attend. But remember that with the ABSN program, your time in school will be over before you know it.

3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Without a doubt, nursing school is difficult. It will test the boundaries of your comfort zone. It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed, but approaching your nursing education with a realistic and positive attitude can make a huge difference.

If you don’t normally ask questions in class, or you tend to be the last to volunteer for a demonstration, change it up and start raising your hand in nursing school. Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in your classes and your cohort will be invaluable, especially when it comes time to apply your skills and knowledge to real patients.

4. A BSN Opens Doors

Earning a BSN gives you the opportunity to pursue a wide array of careers. After gaining experience as a registered nurse (RN), you could leverage your BSN to become a travel nurse, flight nurse, school nurse, public health nurse, legal nurse consultant, or another type of nurse. A BSN can also lead to a comfortable salary and more marketability for hospitals and health-care facilities.

5. We’re Here to Help

During your time in the Xavier ABSN program, you’ll interact with a cohort of peers, our knowledgeable faculty, and our admission team. When courses get challenging or you have questions, we will be happy to help. You’re not walking alone on your journey to become a nurse.

Why Nursing School Is Worth the Challenge

A BSN is your key to a career where you help others every day. Additionally, there’s a high probability of landing a job very soon after graduating. In fact, the number of jobs for RNs is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Your BSN can serve as the first step toward becoming anything from a nurse practitioner to a nurse midwife. The career opportunities available to you with a BSN from Xavier University are many.

Yes, nursing school is challenging. But if you have a support system, stay organized, and give it your all, you can succeed.

Start Your Nursing Future Today!

Are you ready to rise to the challenge of becoming a nurse? If so, it’s time to apply for Xavier’s ABSN program. To learn more about our 16-month ABSN program in Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Columbus, Ohio, contact our admission team today!