How do I get in shape for nursing school?

How do I get in shape for nursing school?

There are a couple of ways to go about answering this question.

Are you talking about getting into physical shape?

In this instance, there really is no need to get into physical shape for nursing. The only way to know if you won't be in physical shape is to look at your health history. If you have a debilitating condition that will prevent you from doing clinical duties then you might have a problem. However, most schools I know of requires you to submit a clinical screening from your doctor before admitting you into the program.

There has been students that I have worked with that are a few pounds overweight with some going into the obese category. They were able to still perform their duties and able to do so better than some in shape students. The key is that you will be on your feet for most of your shift. As long as you don't mind standing for the majority of the night with only a few times of sitting just to document your care you provide then you will be ok. I wouldn't focus on trying to obtain your ideal physique while going to nursing school which is going to lead me to the next question I have.

Are you talking about mental/cognitive shape?

Now this is the true bread and butter that you need to focus on. Not going to lie to you, but going through nursing school is a brutal journey that will test your mental toughness as you are faced with loads of homework and studying all the while trying to perform clinically as well.

There are some people that had to drop out because it was just so mentally exhausting to them. I was almost one of those people. I had panic attacks constantly while in school and being on loads of stimulants and caffeine only made it worse! Some times I had to be sent home because it was so bad.

Now I like to think that I was pretty tough mentally, but nursing school will find your weakness. Whether it be self isolation from all the work you will have, the constant endless hours into the night you will be studying, or even just the change in your normal routine THAT WILL HAPPEN. It is not a joke, and I have seen other students have emotional breakdowns regularly.

My point is; be prepared to work and put your schoolwork up in the priority. It will be mentally draining more than physically draining, or they both can go hand in hand. Take care of yourself and take breaks periodically. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…

Make friends with some of your other classmates. They are all feeling the same way as you. They will be eachothers emotional support as well as helpful people to ask if you unsure of material. Try and see if you can get into a study group with some of your other students, that will be helpful for all of you.

Lastly, make sure that you have your endgame in mind!

Know that all the sacrifices you are making now eventually will carry you through to the end with you becoming an RN. It is going to be exhausting but this mind set will keep you going forward when all else cannot.

Good Luck!

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