For many aspiring nurses, starting college is an exciting but daunting adventure. Yet, it’s a crucial step towards achieving their dream of becoming qualified professionals.
But hidden beneath the thrill and excitement are horrific challenges that nursing students have to endure during college, ranging from academic struggles to unbearable financial issues.
These seven heartbreaking experiences can take a toll on any student, so it’s critical for current and future nursing students to be aware of them to prepare themselves better.
In this blog post, we’ll look at these seven difficult challenges nursing students face in college, which may require willpower and stamina to overcome – because, let’s face it, obtaining qualification as a registered nurse isn’t easy!
1. Academic Struggles
Nursing students have to juggle a lot of academic material and exams in a relatively short time, making it hard for them to keep up with their studies.
According to a survey conducted by researchers in one study, nursing students reported feeling overwhelmed with the amount of coursework and exams, causing them to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety.
To succeed academically, nursing students should use the resources available, such as academic tutorials and mentors. Additionally, they should seek help from fellow students or lecturers if needed.
2. Financial Struggles
Financing a college degree can be a challenge, especially for those who don’t have parents or other family members who can help them.
With the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s 2017 report in mind, graduate nursing students can anticipate carrying a median debt between $40,000 and $54,999 after graduating. It aligns with College Scorecard data that reveals an average student loan amount for aspiring nurses is a whopping $47,321!
So, it’s no surprise that many nursing students are forced to work full-time jobs while still in college. According to one study, almost 50% of nursing students in the US are working at least one job while studying.
3. Unpredictable Clinicals
Clinicals are mandatory for nursing students, which can be quite unpredictable and challenge their work-life balance. Nursing students’ clinicals are often scheduled in the mornings, afternoons, and nights. In some cases, clinicals can run until midnight or even later!
Additionally, clinicals can be quite demanding and require a lot of physical strength. For example, they’re often required to lift patients who can be more than twice their weight. So, nursing students should strive to stay fit and eat a healthy diet when possible.
4. Lack of Support from Instructors
According to one study, nursing students reported feeling ignored and unsupported by their instructors. They often feel that their instructors could be more approachable and able to provide guidance when needed.
Support is essential for nursing students in their journey to becoming professional nurses. They must have access to guidance and mentorship from instructors who can help them address any issues they might have during college.
5. Difficulty Finding Clinical Placements
Scoring a clinical placement is one of the biggest challenges nursing students have to face in college. According to reports, nurses reported struggling with a lack of available clinical placements due to a widespread shortage of qualified nursing staff.
In 2020, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AANC) uncovered a startling statistic: 386 schools had to reject 66,274 eligible applicants from baccalaureate nursing programs.
A majority of schools (69%) reported that the most common cause for not accepting all qualified applicants was a lack of clinical sites. Moreover, an even greater number (40%) asserted that inadequate availability of these sites was the primary factor in their decision.
Furthermore, the limited number of clinical placements results in long wait times for students, which can delay their graduation and prevent them from entering the field.
6. The Pressure of Passing Exams
Nursing students must pass a variety of exams to earn their degrees. These include written and practical examinations like the NCLEX, as well as clinical competency tests.
The pressure of passing these exams can be daunting for nursing students, as the exams are difficult and require a great deal of preparation. These exams will determine whether or not they can become registered nurses, so every question counts!
One study proves the pressure of exams is so high it can cause psychological distress in nursing students. Such distress can include feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear. In such conditions, nursing students lose focus, and it becomes more difficult to pass their exams.
7. Post-Graduation Training
For nursing students, graduation from college is just the beginning. They are required to complete additional post-graduate training to be eligible for specialized certifications and become viable candidates in the job market.
For example, many hospitals require nurses to complete additional training, such as BLS, ACLS, and IV therapy, before they can be hired on staff. With the competition for nursing positions increasing all the time, you may want to consider taking a master’s degree program to stand out from other applicants.
Unfortunately, post-graduate training programs can be quite expensive and time-consuming. As a result, some nursing students have to take up additional loans or get financial help from families to pay for such programs.
On top of that, they must find the time to complete the training while maintaining their daily lives. It can be a difficult task as post-graduate programs may require attending classes outside of their regular work hours and taking off days that they could otherwise use to make extra money.
4. Lack of Support from Instructors
According to one study, nursing students reported feeling ignored and unsupported by their instructors. They often feel that their instructors could be more approachable and able to provide guidance when needed.
Support is essential for nursing students in their journey to becoming professional nurses. They must have access to guidance and mentorship from instructors who can help them address any issues they might have during college.
5. Difficulty Finding Clinical Placements
Scoring a clinical placement is one of the biggest challenges nursing students have to face in college. According to reports, nurses reported struggling with a lack of available clinical placements due to a widespread shortage of qualified nursing staff.
In 2020, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AANC) uncovered a startling statistic: 386 schools had to reject 66,274 eligible applicants from baccalaureate nursing programs.
A majority of schools (69%) reported that the most common cause for not accepting all qualified applicants was a lack of clinical sites. Moreover, an even greater number (40%) asserted that inadequate availability of these sites was the primary factor in their decision.
Furthermore, the limited number of clinical placements results in long wait times for students, which can delay their graduation and prevent them from entering the field.
6. The Pressure of Passing Exams
Nursing students must pass a variety of exams to earn their degrees. These include written and practical examinations like the NCLEX, as well as clinical competency tests.
The pressure of passing these exams can be daunting for nursing students, as the exams are difficult and require a great deal of preparation. These exams will determine whether or not they can become registered nurses, so every question counts!
One study proves the pressure of exams is so high it can cause psychological distress in nursing students. Such distress can include feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear. In such conditions, nursing students lose focus, and it becomes more difficult to pass their exams.
7. Post-Graduation Training
For nursing students, graduation from college is just the beginning. They are required to complete additional post-graduate training to be eligible for specialized certifications and become viable candidates in the job market.
For example, many hospitals require nurses to complete additional training, such as BLS, ACLS, and IV therapy, before they can be hired on staff. With the competition for nursing positions increasing all the time, you may want to consider taking a master’s degree program to stand out from other applicants.
Unfortunately, post-graduate training programs can be quite expensive and time-consuming. As a result, some nursing students have to take up additional loans or get financial help from families to pay for such programs.
On top of that, they must find the time to complete the training while maintaining their daily lives. It can be a difficult task as post-graduate programs may require attending classes outside of their regular work hours and taking off days that they could otherwise use to make extra money.
Bottom Line
Nursing students face several challenges and difficulties throughout college, from feeling unsupported by instructors to finding clinical placements and passing exams. However, it is important to recognize that these are all part of the journey. With guidance and support, nursing students can make it through.
Additionally, students should look into post-graduate training programs to give themselves a competitive edge in the job market. The hard work and determination will all be worth it when they become successful and respected registered nurses.
With these tips, nursing students can face their challenges with confidence and resilience and make their dreams a reality.
