Are you currently enrolled in a nursing program? Are you an RN? Are you looking into nursing school? As a sophomore in Nursing School at Castleton University, here is a list of five things that I know to be true about nursing education.

1. Your time is not your own anymore.

It goes without saying that nursing is one of the most intense and grueling majors there is. Unlike many majors, a B- average is required in each class in order to progress in the program. This means that you will most likely have to forego many extracurriculars, but you will be so excited that you will barely notice. Depending on your school, the required grades for your classes might differ, but I assure you there is a reason for these expectations. Nursing is a profession, and as such its education must be treated with the same expectations of excellence that you will be held to throughout your career.

2. Knowing your outlets is key

Because your program is so demanding, on occasion you may find yourself too stressed to function. This is a problem that most of us face once in a while, and that is why it is essential to find your outlets. For me, when I am feeling overwhelmed I turn to the piano. I take the short walk across campus to the FAC (Fine Arts Center) and park myself behind the ivories until I feel like myself again. The more experience you have in your nursing program, the better you will be able to notice when it is time for a break. Seriously, do yourself a favor and get out of your head for a while. Although you may be in a rush to complete your assignments, you will be much more productive if you give yourself frequent "breathers".

3. Time Management

You are going to have to be an expert at time management as a nurse, so why not start now? Everybody has ways in which they best manage their time. Personally, before each sturdy session I write out a short list of my assignments. Form here I list them all in order of importance. I find this method useful as it allows me to structure my sessions in a logical and efficient pattern. It is perhaps most important to find a method that works best for you. Sometimes, your professors can offer some useful information on time management.

4. Your professors want you to succeed.

Perhaps it's the nature of nursing, but your professors will always be there to help you- even to their inconvenience. No matter what time of day, your professors will do all they can to help you succeed. Your professors never say things like "If you become a nurse..." or "If you can handle this...", in nursing it is never "if" but "when". I truly believe this is what makes the difference in nursing education. It goes without saying that nursing is completely different than any other major. Every class you take gives you practical knowledge that you will use every day of your career. You are not just another person sitting in a lecture hall, but a future medical professional in training. Don’t get it twisted, though, when your professors set expectations they will move heaven and earth to uphold their standards, and rightly so.

5. These years are going to be the most rewarding years of your life!

Although I am only a second year nursing student in the BSN program, I am quite literally having the time of my life. Never before have I been so exhilarated at the thought of my future. I will never let my dream die. Every class offers a new perspective that widens your knowledge base. At just the mere thought of where I will be in just two short years gives me shivers.I am determined to be the best nurse I can be! Although nursing school is not easy, it is perhaps the most rewarding endeavor I have ever taken. I long for the day when I can introduce myself as Nurse Gauthier... perhaps Nurse Nick, I haven't decided yet...