Nursing school can indeed be very challenging. It requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Here are some common reasons why nursing school is often considered difficult:

1. Heavy Workload: Nursing programs typically have a rigorous curriculum with a lot of material to cover. This includes a mix of classroom lectures, clinical rotations, and hands-on skill development. You might have taken 12-14 credit hours in your prenursing courses, but now you have 18 credit hours and lab or clinical on top of it.
2. Complex Subjects: Nursing students must grasp complex medical concepts, anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care procedures. These subjects often require deep understanding and critical thinking.
3. Clinical Experience: Clinical rotations, where students work in healthcare settings under supervision, can be both physically and emotionally demanding. You’ll encounter real patients with various health conditions and must provide care while learning.
4. Time-Consuming: Nursing students often have long hours of study and clinical practice, leaving little time for other activities. Balancing school with personal life can be very challenging.
5. Pressure and Stress: Nursing students are often under pressure to perform well academically and clinically. The responsibility of patient care can be stressful, and there’s a need for constant attention to detail.
6. Reaching out for Help: Sometimes new nursing students do not understand that they can reach out to their faculty for help. It is important that nursing students know that reaching out for help before they are in a failing situation is very helpful. In fact, most nursing faculty would prefer you reach out for help before the exam, rather than after receiving a failing grade.
7. Mental Health Support: Because nursing school is so very stressful, students should stay on top of their own mental health. Use your strategies for stress relief and balance your school and social activities. If needed contact your school’s student health center for additional mental health support.
8. Overcommitted: Many nursing students are overcommitted. Prenursing students have worked hard to get into nursing school. Many have volunteered for organizations, shadowed nurses, or may need to work through college. Students should be aware that they might also need to let some of their social activities/volunteer activities go until they are done with school.
9. Licensing Exams: In many countries, nursing students must pass a licensing exam (such as the NCLEX in the United States) to become a registered nurse. Preparing for and passing this exam can add to the stress.
10. Compassion Fatigue: Working closely with patients who are ill or in pain can take an emotional toll. Nursing programs often teach students to manage their emotions and practice self-care.

Remember that while nursing school is challenging, it’s also highly rewarding. Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, making a positive impact on patients’ lives. If you’re in nursing school, it’s important to reach out to professors, mentors, and support networks for help when needed. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance with studying, managing stress, or addressing any concerns you may have. Many nurses find that the hard work and dedication they put into their education pays off in the form of a fulfilling and meaningful career.