There’s a rumor circulating on the internet that The Guinness Book of Work Records has declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to be the toughest of all bachelor’s degrees to obtain. There’s no truth to this claim. Guinness does not attempt to quantify subjective qualities such as “toughness.” As such, they have never stated that nursing is the most difficult college major. But that’s not to say there isn’t a grain of truth to this urban myth.
Obtaining a nursing degree is difficult. There’s no arguing it. Whether it’s the “hardest” degree to obtain or not is irrelevant. It is a demanding curriculum and it requires more than a little sacrifice and dedication to secure certification. Enough said.
But attending nursing school, going from RN to BSN, or enrolling in an online nursing school, can be highly rewarding endeavors, especially upon graduation, and after you obtain your certification to practice. Exams are tough. Clinical rotations are potentially exhausting. The demands on your time, energy, and mental faculties will undoubtedly be greater than if you’d chosen to major in early childhood education, for example. But the rewards are potentially great, too.
Challenges and Rewards
Many of your peers will graduate and go on to sell widgets at the best possible price. You will go on to save lives; to make a difference to people who are frightened or suffering, and to provide relief, reassurance, and assistance, in ways large and small, on a regular basis. You’ll also earn the respect of your patients, colleagues, family, and friends. Your widget-selling peers may have the easier time in school.
But who will enjoy the more rewarding career? Keep in mind that both nursing school and a business school curriculum each lasts a handful of years. But your career will sustain you for many decades to come. When evaluating if it’s all worth it, think about the future. Whatever you choose, it will set the tone for the rest of your life. Do you want your contributions to matter? Or can you settle for a career that rarely delivers any real sense of accomplishment? The choice is yours.
Sure, when you struggle to draw blood or start an IV for the tenth time, it can be tempting to think about your friend who’s learning about teaching reading to first-graders. But even she is likely to encounter the occasional unexpected run-in with body fluids on the job. So remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. And your friend majoring in business and finance will probably face uncertainties in the job market. Even after he lands a job, he’s likely to face frequent downsizings and constant job insecurity. Not you. Nurses are always in demand.
Job Opportunities and Security
Nursing jobs are also portable. Regardless of where you go, your skills as a nurse will be welcomed, appreciated—and in demand. True, you’ll probably be required to obtain state-specific recertification in some localities, but the demand for your services will be strong virtually everywhere. In fact, the need for qualified healthcare professionals is only growing, as the aging baby boom generation continues to put growing pressure on an already-overtaxed American healthcare infrastructure. So, while nursing school may be among the toughest educational pursuits, it’s also a ticket to one of the most rewarding careers possible.
FAQs
Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. “It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed,” says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
What is the hardest nursing school to get into? ›
University of Massachusetts Amherst. The nursing program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an incredibly competitive one, with a 10% acceptance rate. On average, only 64 students are admitted into the program each year, which keeps class sizes small and allows for more personalized instruction.
Why are nursing schools rejecting thousands of applicants? ›
Due to staffing shortages, thousands of qualified applicants were turned away from nursing schools last year, despite the nationwide shortage of nurses, CNN Business October 5 reports.
How hard is nursing school really? ›
Nursing school is tough, with graduation rates for bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs averaging 50%. The science-and-math-heavy coursework and additional requirements like clinical placements and hands-on lab work make for a challenging program.
What is the hardest class in RN school? ›
What is the Hardest Class in Nursing Courses?
- A&P Class (1&2) Nursing professors expect you to know more than what was covered in high school about human anatomy & physiology. ...
- Organic Chemistry. Find organic chemistry solutions here. ...
- Pathophysiology. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Overall, the first year with Fundamentals and Med/Surg and Peds was hard because it's your first year in nursing school and you are adjusting to how exams are. I did much better gradewise during my second year with Mental Health, Maternity, and Complex Care/Advanced Med Surg.
What is the easiest nursing school to get into? ›
Nursing Schools with High Acceptance Rates in the US
| School | Location | Acceptance Rate |
|---|
| University of Maine | Orono, ME | 96% |
| University of Southern Indiana | USI | Evansville, IN | 96% |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Southern Miss | Hattiesburg, MI | 96% |
| Wright State University | Dayton, OH | 96% |
6 more rowsApr 10, 2024
#1: Duke University
The National League for Nursing has designated the Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) a Center of Excellence on six separate occasions. The school consistently ranks among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's top MSN and DNP programs.
What is the hardest skill to learn in nursing school? ›
Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology each have a well-earned reputation for being difficult to pass. Some students may find Cardiology, Chemistry, or even Mental Health especially trying.
Why do most people fail nursing school? ›
It is influenced by several factors, most of which you can control when you know how to prepare. Some of the common reasons nurses drop out of nursing school include poor time management skills, overwhelming stress, bad study habits, and difficulty taking the new NCLEX-style questions on exams.
Staffing shortages are the main reason why nursing schools are not able to accept more students who want to become registered nurses. The programs are contending with a lack of faculty, clinical placements for students and preceptors who supervise the students during their rotations at health care providers.
Why is there a nursing shortage in 2024? ›
Top Causes of Today's Nursing Shortage
An aging population, which leads to more patients needing care (whether in-facility or at home), and more demand for nurses to provide it. Higher acuity of patients and residents, which further increases demand, particularly for more skilled and specialized nurses.
Is nursing school harder than med school? ›
As you can see, medical school and nursing school are similar, but medical school is a different kind of challenge than nursing school. From my experience and what peers have shared, medical school is not necessarily harder than nursing school or vice versa.
Can an average student become a nurse? ›
Can an average student become a nurse? Yes, anyone who has a passion for the healthcare field, can prosper as a nurse. Your road toward becoming a nurse can be made more satisfying by prioritizing self-care, acquiring appropriate experience, and concentrating on your studies.
Is nursing school mostly memorization? ›
Memorization is a major component of nursing school, but there's much more to a nursing education than remembering facts. While you'll definitely need to recall a wide range of information at the drop of a hat, memorization will only take you so far.
What is the most challenging part of being a nursing student? ›
NCLEX. The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is one of the most important and difficult milestones for a nursing student.
What is the hardest part of being a school nurse? ›
HOW HARD IS BEING A SCHOOL NURSE?
- CHALLENGE #1: You May Have to Work Between Several Schools. ...
- CHALLENGE #2: You May Work Alone. ...
- CHALLENGE #3: There Is A Lot of Paperwork. ...
- CHALLENGE #4: Earning Less Money Than Other Nurses. ...
- CHALLENGE #5: Being a School Nurse Means Having Significant Responsibilities.
Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses
Intensive care nurses are frequently asked to make split-second decisions, and the actions they choose can make the difference between life and death. Nurses may have to deal with ethical dilemmas and poor patient outcomes, which can frustrate any nurse.
