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
Because programs require many credit hours, nursing students sometimes end up taking multiple difficult courses in one semester. Think of late nights studying for exams in addition to clinicals where you'll gain hands-on nursing experience. But the rigor is worth it, if you want to become a nurse.
What is the number one reason for failure in nursing school? ›
Bad Study Habits
The study habits that served you well in high school may not be adequate study habits for nursing school. Students shouldn't wait until the last minute to complete assignments or read the required material.
What is the most difficult thing in nursing school? ›
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.
How do you explain how hard nursing school is? ›
One of the reasons why nursing school is hard is that nursing students need to manage multiple academic responsibilities at the same time. As a nursing student, you'll not only need to do well on exams, but you'll also need to develop hands-on skills, communication skills, and bedside nursing skills.
What percentage of people flunk out of nursing school? ›
According to the National League of Nurses, 20% of nursing students drop out. There are several reasons for that statistic, including: Unsustainable student debt. High academic demands.
What is the failure rate of nursing school? ›
According to the National League for Nursing (NLN), the average national dropout rate for nursing programs in the United States is 20%-25%; this high attrition rate is considered problematic.
How many students get rejected from nursing school? ›
Nearly 78,200 qualified applications were not offered spots at nursing schools last year, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which represents schools with baccalaureate and advanced degree programs. This includes nearly 66,300 applications for entry-level bachelor's degree programs.
What percent of students make it through nursing school? ›
According to a National League for Nursing study, the national dropout rate for nursing programs was 20 percent. While the attrition rate is higher for some bachelor's degree nursing programs, most people in school to become registered nurses (RNs) stayed in school and pushed through.
Is nursing really the hardest major? ›
8) Nursing
Considered one of the hardest majors in college, it is also a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding career.
What year of nursing school is the hardest? ›
Nursing is a complex profession. KNOW this: the first year is the toughest. It takes time to develop good clinical judgment and quality time management. It takes time to learn how to recognize when a patient needs immediate intervention.
The good news is that the longer you are in nursing school, the easier it gets. The coursework may remain about the same, but it will get easier due to: The fact that you'll be used to it after a semester or two and you'll know what it takes to succeed.
Is nursing school mostly memorization? ›
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. Nurses must be able to put facts into action, applying critical thinking in fast-paced environments.
Can an average student become a nurse? ›
Yes, with hard work and dedication, an average student can become a nurse. Despite what many people think, being a top student isn't the only way to succeed as a nurse.
Is the first year of nursing school hard? ›
The first year of nursing school is hard because you're starting a new venture. Not only are you learning new information specific to your industry, but you'll also be putting that education into action. Learning facts is much different than practicing them, so stretching yourself in this new way can be demanding.
Is nursing school one of the hardest degrees? ›
Yes, nursing is one of the more demanding courses of study one can undertake! Though the experience will differ for everyone, make sure you understand the process, know what nursing entails, and the financial requirements.
Is nursing school one of the hardest programs? ›
Nursing is a difficult degree for many to obtain because the profession has traditionally attracted more than its fair share of dreamers: those who are in love with the idea of being a nurse, but lack the academic skills to complete nursing school. Few other college majors attract a higher number of hopeless dreamers.
