My HOT takes as a pre-nursingstudent!

As a pre-nursing student, I've learned that the journey to becoming a nurse is both challenging and rewarding, and some classes weigh heavier than others. From my experience and conversations with current nursing students and hospital nurses, Anatomy and Physiology truly are the "make or break" courses that can set the tone for success in nursing school. Mastering these subjects early on builds a foundation that makes the rest of the nursing curriculum more manageable. One of the hardest things I've noticed is dealing with constant comparison to peers—whether it's GPA, schedules, or perceived preparedness. But I've come to understand that everyone has their unique path, and comparison only creates unnecessary stress. Focusing on personal progress instead of measuring against others can improve both mental health and academic outcomes. Another common misconception I've encountered is the pressure to immediately decide on a nursing specialty. It’s perfectly normal not to have your specialty figured out as a pre-nursing student. Nursing offers a wide range of fields, and you’ll have plenty of time during nursing school and your clinical experiences to explore and find what fits your passion and skills best. I also want to highlight that nursing school experiences don’t always align perfectly with real-world nursing. What we learn in class can sometimes feel different from actual hospital work, so gaining hands-on experience, like being a CNA, can be helpful but not mandatory. It’s important not to feel discouraged if you don’t have prior healthcare experience; dedication and learning attitude matter most. Lastly, nursing school is rigorous, and even students who are passionate about nursing have moments of doubt, wondering "why did I pick this?" My advice is to keep going, seek support from peers and mentors, and remember that your hard work will pay off. Not everyone who begins nursing school ends up finishing, and that’s okay—knowing when to continue or pivot is part of the process. Overall, embracing these truths and preparing mentally for the ups and downs can make the pre-nursing journey more manageable and fulfilling.