Nursing school is no walk in the park, and anyone who’s been through it will tell you that it’s definitely not all flashcards and lab coats. It’s demanding, emotional, and often overwhelming. So if you’re thinking about applying, it’s completely normal to ask:
Does anyone actually enjoy nursing school?

What It’s Really Like

Ask most nursing students and you’ll probably hear the same thing: “It’s intense.”
Between back-to-back lectures, clinical rotations, exams, and skills labs, there’s hardly a moment to breathe. The material is complex, the expectations are high, and the pressure, especially when real patient care is involved, can feel like a constant weight on your shoulders.

A lot of students end up just trying to stay afloat. Burnout can hit even before midterms roll around. But beneath the exhaustion, there’s often something stronger—a sense of purpose. And for many, that’s what keeps them going.

Why Students Stick With It

Despite the challenges, many nursing students will tell you they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Here’s why:

• They witness firsthand the difference they can make in someone’s life, even during clinicals.

• Nursing opens doors to a wide range of roles, from bedside care to public health to advanced practice.

• Specialties give them the chance to focus on what they love, like pediatrics, mental health, or emergency care.

• There’s real potential to grow into leadership positions, become educators, or influence healthcare policy.

But maybe most importantly, nursing school gives them a sense of identity. It doesn’t just shape their skills, it reshapes how they see the world and their role in it. It helps them discover what it means to show up for others during their most vulnerable moments.

Is It Worth It?

Every nurse has their own story. But ask around, and you’ll hear this often: nursing school gave them more than a degree. It gave them resilience, confidence, and a deep respect for both their patients and the profession itself.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, here’s the truth: it won’t be easy. There will be days that stretch you in ways you didn’t expect. But you won’t be alone, and for many, those hard days are exactly what make the journey to graduation so meaningful.