Healthcare is one of the most rewarding industries worldwide. A career in nursing can be both personally and professionally fulfilling and offer a stable income and job security.
However, becoming a nurse requires dedication and hard work. Nursing school can be challenging, and preparation is essential before you embark on your journey.
Here are our top 10 tips for success in nursing school:
Get organised and stay on top of your workload from the beginning
Time management is crucial in nursing school, as you often juggle multiple assignments and deadlines. Creating a study schedule and sticking to it will help you stay on top of your work and avoid last-minute panic. However, the schedule should be flexible enough to allow for some personal time and relaxation – nursing school is demanding, so you must take care of yourself, too!
Also, take advantage of any organisation tools that can help, such as colour-coding, post-it notes, and online calendars. But it also depends on your classes, as some semesters are easier than others. You can opt for RN classes online instead of attending a traditional nursing school. However, this decision must be made considering all the pros and cons.
Develop a good working relationship with your professors
Your professors are there to help you succeed, so don’t be afraid to approach them with questions or for help with assignments. getting to know them personally can also make a difference in how they perceive and treat you – remember, they were once students, too!
Despite how much you rely on professors, taking responsibility for your learning is important. Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying for exams or working on papers. Being proactive and organised can reduce stress and better manage your time. However, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you struggle to understand a concept.
Do not procrastinate
This is easier said than done, we know. But with good time management skills, you can learn to avoid procrastination and stay on top of your workload.
One way to do this is to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if you have a 10-page research paper due at the end of the semester, start by identifying the topic, researching, and writing one page per week. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make the process more manageable – and less likely that you’ll procrastinate.
However, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Nursing school is demanding, and you will need some time to relax. Schedule some “me” time into your week to de-stress and recharge.
Get involved in extracurricular activities
In addition to your coursework, getting involved in extracurricular activities can also be beneficial. These activities can help you network, make friends, and learn new skills. For example, you might join a nursing club or student organisation, volunteer at a local hospital, or participate in a clinical research study.
However, don’t overextend yourself. Be mindful of how much time you commit to extracurricular activities. Ensure you leave enough time for studying and relaxing.
Form study groups with your classmates
One great way to prepare for exams is to form study groups with classmates. This will allow you to compare notes, share resources, and quiz each other on material. However, make sure you select a few classmates you can trust to be dedicated and reliable – it’s no use study group that doesn’t meet regularly or isn’t productive.
Also, don’t forget to take breaks! Studying for long periods can be draining, so make sure to take some time for yourself. For example, go for a walk, watch a movie or grab a bite to eat with friends.
Start each semester strong
One key to success in nursing school is to start each semester strong. This means attending all your classes, being on time, and being prepared. It also means setting goals for the semester and working to achieve them.
If you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your professors, visit the academic support centre, or reach out to a tutor.
Make time for yourself
Nursing school is demanding, and it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle. But it’s important to make time for yourself – even if it’s just a few minutes each day. This “me” time can relax, recharge, and de-stress.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your patients.
Stay healthy
It’s important to stay physically and mentally healthy during nursing school. This means eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
One way to stay healthy is to develop a routine and stick to it. For example, you might wake up early to exercise, eat breakfast, and then begin studying. Or you might study for a few hours, take a break to eat lunch, and then study some more.
Also, don’t forget to take breaks! It’s important to give your mind and body a rest. Go for a walk, watch a movie or take a nap.
Manage your time
Time management is key to success in nursing school. This means creating a schedule, setting priorities, and knowing when to say “no.”
One way to manage your time is to create a weekly schedule. This schedule should include time for studying, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and relaxing. Be sure to include some flexibility in your schedule, as well.
Also, don’t forget to set priorities. Not everything on your to-do list will be equally important, so it’s important to know what needs to be done – and when.
Have a positive attitude
It’s important to have a positive attitude during nursing school. This means staying motivated, setting goals, and believing in yourself.
If you struggle, remember that it’s normal, and you can get through it. Talk to your friends and family, reach out to your professors, or visit the academic support centre.
Also, don’t forget to celebrate your successes! When you accomplish a goal, take some time to treat yourself. This will help you stay positive and motivated.
Career in Nursing Conclusion
Nursing school can be demanding, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success. So relax, get involved, form study groups, start each semester strong, make time for yourself, and have a positive attitude. And most importantly, enjoy the journey!
