There’s no question that nursing school is challenging. And when you are trying to manage home and work responsibilities on top of your nursing studies, the amount of studying you need to do could seem insurmountable. How on Earth are you supposed to get all of these chapters read, never mind review notes, prepare for the nursing exam and retain all of the vital information that you absolutely must know for a successful career in nursing?
The first step is to take a deep breath. You can do this. Nursing school just takes a little bit of planning, some time management and a few study tips and strategies to help separate the “need to know” from the “nice to know” and improve your information retention.
For example, you will discover how much pressure you can take, how you respond to stress, and what works to help get you through the tough times. Preparation beforehand will help you get off to a good start. The following are some examples of ways to prepare yourself before starting your nursing classes.
1. Get organized.
Organization is key to success, and it applies to both your personal and academic life. One of the first things you should do is choose a dependable calendar or planner. Some people prefer digital planners, while others prefer having a paper calendar/planner. Take the time to make a list of your daily or weekly activities and responsibilities. Plug them into your planner, so you don’t overlook anything when starting nursing classes. You may choose to color code your planner using one color for personal responsibilities and another for nursing school-related activities.
2. Take all prerequisite courses.
Before you are accepted into the professional part of any nursing program, you will be required to pass prerequisite or pre-nursing courses. The sooner you take those classes, the sooner you can focus on the program’s next steps and work toward your degree.
3. Invest in good nursing supplies.
Good shoes, a high-quality stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and penlight are essentials for any nurse or nursing student. Your school may have a list of suggested brands. If you are not provided with a list and are unsure what to buy, ask a nursing instructor or other nurse which ones they recommend.
4. Reduce stress by planning ahead.
You may be surprised how much easier nursing school will be if you take the time and put forth the initiative to plan, even for the little things. For example, if you or your children need dental or eye exams, schedule them ahead of time for a day you know school is not in session. Buy groceries in bulk and spend an afternoon meal prepping if you can afford it. Some people find it helpful to meal prep for one week, while others prepare large amounts of food and freeze it for the whole month. Anything you can do to reduce the amount of time you take away from studies later will help you get through nursing school with less stress.
5. Find a dependable mentor.
Having a relationship with a nurse willing to mentor and support you is an excellent way to prepare you for school. Every practicing nurse was a student nurse first. They understand the stress associated with nursing school and can be a great source of encouragement when times are tough. By developing a relationship with someone who can mentor you, you will have peace of mind knowing there is someone to turn to when needed.
6. Make it a habit to take care of yourself.
There will be days when you feel like you don’t have time to rest or recharge. However, it is crucial to remember that it is impossible to take care of others without first caring for yourself. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep promote good health, which improves your chances of success. Something as simple as taking a walk in the park or going for a bike ride can stimulate the release of endorphins in your blood, reducing stress. A good night’s sleep will help you wake refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Developing these habits before beginning nursing school is easier than implementing them after beginning school.
7. Know your learning style and become a master at it.
Some people are visual learners, while others are auditory learners. Figure out which learning style works best for you and practice it. For example, if you are a visual learner, you should be sure to have plenty of paper, pens, and other materials to take notes. Make sure you have a computer dedicated to schoolwork so you can organize your material on it in an easy-to-access format. Auditory learners often benefit from recording nursing school lectures and listening to them over again.
8. Make sure you have a support system outside of your school peers.
Nursing school is demanding. To succeed, you will need to focus your time and energy on studying and mastering content and skills. While you can and should enjoy friends and family, it is crucial to have the support of people who understand your education is a priority. Talk to your family members about your goals. If you have a spouse or significant other who can help with household chores or errands, ask them to take up some of the slack while you are studying. Schedule play dates for smaller children so you can have quiet time for study or self-care. The value of a sound support system is often underrated.
9. Join a student nurse association or support group.
Support groups are not just for people who have experienced loss or grief or struggle with addictions. There are support groups for nursing students to share their ideas, feelings, and goals and find encouragement to prepare for and go through the nursing program. Social media outlets, like Facebook, have support groups you can join. The Future Nurses Assembly is dedicated to developing professional nursing students. The association has more than 60 members.
10. Set goals and reward yourself.
Nothing makes a person want to succeed more than setting a goal and having the satisfaction of accomplishing it. Make a list of short-term and long-term goals. For example, your short-term goal may be to pass the entrance exam to nursing school on your first try or ace Anatomy and Physiology. An intermediate or long-term goal may be to finish your first semester of nursing school with all passing grades. Write your goals down, and beside each one, write something you plan to do for yourself when the goal is accomplished. You may want a new pair of shoes or a night on the town with friends. Remember, you are working hard to become a nurse, and you deserve to be rewarded as you go through the process.