5 Tips for Surviving Nursing School as a Student Nurse

Nursing school can be challenging, and it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As a nursing student, you will face many obstacles along the way, but with the right tools and strategies, you can overcome them and succeed in your studies. In this blog post, we will share five tips that can help you survive nursing school as a student nurse.

Effective time management is crucial to success in nursing school. You need to prioritize your tasks and make the most out of every minute. Create a schedule and stick to it, allocate enough time for studying, practicing skills, attending lectures, and completing assignments. Use technology to your advantage by downloading apps like Pomodoro Timer or Forest that can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Remember, procrastination is an enemy of productivity, so avoid it at all costs.

Self-care is essential for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. As a nursing student, you may feel overwhelmed with the demands of school, clinicals, and personal life. It’s easy to neglect yourself when you have too much on your plate, but doing so can lead to burnout and decreased performance. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and take breaks whenever necessary. Don’t forget to indulge in activities that bring joy to your life, such as reading books, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.

Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in your journey through nursing school. Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you, whether it’s family members, friends, classmates, or mentors. Join study groups, attend networking events, and reach out to professors or advisors if you need guidance. The nursing profession can be isolating at times, but knowing that someone has got your back can give you the confidence boost you need to keep going.

Organization is key to academic success. Keep track of deadlines, appointments, and exam dates using a planner or calendar app. Create folders for each course and save important documents, notes, and handouts in them. Develop a filing system for papers, lab reports, and projects, and always back up your work on an external drive or cloud storage service. Being organized not only saves time but also reduces stress and anxiety.

Confidence is critical when working in the clinical setting. While it might seem intimidating at first, remember that you are there to learn and gain experience. Ask questions, observe other nurses, and practice your skills until you become proficient. Seek feedback from instructors and peers, and use it constructively to improve your performance. With each passing day, you will grow more confident in your abilities, and soon, you will be ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Surviving nursing school as a student nurse requires resilience, determination, and a positive attitude. By following these five tips, you can navigate the challenges of nursing school and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks when needed, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Good luck!