Nursing School Survival: Setting Yourself Up for Success
In many aspects, nursing school can be compared to the movie Hunger Games. The environment is characterized by fierce competition, demanding obstacles, and relentless expectations that create a sense of fighting for survival. Those who successfully complete the rigorous path can proudly don their scrubs and brand the covetited title of nurse on their badge.
Here are some key strategies to ensure that you are left standing at the end:
1. Get Organized
The first semester of nursing school is like drinking from a fire hose. You can easily become overwhelmed by the torrent of information, assignments, and deadlines. It is a good idea to use your course syllabus and calendar to identify, testing blue prints, grading scale, and assignment/test dates. Get a jump on the chaos with these tools:
Planner: A planner (digital or physical) lets you track lectures, exams, clinicals, assignments, and due dates. Google calendar is completely free and you can color code due dates and clinical days. If you are old school like me, find free printable calendars that you can keep in your notebook or make your own planner. Passion Planner has free planner pages. I use them and they are great! https://passionplanner.com/collections/free-downloads
Dedicated Study Space: Even if it is your kitchen table, create a quiet, organized area where you can focus without distractions. Home may be where the heart is, but not a place to get some quality studying done. Scope out places on your campus that set the mood for quality study time.
Study Time: Identify times that works with your schedule. Are you an early riser and can get some studying done before class? Are you a night owl that learns best past midnight? Pick times that your brain is ready to accept information. Remember, this may fluctuate as your progress through the nursing program.
Course Materials: May nursing schools are going to all digital access. This is a great advantage for many programs because you can always have access to your materials. I can attest to the pain of nursing school both physically and mentally. Carrying that two ton medical-surgical for two years will lead to chronic back pain.
2. Identify Your Learning Style
Everyone learns differently. Many of us learn through multiple methods. Do you learn best by:
Reading/Writing: Taking notes, highlighting textbooks
Visuals: Diagrams, videos, concept maps
Auditory: Listening to lectures, participating in discussions
Hands-on: Practice labs, simulations
Once you know your learning style, tailor your study methods to maximize your potential. Take this free quiz at https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/.
3. Build a Support System
Did someone say trauma bonding??? You will develop friendships in nursing school that will last longer than waiting for pharmacy to tube up your scheduled medications. It is a sacrifice on everyone involved. Here are some people you want to keep in your back pocket:
Study Groups: Form or join a group to share notes, discuss concepts, and motivate each other. Just FYI, study groups are not for everyone. Don’t shame someone just because they declined your invitation. Some of us find study groups distracting (speaking from personal experience).
Mentors: Seek guidance from experienced nurses or instructors. Be careful not to attach yourself to someone who has a negative view of nursing. Yes, there are nurses who complain about every aspect of nursing! Align yourself with those that are realistic and a cheerleader. Not everyone is a “cool instructor” like me. If you find an instructor that you vibe with, approach them. Come with appropriate questions (not what’s on the test) or ask about advise how to tackle the material.
Family/Friends: Your support systems is essential during nursing school. Whether is your parents, grandparents, honorary aunties, or significant others/spouses, you will need them while you are in school. Nursing school is literally all consuming at times. You need to take this into consideration. Are you prepared to miss some family gatherings, social outings, or reduce working hours?
4. Prioritize Understanding Over Memorization
Nursing isn't about rote memorization; it's about applying knowledge in real-life scenarios. As you advance from course to course, memorization will not cut it. Critical thinking is the framework of your nursing foundation. You will have to learn to adapt your studying and note-taking. You will develop and use:
Critical Thinking: Learn to analyze information and make informed decisions.
Connecting Concepts: Understand how different body systems and treatments relate to each other.
Clinical Applications: Ask yourself, "How will I use this knowledge when caring for a patient?"
5. Embrace Self-Care
Burnout is a real risk in nursing school. Proactively protect your well-being by:
Sleep: Set a regular sleep schedule and prioritize it. This is hard for nursing students and humans all together. Not everyone can get 8 hours of sleep at night. Get enough sleep that you don’t feel like you are in a stupor when you wake up. Your nights scrolling social media and sending reels are OVER (for now)!
Eat: Disclaimer: I am not a dietician and don’t claim to be. I hate it when I read other blogs about the importance of fueling your body with an “organic arugula smoothie” and fresh eggs just laid for breakfast. Listen, we broke and on a budget. Plus, you may not be a breakfast person at all. Others may need breakfast before class. I will encourage you to get some semi-healthy snacks to carry with you at all times. Granola bars with protein or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich are good options. Eat according to your body needs and/or health conditions. If you pass out in clinical from hypoglycemia, you will be known as such for the rest of school. Nourish your body with foods to boost your energy levels and focus. The end.
Stress Management: Find activities that help you relax, whether it's exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Learn to step away from the books. Burn out is real in school. You are not a machine programmed to study 24/7. Even if it a 20 minute walk to decompress, take advantage of it. Your brain will thank you later.
Remember:
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Friends, trusted nurses, your instructors, and myself are all potential resources.
Celebrate your wins: One of my favorite sayings is “A win is a win.” Acknowledge your accomplishments, big and small, to stay motivated.
Keep the end goal in mind: Remind yourself why you want to be a nurse; it'll carry you through the tough times.
Nursing school is challenging, but not impossible. By following these tips, you are one step closer to claiming your destiny.