5 Tips for Succeeding in Nursing School

Today more than ever, the world needs nurses. However, nursing is a difficult profession and often the schooling process in order to become one is no different.

Perhaps you’ve already decided on joining Nursing School but you have no idea where to begin, after all, jumping into something new can be a scary experience.

That’s why we’re going to share with you 5 tips for succeeding in Nursing School so that you can not only survive but thrive during your time there, and well into your nursing career.

1. Figure out your Personal Style of Learning

Nursing School is intense and in order to stay in the program, you have to ensure that you’re maintaining your grades throughout. The process can be very intimidating and may make you feel like you’re falling behind after getting a bad grade.

While sometimes it may seem like everyone else is learning faster than you or achieving more than you, this often has nothing to do with your levels of intelligence. An important tip for Nursing School is to figure out which learning style is most beneficial for you and will make your studying efforts more effective.

According to the University of Wollongong Australia, there are four different learning styles: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic.

Visual: Visual learners learn best by using their sight. If you identify with this learning type, you may want to consider adding things like graphics, diagrams, charts, and/or flashcards into your studying routine.

Auditory: Auditory learners learn best by hearing the information out loud. If you identify with this learning type, you may benefit more from group discussions, mnemonic devices, and verbal repetition.

Reading/Writing: If you identify with this learning type, you may find that physically rewriting notes and reading the information will help you memorize topics the best.

Kinaesthetic: Kinaesthetic learners are learners who benefit the most from hands-on learning. If you identify with this learning type, you may find that practicing models and diagrams using physical movement will help you memorize topics the most.

2. Create a Schedule

Creating and sticking to a schedule is critical for a Nursing School student as it’s no secret that nursing students have a high workload.

Not only do you need to have the time to study for tests and finish homework, you will also need to make time for clinical and in-class learning. Additionally, you have a life outside of Nursing School as well, this may include work and family obligations, as well as social activities.

Similar to learning styles, everyone has their own style of schedule that works best for them, and through trial and error, you can figure out the most constructive one for you. While some people may prefer to download an app and pop their schedule into their phone, others may prefer to buy a planner and write it physically.

Furthermore, while some may be able to plan months ahead, others may find that process overwhelming and might want to stick to a simple weekly calendar. 

3. Commit to Studying

A huge component of Nursing School is memorization, which means you will need to spend a large portion of your time studying. According to Sumner College, nursing students should expect to set aside 3-4 hours per day in order to study their course materials.

This means that ideally in one week you should be studying for around 24 hours outside of your regular classes. While this may seem excessive, the amount of subject material you’re required to know for Nursing School is substantial. While cramming for exams may have worked previously, in Nursing School it will not, and will often lead to stress and anxiety towards exams which will greatly affect your experience while in the program.

When choosing nursing as a profession, it’s important to note that you will be legally required to continue studying throughout your career regularly in order to stay up to date in healthcare. Continued Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory in many countries, including the US, Australia, the UK, and a few other European countries. Perfecting your studying routine in Nursing School will be a wonderful first step in order to continue this lifelong journey.

4. Get to Know your Professors

While your professors may seem intimidating, overall, they are there to help you in your journey to becoming a nurse. Having a solid relationship with your professors will not only give you more motivation to attend the classes and do well in them but also give you a partner to help you succeed.

If you need advice, it’s important for you to take the first step and ask them questions. Your professors may share experiences they’ve had throughout their nursing career that may help you feel less alone. Your professors may also share different resources outside of Nursing School that may be beneficial to you, but that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

Not only can Nursing School professors share a lot of wisdom and knowledge, they may even write you letters of recommendation for future jobs, but it will only happen if you try putting yourself out there.

5. Make Self-Care a Priority

Unfortunately, burnout in the medical field is a huge problem today, especially for nurses. Burnout is even common in Nursing School but can be avoided if you take preventative steps. While studying is important, you can’t work yourself dry, and it’s important to take breaks when you sense the need to take breaks.

Ensure that you’re incorporating good time management into your daily routines so that you have time to have healthy meals as well as have a proper sleep schedule. Nursing is all about taking care of others, but you won’t be able to properly do that if you’re not taking care of yourself first.

Ensure you reward yourself when you succeed and have sympathy for yourself when you fail. Have the strength to keep pushing towards your goal, and ask for help and support when you need it, you don’t have to go through Nursing School alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I manage the demanding workload of nursing school?

Managing the demanding workload of nursing school requires effective time management and prioritization. Start by creating a study schedule that allows for dedicated time to focus on coursework, assignments, and exam preparation. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and set realistic goals to stay motivated. Utilize tools like planners or digital calendars to stay organized and track deadlines. It’s also important to take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and incorporating stress-relieving activities into your routine. Remember, finding a balance between academics and self-care is key to successfully navigating the demands of nursing school.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills for nursing school?

Developing strong critical thinking skills is crucial for success in nursing school. One effective strategy is actively engaging with course material by asking questions, seeking clarification, and participating in discussions. Practice applying critical thinking skills to real-world scenarios by utilizing case studies or simulations. Additionally, seek out opportunities to shadow or observe healthcare professionals in action, as this can enhance your ability to think critically in a clinical setting. Regularly reviewing and reflecting on your experiences can also help refine your critical thinking abilities. Remember, critical thinking is a skill that can be honed with practice and continuous learning.

What can I do to effectively retain and understand the vast amount of information in nursing school?

Retaining and understanding the vast amount of information in nursing school requires active learning strategies. Instead of passively reading or memorizing, try actively engaging with the material. Take thorough notes during lectures, summarize key concepts in your own words, and create visual aids like diagrams or concept maps to reinforce understanding. Form or join study groups to discuss and explain concepts to others, as teaching can enhance your own understanding. Practice retrieval techniques such as self-quizzing to reinforce memory retention. Additionally, connecting the information to real-life scenarios or personal experiences can help make it more meaningful and memorable.

How can I manage stress and avoid burnout during nursing school?

Managing stress and avoiding burnout is essential for maintaining well-being during nursing school. Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Set boundaries and allocate time for rest and relaxation. Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation. Seek support from peers, faculty, or professional counseling services if needed. Remember, taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your academic success. By proactively managing stress, you can navigate nursing school with resilience and avoid burnout.

Remember, nursing school can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can succeed and thrive in your journey to becoming a nurse. Stay focused, take care of yourself, and never hesitate to reach out for assistance when needed.

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