7 Tips to Successfully Complete Nursing School
Nursing school is a huge commitment, but one that you can successfully complete with the right mindset and studying habits. To help you along the way, here are 7 Tips to Successfully Complete Nursing School:
Studying frequently and utilizing study methods that best suit your learning style is key. Whether that’s creating a study group or using picture mnemonics, find what works for you!
1. Develop a study routine
Developing an effective study plan will help you navigate nursing school’s rigorous curriculum more effectively. It will also prevent overwhelming feelings of being overwhelmed by the amount of material you need to cover.
Schedule your study time like you would any other obligation, and don’t let anything or anyone pull you away from it. Spending more time reviewing your notes and studying for exams will help you retain information and better prepare you to answer questions on the NCLEX exam.
Having a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are also essential. These self-care habits can seem like a luxury when you’re busy with nursing school but will pay off later. It’s worth taking the time to develop these positive routines now. Moreover, a study group can help you stay accountable to each other and provide a support system.
2. Plan your time wisely
Nursing school is demanding, and you will likely have to juggle work, family, friends, and school-related activities. It’s important to prioritize your tasks and plan ahead. Use a planner or calendar app to map out your week and schedule in important events like clinical rotations, tests, study groups and other assignments.
Make sure to schedule time in your day for other activities, such as exercise or reading. Getting enough sleep will also help keep you energized.
It’s important to find a support system in nursing school. This will be your group of friends who will understand the stress of studying and the anxiety that comes with taking exams. They will also be able to offer moral support and encouragement. It is also helpful to have study partners, as research shows that students who study in groups retain more information than those who study on their own.
3. Stay on top of your assignments
Nursing courses involve a lot of reading, and it can be difficult to keep up with all the information. Try to prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important assignments first. If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Also, don’t cram for exams! Cramming may work in high school, but it can actually lead to lower grades and a more difficult time learning future course content. Instead, commit to studying a little each day.
Additionally, joining a study group can be an excellent way to stay on top of your assignments. Study groups allow students to review course material together, quiz each other, and provide encouragement and moral support. In addition, they can offer helpful tips and tricks for memorization and exam preparation.
4. Don’t cram for exams
While many nursing programs, including Mercer’s ABSN track, require students to do a lot of reading and outside studying, this is only part of what it takes to pass exams. Students should focus on understanding the content instead of memorizing it.
Consider joining a study group with fellow nursing students. Research shows that people who study with peers often retain the information better. Plus, they can provide moral support during stressful times.
Creating a schedule and sticking to it is important for success in nursing school. However, it is also vital to create a healthy balance between school and personal life. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care. Practicing these habits now can prevent burnout later.
5. Take regular breaks
Traditional study tips are a must for nursing students, but they shouldn’t be the only way to lighten your load. Find activities that relax you, such as hanging out with friends, listening to music or taking a walk. These breaks will help you de-stress and remind you that there’s more to life than schoolwork!
If you have trouble staying motivated and on track, try creating a study group with other nursing students. This will give you other people to learn from, compare notes and bounce ideas off of. It will also hold you accountable to meet with your group on a regular basis, which will keep you more motivated. Plus, you’ll be able to support each other during tough times. As the saying goes, “two heads are better than one.” This is especially true when it comes to studying.
6. Don’t neglect your personal life
While you’re in nursing school, it’s important to remember that you still have a personal life outside of your studies. Make sure to stay on top of your assignments and schedule time for a variety of activities that help you relax and de-stress. This could include eating a healthy diet, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, exercising regularly, and journaling.
It’s also important to maintain open communication with your partner and/or family so that they understand that nursing school is a busy time for you. If possible, try to block off one day or night a month for a family outing. Taking your kids to the zoo, hosting an at-home movie night, or going out for dinner are all great ways to bond and have some fun!
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Nursing school is not a walk in the park. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication. But if you use the right study tips and take proper care of yourself, you can pass your course with flying colors.
It’s important to build a support system during nursing school, both social and academic. Not only will this help you get through the tough times, but it will also improve your overall retention of the material.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a friend or instructor. Most people want to see you succeed and will be more than happy to provide you with the support you need. Remember that no one ever expects you to do it all on your own.
