3 Things I Would Do as a Student Nurse—If I Could Rewind

I wish I knew from the beginning.

Back in the day, I was in your shoes, scrambling to figure out the best way to navigate the exciting and sometimes overwhelming world of nursing. Today, I want to share some hard-won tips that would have made my journey smoother had I learned them sooner.

Consider this your cheat sheet to success—the things I wish I had known as a wide-eyed nursing student. Ultimately, you’ll be equipped to conquer nursing school and become the phenomenal nurse you should be!

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry! Here are three key tips to boost your learning, find support, and stay organized as a student nurse.

1. Be Proactive in Learning: Research Makes You Ready

Classes are essential in nursing school. While instructors and classmates are valuable resources, there’s still a whole world of information. Relying solely on them can limit your understanding. Understand that taking charge of your education goes beyond what’s presented in class.

Here’s why independent research is crucial:

Deeper Understanding

Textbooks and lectures provide a solid foundation, but a wealth of additional information is available. By seeking this information, you’ll gain an understanding of the material and different perspectives on nursing practice.

Preparation for Success

Nursing school can be demanding and often covers a vast amount of information. Conducting your research allows you to explore topics in more depth and solidify your knowledge. This approach will prepare you better for exams, clinical rotations, and your career.

Identifying Resources

Nursing programs offer various resources to support your learning. However, you might not be aware of everything available. Researching your program can help you discover valuable resources like online databases, tutoring services, or specific faculty expertise.

The Dangers of Passivity

I started out being passive, and it took time for me to adjust. Here are some of my experiences and why you should avoid them;

Limited Information

Instructors have a curriculum to follow, and coursemates usually or may have varying levels of understanding. Taking the initiative exposes you to a more extensive range of information and perspectives.

Passive Learning

Simply absorbing information presented in class can lead to a more passive learning experience. Independent research encourages active learning, where you critically analyze information, draw connections, and form your understanding.

Missed Opportunities

Valuable resources might slip through the cracks if you rely solely on what’s taught in class. Research helps you discover tools and support systems that enhance your learning journey. When you are one step ahead, you will miss no opportunity.

2. Find Mentorship: Beyond Inspiration, Seek Guidance 

In nursing school, having people you admire is great, but to truly thrive, you need mentors. Here’s how mentors differ from role models and why they’re crucial for your success:

Role Models vs. Mentors

Role models are people you look up to for their achievements in nursing. They inspire you with their career paths and dedication. Think of famous nurses or instructors who leave you awe-struck. However, the connection might be one-sided, and you may not have the opportunity to interact with them directly.

On the other hand, mentors are your cheerleaders and guides in the nursing world. They actively invest in your journey, offering support and guidance. Unlike role models, mentors are often more accessible. They can be:

Senior Students

These individuals have already navigated the program’s challenges. They can share their experiences and study tips and offer insights into specific courses or clinical placements.

Nurses You Job Shadow

Gaining practical experience through job shadowing allows you to connect with practicing nurses. They can provide real-world perspectives and answer your questions about specific nursing specialties.

Supportive Instructors

Some instructors go beyond their teaching duties. They may offer extra office hours, answer your emails promptly, and provide personalized guidance. These instructors can become valuable mentors.

Why Mentorship Matters

It is essential to have mentors who actively guide and support you. Here’s why mentors are crucial:

Personalized Advice

Mentors tailor their guidance to your specific needs and learning style. They can answer your specific questions, address your anxieties, and celebrate your achievements.

Navigation Support

Nursing school can be overwhelming. Mentors can help you navigate the program’s structure, coursework, and clinical rotations. They can offer tips for managing workloads, balancing studies with personal life, and staying organized.

Confidence Boost

Mentors believe in your potential and offer encouragement throughout your journey. Their positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and motivation, especially during challenging times.

Finding Your Mentor

Anyone can’t be your mentor. So, when seeking one, I encourage you to find one that ticks most or all of your boxes, including your emotional box. I will show you how you can find a suitable one:

• Network: Talk to instructors, advisors, or current nurses about potential mentors.
• Be Proactive: Reach out to senior students or nurses you admire and express your interest in mentorship.
• Set Expectations: Communicate your needs and what you hope to gain from the mentorship relationship.

3. Develop a Study Plan: Be a Master of Your Schedule

Imagine feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, scrambling to catch up on material, and wishing you had a more organized approach to studying. This was my reality until I discovered the magic of a study plan. I had found it midway through my studies, yet this valuable asset was still a game-changer for me.

Here’s why you should develop a study plan:

Organization

A study plan acts as a roadmap for your learning journey. By scheduling specific topics for dedicated study sessions, you avoid last-minute cramming and ensure you’ve covered all the material.

Focus

A study plan helps you stay focused during study sessions. Knowing what you need to learn eliminates the temptation to get sidetracked by irrelevant information.

Reduced Stress

Feeling prepared and on top of your studies significantly reduces stress and anxiety. A well-organized plan gives you control over your workload and allows you to approach exams confidently.

Creating Your Study Plan

Focusing on the curriculum and resources, let’s get you started with a basic outline for creating your personalized study plan:

Gather Information

Collect your course syllabus, textbook information, and any additional learning resources provided by your instructors. Identify Key dates like exams, assignments, and project deadlines.

Plan Your Schedule

Block out dedicated weekly study time based on your overall workload and learning style. Allocate specific time slots for each topic within a course, considering its complexity and your current understanding.

Utilize Resources

Integrate your preferred learning methods into the plan. This might involve including time for reading textbooks, taking notes, reviewing practice questions, or forming study groups.

Adapt and Improve

Your study plan is a living document. As you progress through the course, you might need to adjust your schedule based on your learning pace or changes in the curriculum.

You’ve Got This!

There you have it! Three key takeaways to jumpstart your success in nursing school. I advise that you don’t passively accept information, dive deeper, seek out mentors, and master your schedule.

Remember, nursing school can be challenging, but you will succeed with the right approach and a supportive community!

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