When starting out, you might wonder how to get through nursing school. From creating a schedule to using study strategies, leaning on your classmates, and prioritizing your health, these 10 tips will help you succeed in nursing school.
As you begin your nursing school journey, you will likely undergo a wide range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Nursing school is a challenge, and it can take some time to gain solid footing and determine how to get through nursing school.
At the University of St. Thomas Houston, we are well-versed in guiding students through the rigors of our 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The dedication and day-to-day work required to succeed in an accelerated program is higher than in a traditional BSN program.
Let’s explore these 10 tips to help you excel.
1. Create a Schedule for Your Day
Nursing school can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning. You will have many commitments, including simulation labs, study groups, and clinicals. Creating and sticking to a schedule will give you structure and help you stay on track.
Here are a few ways you can schedule your day:
- Schedule a consistent bedtime and wake-up time each day, getting enough sleep each night.
- Log all your weekly in-person school activities in a planner or calendar app.
- Block off time for studying every day.
- Adjust your daily study time until you can comfortably complete all the material.
- Schedule time to work out or do your hobbies.
Being intentional and proactive about when you study and for how long will help ensure you keep up with the material.
2. Don’t Procrastinate
Nursing school moves quickly, especially in an accelerated program, so it can be hard to get back up to speed if you fall behind. Start studying for exams early and give yourself plenty of time to learn the material.
Another way to stay on top of your coursework is to ask questions promptly. In nursing school, it’s essential to notice gaps in your understanding quickly. Reach out to classmates or the instructor soon to get clarity.
3. Use Efficient, Interactive Study Methods
One of the foundations for completing nursing school is to study smart. An ABSN program demands much time and energy studying for online coursework while attending simulation labs and clinicals.
Here are some ways to raise the quality of your studying:
- Listen to or watch lectures at your own speed and pause, rewind, and replay as needed.
- Make outlines for your lectures to condense all the pertinent material into one or two pages.
- Use interactive study methods, such as flashcards, practice questions, working through mock scenarios, and quizzing peers in a study group.
- Use mnemonics, auditory cues, stories, and other memory devices to cement material in your mind.
4. Try Multitasking
Some people prefer to compartmentalize their studying and non-studying time, but multitasking might help you increase efficiency. By layering studying into your day, you can be productive in times you otherwise wouldn’t.
A few examples of how you can multitask while studying include:
- Listen to relevant audio materials or podcasts while driving.
- Study flashcards while you are waiting or have downtime.
- Study notes or complete practice questions when you have extra time during clinicals.
- Watch lectures and videos while working out, doing household chores, or cooking.
The more you immerse yourself in your nursing education and make it part of your everyday life, the more the knowledge will sink in.
5. Ask Questions and Seek Support
One way to succeed in nursing school is to rely on others for support. By asking questions, you foster an atmosphere of collaboration and community support.
At the University of St. Thomas ABSN, you can count on our nursing faculty and instructors to be available online, over the phone, and in person. Our academic success coaches will help you form a personalized study plan if you need assistance.
Not sure who to contact if you need some help? Here are seven nursing student resources.
6. Prioritize Personal Wellness
While it’s vital to spend enough time studying, it’s not healthy or necessary to spend all your time studying.
It’s crucial to balance your schoolwork with life. Be sure to:
- Eat nutritious food.
- Move your body for at least an hour a day.
- Make sleep a priority.
- Seek medical care when needed.
7. Care for Your Life Outside of Nursing School
Take time to evaluate your priorities. What activities or people do you value most? What do you consider a beneficial use of your free time? Narrow your list to the top few and add these priorities to your schedule.
For example, if getting coffee with your sister every Saturday is something you enjoy, put it in your schedule. If going to your child’s recital is important to you, make time for it. Make time to listen to music, read a good book, or watch an episode of your favorite show. Don’t neglect the things and people you love while in nursing school; find a balance that works for you.
8. Focus on the Your Goals
You likely began considering nursing because you want to do something meaningful in your life and enjoy contributing to people’s health and well-being.
When you jump into nursing school, try not to get so weighed down by the to-do lists and studying that you forget the purpose of it all. You are in nursing school because of your passion for helping people and making a positive difference in their lives.
Once you begin your clinical placements, use these as a learning experience and a place to refuel. Pay attention to the patients you meet; listen to their stories and remember your role in their recovery. They are the reason you want to become an excellent nurse.
Help stay focused on your future as a nurse by exploring a day in the life of a nurse.
9. Start Studying for the NCLEX-RN Exam Early
Once you finish nursing school, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam before becoming licensed. The NCLEX-RN is not a test you can cram for. Like many tests, the NCLEX-RN is multiple-choice. It is different because many questions include multiple correct answers, meaning you must choose the most accurate answer.
From the beginning of nursing school, incorporating NCLEX-style practice questions into your studying is a strategic move.
Tips include:
- To be successful, plan at least one to two months of dedicated studying for the test.
- Schedule which days you want to dedicate to test prep. Plan your practice exams, too.
- Set realistic goals to help mark your progress and keep you on track. For example, you can complete a certain number of practice questions, master a concept, or achieve a high score on a practice quiz.
With the right amount of effort and time, passing the NCLEX-RN is within reach. Remember to start early and incorporate practice questions into your nursing school studies.
10. Connect with Your Peers
Your peers and others in your cohort are among the most valuable resources for succeeding in nursing school. You may not be taking your classes in a physical classroom together, but you are still overcoming challenges together and will have opportunities to connect.
For the most part, you will complete your labs and clinicals with others in the ABSN program. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know one another, ask for input, and help others grow.
Consider starting or joining a study group. Relationships with classmates will make nursing school more enjoyable and help you grow as a nurse.
Jump into a Rewarding Nursing Career
If you haven’t yet applied to nursing school and you’re still considering whether nursing is the right fit for you, we are here to help.
With the help of an admissions advisor, we’ll discuss any questions you have about the University of St. Thomas Houston’s ABSN program and how to become a nurse through our 12-month second-degree ABSN program.
Contact us today.