Beginning nursing school is an exciting next chapter in your professional healthcare journey. However, it is also a time of uncertainty; it’s important to anticipate that nursing school will be more challenging than your previous schooling. Consider: While you may have studied for tests in the past with a goal of simply getting a good grade, you’ll need to truly absorb each aspect of the information you’ll learn as a nursing student. After all, the knowledge you’ll gain will build on itself as you progress through your nursing education. You’ll need to truly grasp the concepts and specifics so that, when an emergency or critical healthcare situation arises, you’ll be immediately prepared to deal with It. (You won’t have time to look up instructions or facts on your smart phone!)
Preparing now for this adjustment is the best way to ensure a strong start in nursing school and future success in your career. Below are 6 great ways to get ready.
Create and follow a schedule
Digital or paper planners are an effective way to ensure you prioritize your time wisely and focus on every important aspect of your life. Plan school-related tasks for when you are most alert, whether that’s early in the morning or later in the evening. Keeping an organized schedule will also help you balance life and school, maximize your time, and reduce stress.
Get familiar with medical terminology
When starting clinical rotations and reading charts, you’ll encounter an overwhelming array of medical terminology. While you may not need an understanding of this in-depth jargon during your undergraduate education, familiarizing yourself early with the terminology will give you a head start when you begin the clinical side of nursing school.
Establish productive study habits
Having an environment where you can focus and avoid distractions is crucial to effectively studying and accurately completing homework assignments. Study groups are also a great option to gain different perspectives, understand information more efficiently, and avoid procrastination.
Adopt a sleep routine
According to the National Institutes of Health, poor sleep can increase the risk of slowed reaction times, irritability, anxiety, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Better sleep reduces stress and the chance of getting sick while also improving mood, memory retention, and productivity.
Prioritize physical and mental health
Nursing school can be demanding, and it is crucial to make time for self-care. Being thoughtful about your personal needs will help you concentrate better in school, increase motivation and memory retention, and maintain a happier nursing school experience.
Remind yourself of the meaning behind your work
Nurses make a real difference by saving lives. The next time you’re up late studying, remember why you wanted to become a nurse. It’s that motivation that will push you through to the end of your nursing school journey.
Following these tips will help you make the most of your nursing school experience. Good luck as you prepare for this exciting new chapter!