There’s no doubt that 2021 was a hectic year for everyone, but especially for nurses and nursing students. As we reach the end of this year and move into a new one, it’s important to take time to reflect on the past 12 months, while also looking ahead to determine your goals for 2022.
We’re sharing some ideas for New Year’s resolutions that can help put you on a path to academic and professional success next year.
Establish a study routine
When it comes to balancing your schoolwork, setting and maintaining a study schedule can be a great way to improve your productivity. Identify specific times during the week that you can focus on your assignments and block those times off on your calendar. By establishing a regular, stable routine, you can boost your concentration to make sure you get the most out of the study time that you have.
Pro tip: check out some of our hints for creating your ideal studying environment.
Expand your network
Making connections and expanding your network is a great way to get ahead, both academically and professionally. Ways to grow your reach include finding a mentor, joining a professional organization, and attending networking and leadership events. As a nursing student, set goals to connect and engage with people you meet in class, during clinicals, and even online – you never know who could be a great reference in the future.
Related read: 6 tips to kickstart the hunt for your nursing job
Spend time volunteering
In addition to being a great way to give back to your community, having volunteer experience on your resume is a great way to stand out from the crowd in the job hunt. As a nursing student, there are dozens of volunteering opportunities that will allow you to share the health and wellness skills and knowledge that you have been developing throughout your nursing school journey.
You can learn more about the impact of volunteering and some ways that you can get involved here: Standing Out: A Guide to Volunteering as a Student Nurse
Find your ‘why’
If someone asked you “What does it mean to be a nurse?”, what would you say? Things like vital signs, administering medication, and patient care quickly come to mind for many, but being a nurse is so much more.
When we asked ATI students and educators what being a nurse meant to them, themes of selflessness, compassion, empathy, and a passion to serve others shone through in almost every answer.
Take some time this coming year, even if it’s just for a few minutes each week, to ponder this question and reflect on your ‘why’. Reminding yourself why you’ve chosen this career path is a great way to stay motivated and guide your goals for everything to come in the future!
What nursing-related resolutions are you setting for yourself in this new year? Share yours with us at aticommunications@atitesting.com for a chance to be featured on Facebook or in a future blog post.