Wondering how to deal with nursing school? I get it! I was in your shoes a few years ago. Surviving nursing school is not an easy task–but it can be done.
Nursing school is undoubtedly one of the most challenging things you will ever do in your life. It requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. But with the right tips, you can make it through without too much stress. You might be nervous and at your wit’s end as to what you should be doing in order to succeed on this promising journey. Don’t worry I’ve got you covered.
According to a study, 47.92% of nursing students face anxiety and moderate nursing school stress while studying. There are so many things to learn and so much information to remember in nursing classes that it can be overwhelming at times.
As I mentioned – I’m here to help! Here are 11 tried and true tips that will guide you on how to cope with nursing school. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to success!
This post will tell you how to cope with nursing school.
Don’t try to do it all
“You can’t do it all” is a phrase that I have found to be very accurate during my course in nursing school. It’s easy for a nursing student to get overwhelmed.
There are so many books to read and so much information to absorb it is easy to feel like you are drowning in work. Check out some study tips, these are going to help you tremendously.
You must know your learning style as everybody learns differently many nursing students are visual learners while some are auditory learners, and it would be a plus point if you are friendly so you can form a study group.
Remember that there is no way for you to do it all—the first step is to handle your workload.
Take time for yourself
Nursing school is a long and challenging process. The most important thing you can do to keep your sanity is to make sure you take time for yourself.
According to the study, nursing students can achieve great self-care if they take the time to take care of themselves.
Relaxing is essential, and there are a million things you can do to help yourself relax. Whether going to the gym, watching a movie, or taking a nap, you need to give yourself a chance to relax. Surviving nursing school is easier if you find ways to spend time for yourself.
Find a support system
One of the crucial things you need in surviving nursing school is to find a support system. A support system can be made up of friends, family, and even other students. That’s the best tip to cope with school-related stress.
Nursing school has forced students to put their social lives on hold. You can make friends and put a great smile on their faces with some amazing gifts.
Even if you can’t see yourself making friends with your fellow students, at least you can share a similar experience with them.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in nursing school. You are unique, and you are an extraordinary individual. You will be given opportunities that other students won’t, and you will succeed in ways that other students won’t.
Comparing yourself to others will only make you feel bad about yourself, and it won’t make you a better nurse. It will also make surviving nursing school a lot harder. So, instead of comparing yourself to others, know that you have unique gifts that no one else has.
Stay Organized and Focused
The best way to stay organized and focused on your work is to set up a schedule and follow it. If you are in nursing school, you probably already know that your schedule will be packed with tests and assignments.
If you want to finish all of your work on time, you will need to schedule your time correctly as time management is very crucial for nursing students.
When you set up a schedule, you can look at your assignments and see how long they will take you to complete. You can then use that time to plan other tasks that you have to do. It is best to make a schedule for the entire semester.
That way, you know that you will have time to do everything, and you can easily avoid cramming for nursing exams.
Set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals is one of the most important things you can do in nursing school. If you set unrealistic goals for yourself, you will be disappointed when you don’t meet them. Worse yet, you might start to feel like a failure.
On the other hand, if you set realistic goals, you will be more likely to accomplish them. You will also feel good about yourself because you will know that you worked hard to achieve your goals.
When setting your goals, it is vital to keep in mind what you are capable of. Don’t try to do too much at once. Start with one goal and work your way up.
Take care of yourself
Despite nursing school being competitive, students often forget to make themselves a priority. Nursing school is a highly stressful experience, and it is essential to take care of yourself.
You are investing your time into learning a profession that you will use for the rest of your life. Surviving nursing school requires that you take care of yourself mentally and physically.
This will help you perform your best while in school, and you’ll have more energy to give to your friends, family, and loved ones.
You must know what is expected of you and what resources are available to help you succeed.
Don’t stress over small things
Nursing school is a time of great stress and anxiety. You will face many challenges, and you will have to work hard to overcome them. One of the worst things you can do is stress over small things.
Many students make the mistake of thinking that they are the only ones struggling. This isn’t true. Every student in nursing school is struggling in one way or another. So, don’t compare yourself to others because you will only make yourself feel bad.
Take a deep breath and relax. Remember that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes your way. Surviving nursing school will not be that difficult for you.
Be optimistic
Study shows that staying optimistic helps reduce behavioral syndrome and symptoms. Nursing school is not for the faint of heart. It will test your mental strength and resolve. You will be pushed beyond your limits, but that’s okay!
You are the one who holds the power to change the way you see your education. Your attitude will help you to overcome any hardship that comes your way.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you need to remember to keep your sense of humor, it will help you right in the midst of your nursing school experience.
Celebrate your accomplishments
No matter where you are in nursing school, you’re most certainly working hard to make it through. With so much to learn and do, it’s important to stop once in a while to reflect on your progress and celebrate your accomplishments.
It’s straightforward to get bogged down in the everyday grind of study sessions and exams, so it’s essential to take a step back from time to time and realize how far you’ve come.
Make a list of all the things you’re doing well in school and all the things you’ve accomplished. Then, start celebrating the little things!
And don’t forget to share your achievements with your friends, you can even share the tips that helped you to achieve success, it would be beneficial for current and future students as well.
Keep pushing forward
I’ve been through the wringer since I started nursing school a little over a year ago. Things were going well, and I was having a blast. Then life decided to hit me with a few curves. The point is, that I’ve learned a lot about what it means to keep pushing forward, no matter what. Surviving nursing school means you push forward.
It means that when you’re down, you’ve got to be able to pull yourself up. When you’re exhausted, and you’ve just gone through a long day at work, and you’re on call, you’ve got to pull yourself together. When you’re stressed, you’ve got to be able to keep it together. You’ve got to be able to keep pushing forward, no matter what.
FAQs
How do I know if nursing school is the right choice for me?
Nursing school is definitely not for everyone! It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and resilience to become a registered nurse. But if you’re up for the challenge and have the passion to help others, then the nursing career may be the right choice for you. Here are some signs that nursing school may be the right fit for you:
- You’re motivated by helping others and making a difference in their lives.
- You have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- You’re resilient and can handle difficult challenges head-on.
- You have a strong interest in health and wellness.
- You’re passionate about nursing and want to make a lifelong career out of it.
What is the average GPA for nursing school?
GPA requirements for nursing schools vary, but most programs require a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing exam.
Many students wonder if they can get into nursing school with a low GPA. The answer is that it depends on the school and the program you are interested in. Some schools are more competitive than others, and some programs have higher GPA requirements than others.
But generally speaking, if you have a GPA of 2.5 or lower, your chances of getting into nursing school are pretty slim. However, there are always exceptions to this rule, so it never hurts to apply to schools and programs that interest you even if your GPA isn’t as high as you would like it to be.
What are the prerequisites for nursing school?
The prerequisites for nursing school vary depending on the school you are interested in, but most schools require a high school diploma or equivalent, biology and chemistry classes, and a certain number of hours of clinical experience.
What is the cost of nursing school?
The price of nursing school varies depending on the school and program you choose, but the average cost is around $30,000.
Nursing school is a big investment, but it’s an important one if you’re planning on a career in nursing.
There are many scholarships and grants available to help offset the cost of tuition, so be sure to explore all your options. And remember that nursing is a very rewarding field, so you’ll be getting back what you put in tenfold!
Can I work while I’m in nursing school?
Yes, you can definitely work while studying. There are many job opportunities available for pre-nursing students. You can even check out our blog on “12 Most Rewarding Jobs For Pre-Nursing Students in 2022.”
Can I get financial aid in nursing school?
There are a variety of scholarships and grants available for nursing students. You may be able to get financial help from the government or from private organizations. Talk to your school’s financial aid office to learn more about the options available to you.
Nursing is an important, in-demand profession, and many scholarship and grant programs are specifically designed to help talented students pursue a nursing degree.
Don’t let the cost of nursing school keep you from achieving your dream! There are plenty of resources available to help you finance your education.
Let’s Wrap It!
Nursing school is no cakewalk, but it’s worth it, and the knowledge you gain can help you in your future career. You have the opportunity to learn so much and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Surviving nursing school requires you to keep a balance in your life and spend time for yourself from time to time. It is also important that you set goals that are attainable, do your best but not overexert and maintain a positive outlook in life.
We wish you all the best as you embark on this new journey, and we can’t wait to hear about your successes!
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