The best advice for nursing students: do your research and find a program that best fits your needs. Other nursing school tips include joining a study group, preparing for the challenging nature of nursing school, scheduling study time, connecting with instructors and using active study techniques.
Nurses need rigorous education and training to uphold the responsibility of patients’ health and safety. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is challenging, but it is well worth the effort. As you navigate the curriculum, utilizing tried-and-true nursing school tips will help you gather your bearings.
The Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a high-quality nursing program that offers extensive student support resources. Our ABSN program connects students to Academic Success Coaches, for example. Along with tutoring services, we’re pleased to prioritize faculty mentoring and personalized education.
As you look ahead to nursing school, it’s important to keep in mind that not all nursing tips for students are universally effective. You’ll want to try various tips to see what works for you.
1. Join or Start a Study Group
Your nursing school cohort is the group that enrolled in the program simultaneously as you. They’ll attend the same classes, labs and clinical experiences as you. Because they understand the demand of the program and are working through the same course material, they will be a fantastic resource throughout the program. By forming a study group with members of your cohort, you will all be able to learn from each other.
Starting a study group with your peers can benefit you because other students may have understood concepts in the lesson that you missed, and vice versa. Moreover, since you’ll need to make sacrifices in your social life during the program, study groups will provide an outlet to spend time with people while working toward your goals. In short, study groups can help you maintain a better school/life balance and boost your academic progress.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Program
Since the Notre Dame ABSN program runs on an accelerated timeline, you’ll be learning a lot of information quickly. Expect to dedicate substantial time to classes, labs, clinicals and studying. The good news is that because the program is accelerated, the social sacrifice will only last for about 15 months. It’s temporary and will be well worth it when you embark on a successful nursing career.
It’s important to treat school like a full-time job. Attempt to avoid most other significant commitments during the program, as you would likely be spreading yourself too thin. By maintaining a strong commitment to the program, you’ll be more likely to excel.
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3. Study for the NCLEX-RN Well in Advance
After graduating with your BSN, you must take the NCLEX-RN to obtain your nursing license. The NCLEX is a rigorous exam that tests both nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. For example, it will present clinical situations and you will select the most appropriate nursing response.
It’s best not to wait until after graduating to prepare for the NCLEX. In fact, you might take this advice for nursing students to heart by beginning as early as your first semester. You can find study guides online, along with practice questions and full-length practice tests.
4. Schedule Study Time
Among the most critical nursing school tips is establishing and sticking to a well-planned schedule. While it may seem obvious that you need to add classes, labs and clinicals to your day planner or scheduling app, perhaps less obvious is the need to set aside designated study time. If you set aside time in your schedule specifically for studying, you’ll be more likely to stay on top of the curriculum and be better prepared for exams. Adhering to a routine may help balance your workload, reducing stress and improving school/life balance.
5. Get Organized
It’s ideal to develop a strong organizational system as soon as you start nursing school. If you wait too long, you may find yourself overwhelmed by course materials and notes. You can develop either a physical organizational system, a digital one or both.
If you’re taking online coursework at NDMU, it may make more sense to lean heavily on a digital organizational system. For example, you can create folders for each class and lab, with subfolders sorted by topic to keep your notes and course materials organized. On-campus students might prefer physical notes, which can be organized with physical folders and color-coding.
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6. Connect with Your Instructors
At NDMU, our small class sizes facilitate faculty mentoring opportunities. Each of our nursing instructors is committed to providing individualized education, whether you’re an on-campus or hybrid student. They are highly accessible to our students and always welcome questions.
Don’t be afraid to contact your instructors regarding how you are progressing in the class, whether by emailing with your questions or scheduling a meeting to discuss an upcoming exam. Networking with your instructors can provide valuable mentorship opportunities and be instrumental if you need a letter of recommendation.
7. Seize Opportunities
Throughout the ABSN program, you’ll have various volunteer opportunities, especially in clinical rotations. One of the most crucial aspects of nursing school is getting hands-on experience. Spending time with competent, experienced nurses will likely be one of the most valuable aspects of your studies. You may also get the chance to interact with diverse patient populations, which will help prepare you for your nursing career. In clinicals, make the effort to volunteer for tasks, and when you’re between tasks, ask if there’s anything you can do to help.
8. Focus on Your Goals
If becoming a nurse is your dream, you must first prioritize completing the Notre Dame ABSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN. Upon successful completion, you can pursue licensure and be one step closer to an exciting career as a nurse. When the program challenges you, keep that vision in mind and remember why you wanted to become a nurse.
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9. Practice Self-Care
Make time for your mental health even when busy with your nursing studies. While pushing yourself will drive success, if you push yourself too hard without taking breaks, you run the risk of burnout.
While attending nursing school, it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance by engaging in enjoyable activities that benefit your mental well-being. Try an evening stroll or meet up with friends and relatives. Get outdoors for fresh air and sunshine, and speak with a mental health counselor if needed.
10. Use Active Study Techniques
Make the best use of your time by using active study techniques instead of passive ones, like rereading material repeatedly. Active techniques include:
11. Try the Pomodoro Method
If you struggle with procrastination, the Pomodoro technique can help. It’s easy for students to become overwhelmed by the volume of material they must work through. Instead of worrying about everything assigned, focus on working for specific time blocks, regardless of how much you get done.
Follow these steps:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on your task until the timer rings.
- Take a five-minute break.
- Repeat.
- After every four work intervals, take a 25-minute break.
12. Get Started
Notre Dame of Maryland University’s ABSN program can allow you to graduate in as few as 15 months after completing any needed prerequisites. If you have completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or have existing college credits, you may be eligible to apply. Our students appreciate our small class sizes, Academic Success Coaches and personalized attention from faculty members as they work toward their BSN.
Contact an admissions advisor today.