Nursing school is not an easy feat, from the late nights studying to the stressful hours at clinical, it can all seem very overwhelming. Here’s what I wish I knew before I started Nursing school.
1. Do. Your. Readings — this should seem like a no-brainer but when you get assigned 35 chapters to read over so many days, it seems nearly impossible. It is so important to do your readings so you can get a basic understanding of the material before classtime but sometimes it is not possible to read that many pages in such a short amount of time. If you find yourself in this situation, read the summaries at the back of the chapters to get familiar with the content. This will make class time more beneficial to you and you will be able to remember the information better. Take an extra half-hour to review the notes you took during class before you go to bed. It may sound like more work, but you will thank yourself for it.
2. It’s okay not to know everything — Something about school makes people competitive, I have seen it first hand where people are gunning to be the best and refuse to admit that they are wrong. I am here to tell you that it is okay not to know everything. In fact, there is something a lot more powerful in being able to say “I don’t know, but I will find out” than acting like you know everything. Be comfortable with saying you do not know but make sure you have the desire to do your research and find out. It is impossible to know everything, don’t let others make you feel bad for having a question or not knowing the answer. More people than you realize are in the same situation as you and will be grateful that you asked that question — they probably had the same one too!
3. Memorize your drug suffixes — I received this advice from my clinical teacher in my very first rotation (you know the one where you practice manual blood pressures and pass out acetaminophen and feel elite that you’re calling it acetaminophen rather than Tylenol)Knowing your drug suffixes not only makes pharmacology classes a lot more comprehensible but it also helps you in later semesters. Getting it down early will be one of the greatest things you can do for yourself at the start of Nursing school.
4. Take every opportunity in clinical to practice new skills — This one took me a while to do. I felt shy and nervous being in the clinical setting, who was I to ask to do new skills? I was just a student after all! This mentality made it a lot more difficult for me as I progressed into my more advanced clinical placements. Put yourself out there, ask to see everything you can, and take each opportunity that arises to practice new skills. It’s okay to feel nervous about new skills, do it with your teacher or the RN who will help you through it and you will be better for it. You’re in school to learn so take every opportunity you can to do just that!
5. Form friendships with your classmates — Nursing school can be tough and lonely, especially during the times we are in. Forming those friendships and having people to study with or just rant about the day with is so important. Your classmates are able to understand what you are going through in school/clinical because they are going through it too and it really makes your time easier. Put yourself out there, initiate a study date, message someone from your class. It really goes a long way and chances are they will appreciate it too.
6. Don’t take it personally — Isn’t it the most nerve-wracking thing when you have someone from the medical staff scolding you? An upset patient taking it out on you? Your clinical teacher seemingly signaling you out? As upsetting as it can be, try not to take it personally. Be your own advocate but remember this is a high-stress job and being able to brush things off and not take them personally will make things a lot easier. This is a skill I am still trying to learn.
7. Burnout is real so have fun — It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of material you need to cover but it’s important to take time for yourself. We’ve heard it a million times but it is so true. Have fun with Nursing school, be safe in your practices but don’t get down on yourself for not remembering everything. You are going to grow and learn so much in your time in Nursing school and it’s okay to take the night off from studying and relax. Your mental health and making time to have fun and relax is just as important as those late nights studying. Take time to take care of yourself and you will be a better Nurse for it!
