Advice for Nursing Students: How to Thrive in Nursing School

Beginning nursing school can be challenging as you take on new subjects and develop essential skills. There are a variety of resources and strategies available to help you navigate this journey and succeed along the way. Considering these tips for nursing students can set you up to thrive in nursing school.

At Mercer University, we are committed to providing a quality education and personalized support system for our nursing students. Through our Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in as few as 12 months. Our curriculum is comprised of three components:

• Online or on-campus coursework, able to be completed on a flexible basis while still meeting deadlines
• Nursing simulation labs and skills labs to teach critical skills and techniques
• Clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities throughout Metro Atlanta

Learning how to be successful in each of these three areas will set you up for success in your future nursing career.

Preparing for Success in Nursing School

Being successful in nursing school starts before you arrive on campus. Part of the admissions process will involve discussing your current applicable credits and which prerequisites you will need to complete. Staying in close communication with your enrollment counselor helps ensure you are fully prepared to begin nursing school.

Enrollment counselors are also a great resource to discuss any concerns you may have. They can connect you with resources and share tips for success in nursing school. Building relationships and asking for guidance and support are helpful practices that will also be beneficial during your time in nursing school and beyond.

Nursing School Tips for Staying Organized and Efficient

Staying organized and managing your commitments can make a big difference in your success during nursing school. Keeping track of dates for exams, clinicals, and other appointments will help ensure your success. Below are some organizational tips for nursing students:

• Keep a calendar: Staying on top of important dates and deadlines is key, from the application process to starting your first nursing job. Mercer’s ABSN track includes asynchronous online coursework, which can be completed on your own time within assignment deadlines. The self-paced nature of this aspect of the curriculum makes strong organizational skills essential, and maintaining a detailed calendar will be valuable for success.
• Take detailed notes: Detailed notetaking is a valuable skill both during the admissions process and throughout nursing school. Your enrollment counselor will share important details with you throughout the application process. Establishing or reinforcing good notetaking habits now will also be a helpful skill for success in nursing school. In addition, many studies have shown a number of benefits to taking notes such as improved memorization and recall.
• Organize your files: Consider keeping all your physical notes in organized binders. (For example, using dividers and color-coded tabs for specific topics and highlighting important information.) For students who exclusively work digitally, highlighting, color coding documents, and grouping files in folders based on topic can all benefit you.

Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout

While nursing school is a purposeful journey, and it’s important to remain focused on your goals, it is also important to take time for your mental, emotional, and physical health.

While you are in nursing school, schedule regular time to take care of your health. Building a good self-care routine now will also be beneficial as you transition into your career. Nursing is a rewarding career, and taking care of yourself helps prevent burnout.

Some forms of self-care may include:

• Getting enough sleep: For most adults, seven to eight hours a night is optimal.
• Exercising regularly: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense aerobic activity each week.
• Eating healthy: Eat enough fruits and vegetables and limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar consumption.
• Taking breaks to clear your mind.
• Practicing stress-management and mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or yoga.

These things help you to maintain a happier, healthier lifestyle, and as a nurse you will likely be advising patients to do similar things to take care of themselves.

Building a Strong Support System in Nursing School

Support systems are also valuable when earning a nursing degree, for your grades and well-being.

Reach out to the people around you, at school and at home. Share the commitment you have taken on with the people in your life, and lean on friends and family for support.

Making connections with fellow cohort members will also contribute to your nursing school success. Aside from being study partners, your peers will help you to feel more connected while during your time in the ABSN track.

Your professors are also great resources. They want you to succeed, and their insight based on experience in the nursing profession is invaluable. Additionally, connecting with professionals during your clinical rotations is a great way to get a feel for what it is like to be a nurse, as well as establish mentoring relationships with nurses in the field.

Find Your Place to Thrive With Mercer’s ABSN Track

Earning your nursing degree can be a challenging but rewarding process. With Mercer’s Second Degree Accelerated BSN track in Atlanta, Georgia, you can earn your nursing degree in as few as 12 months and be ready to sit for the NCLEX.

Ready to take the next step toward a new career? Contact us today to get connected with an enrollment counselor.