Nursing school is tough and grueling. But why should not it be? You are learning to cure people in the future, preparing to take their lives into your hands; it must be as challenging as it can get to prepare you for your role in the future.
What is being said above seems all too easy from an outside perspective. A nursing student might have quite a different view about their struggles in a nursing school. It does not take much thought to know that nursing school is synonymous with grueling exams, lengthy homework, and thick books to cram.
The pressure to maintain your grades, pass all exams, and submit the assignments on time can take a toll on you.
A lot goes on in the head of a nursing student; the trepidation about working in an environment with all kinds of patients is uniquely coupled with the excitement of its own kind. Therefore, it is impossible to completely eliminate stress and pressure when you are a nursing student. But, it is hard to miss the thrill that comes along.
For some people, this stress level can spur growth, but it can be very detrimental to others. But if you know how to channel this stress into productivity and improve your performance, you can go a long way. The same stress can be a productivity booster, making you excel in your study and career.
You could be a new RN taking admission in an RN to BSN degree or a seasoned nurse doing your PhD. after some years of experience; stress is a common factor. There are ways to manage the stress that comes along when you register in a nursing school, regardless of the degree program.
These stress management tips can be very helpful while preparing for intense classes and navigating your way through a heavy workload. Even if you think you are in a bubble, proper management can be very helpful. Let’s dive into tips that experienced nurses have vouched for without further ado.
1. Study A Little Every Day
The biggest mistake you can make is piling up work for the weekend. If you are working alongside your degree, postponing studies for the weekend seems even more enticing.
But remember that you cannot complete a week-long work in a few hours on the weekend. It may even dampen your spirits when you see so much to learn, complete homework, and prepare for tests. In all this overwhelm, you may end up doing nothing. The best way is to study a little every day.
When you come back from the shift or early in the morning, cover some topics that have been discussed in the current week’s lectures. If you are enrolled in an online program, listen to the recorded lectures and try to equal the pace of the rest of the class.
Plotting out a chunk of your daily work can be a stress buster when you finally open the books on the weekend. If you study a little every day, you will have very little to cover over the weekend.
HP Thoughts: Set your sights higher and get an advanced degree. Read our post to learn more — Nurses Should Get Advanced Degrees.
2. Develop A Study Group
Study groups are often very productive because they imply a gathering of different minds and abilities. In the company of the right people, you all can reinforce each other’s resolve to be better in your studies. You can meet weekly, compare your notes, discuss difficult concepts, and clarify your ambiguities.
Practicing past papers for NCLEX-style questions and sharing your answers is possible too. Having other students to lean on and be part of your support system is important because you can’t achieve such a degree without the support of your peers.
3. Develop A Dedicated Study Corner
Have you ever felt so associated with your bed or room that you cannot sleep in a new place? Well, it happens to many people. They are so familiar with their surroundings that they often struggle to have a peaceful sleep in a new place. The same is possible for studying as well. Some people can only study at their dedicated place.
It is found that having a place for studying sharpens your mind and improves your concentration. Grasping intricate concepts becomes much easier when sitting in a spate study area.
A student in a dedicated place is much less likely to face distractions such as family prattling about something or the pet trying to play with you. Make sure the place you choose for the study is not near the living room or the area where the rest of the family spends their time.
The more apt you are in managing such events, the easier it is to overcome stressful and challenging situations. Working your time according to your responsibilities and revisiting your goals once in a while can be very beneficial.
HP Thoughts: Have you ever considered being a family nurse practitioner? Breeze over our article to know more about this work — Become A Family Nurse Practitioner.
Conclusion
Nursing school is tough, but it is not impossible. Thousands of nurses doing remarkable work in healthcare are proof of this claim. Besides, the difference between some people failing at something and others excelling is the variation in their approach.
