Nursing school is a stressful and often challenging experience. Pursuing a career as a nurse requires hard work and dedication to your education and career. The right tools and resources, combined with a solid support system, can help you make the experience rewarding.

From creating a study plan to building a reliable support system, keep reading to discover ten essential tips for navigating the difficulties of nursing school and setting yourself up for a positive academic experience!

1. Practice An Organizational Method

Organization and multitasking are crucial skills throughout your nursing education and into your career, so developing these soft skills while in school is a must. Registered nurses often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical, so the sooner you find an organizational method that works for you, the better. Honing these organizational skills during your education can help you stay on top of your coursework, stay focused in times of stress, and help you in your nursing career and personal life.‍

2. Set Clear Goals

Setting clear and attainable goals throughout your nursing education is an excellent way to help you stay motivated and celebrate your accomplishments. One way to do this is by using the SMART goals strategy, which allows you to work toward larger goals by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. A great online tool to help you develop your SMART goal is Zapier’s smart goal generator. Simply answer prompts about your goals and the chatbot will help you grow your ideas into achievable goals.

3. Utilize A Personal Planner

A personal planner may be a great tool if you are a student who thrives on visual organization and lists. Having a personal planner to track your assignments, clinicals, work schedule, and other important tasks can help you manage your time and remember important dates at a glance.

4. Make Your Education A Priority

An accelerated nursing program is challenging, but entirely possible if you have a strong commitment to your education. Starting nursing school knowing that you have to put in effort to be successful can help you get in the right mindset to complete your schooling. Going to your classes and labs, reading the required materials, and completing your assignments are crucial not only to your grades, but also to your overall educational experience. Being well-prepared and actively participating in your training and discussions will enhance your learning experience and better prepare you for your nursing career.

5. Join A Study Group

An excellent asset to helping you along your academic journey is developing relationships with those working toward the same goal: your classmates. Forming study groups with other students is a helpful way to gain different perspectives, practice your skills, study, bounce ideas back and forth, and build a professional network before graduating.

6. Develop A Solid Routine And Stick To It

Developing a routine that allows you to balance your education with your personal life when furthering your education is important. Your routine should allow time for studying, attending classes and labs, completing assignments, and other school-related tasks. In addition, allotting time for yourself, self-care activities, and spending time with friends and family can help you achieve a good balance between college and life.

7. Build Your Support System

Having a solid support system can make managing the demands of nursing school easier. Having a supportive network to help you with daily tasks like childcare, cooking, and emotional support can help you focus on schooling and not become overwhelmed.  Your support system could consist of classmates, professors, and other faculty members who can provide guidance and advice, as well as family and close friends who can help you in your personal life.

8. Prioritize Self-Care

The demands of nursing school can sometimes make it difficult to prioritize yourself. But remember that it is essential to care for yourself; you can’t pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing self-care, eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity, you can help “fill your cup” and improve your well-being. Remember, caring for yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.

9. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

It is crucial to remember that you are not alone in this challenging season of life. Nursing school can be stressful and sometimes create feelings of isolation. As a WVJC School of Nursing student, you have access to support services that are designed to help guide you through academic and personal challenges. Ask for help if you feel you are struggling with the demands of nursing school, whether to our academic support team, your friends and family, or a trusted healthcare provider.

10. Keep A Positive Mindset

Keeping a positive mindset during times of stress can be the difference between a positive educational experience and a negative one. When you feel overwhelmed with your nursing school responsibilities, consider why you decided to begin this journey. The path to becoming a nurse can be demanding, but it is a temporary step toward your dream career!

Kenzie Sullivan is the SEO and Content Specialist for West Virginia Junior College.