The journey to a career as a nurse can be incredibly rewarding but also challenging at times. Student nurses must have the dedication and passion to complete nursing school successfully. From the rigorous coursework, clinical hours, and emotional demands of school, nursing students must be able to regulate their mental health and manage the stress that comes with pursuing a nursing education. 

Here are ten tips to help nursing students reduce stress during their nursing school experience:

Get Organized

For student nurses, maintaining organization is essential for effectively managing the cumbersome workload of nursing school. By utilizing planners, apps, or calendars to monitor assignments, exams, and clinical schedules, students can keep track of their to-do list visually. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts and prioritizing them according to their deadlines can help you avoid last-minute cramming and minimize anxiety.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care should be a non-negotiable part of everyone’s life, especially nursing students who may be under significant stress because of their studies. While prioritizing your education is essential, it is also necessary to dedicate time to participate in activities you enjoy, such as reading, going for a walk, joining a fitness class, or partaking in hobbies that allow you to release your stressors. Remember, caring for yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. 

Set Realistic Goals

Establish clear and attainable goals for both your studies and personal life. One recommended method is to set SMART goals. This method guides students through dividing larger objectives into smaller milestones that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely to monitor their progress effectively. This approach will help maintain your motivation and give you a sense of achievement as you reach each milestone. Check out this blog for tips on setting SMART goals.

Practice Mindfulness

Taking just a few moments each day to center yourself can profoundly change your overall quality of life. Some ways to practice mindfulness are breathing techniques, meditation, or yoga. By setting aside a quiet space and allocating a few minutes to practice mindfulness, you train your mind to focus and build resilience against daily stresses.

Keep A Positive Mindset

Maintaining a positive attitude can significantly influence how you handle stress. Focus on your achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself why you chose nursing. Remember that the nursing school experience, while sometimes difficult, is temporary and an essential step toward your future career. The challenges you face now are preparing you for a rewarding nursing career in the future.

Seek Professional Help (If Needed)

It’s no secret that nursing school can be mentally challenging, and if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with stress, there is no shame in seeking professional help. Counselors and therapists are trained to recognize possible mental health issues and to provide ways to manage stress and improve quality of life. Mental health resources and support for nursing students who may be struggling can be found in this list. Additionally, many nursing schools offer services and resources specifically for their students. 

Build Your Support Network

Surrounding yourself with people who support and motivate you is vital to getting through nursing school. Your support network can consist of family, friends, mentors, coworkers, and anyone else you can count on to lift you up when you feel down. Having in-depth conversations with those in your support system about what level of support you may need from them before beginning nursing school can help you and your loved ones know what to expect when it comes time to lean on them.

Connect With Peers

Likewise, making connections with your peers can offer a unique support system for individuals in the same situation as you. Getting to know your fellow nursing students can be an excellent resource for studying and offering words of encouragement. Lifelong friendships are often forged during the educational experience, so connecting with your classmates is a great way to remind you that you are not alone in this journey.

Prioritize Nutrition And Hydration

A balanced diet and proper hydration are crucial to ensuring that your body is functioning at its best. Eating nutritious meals can help you stay focused longer, give you energy, and avoid stress-induced eating. Meal prepping is a great idea for busy nursing students who want to create simple, nutritious meals that can be eaten on the go. Check out this blog for ideas on make-ahead meals! Additionally, hydration plays a significant role in overall health, especially for busy nursing students. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult needs between 11 and 15 cups of water daily, but the specific amount varies by activity level, gender, and other factors. 

Stick To A Sleep Schedule

The final tip for reducing stress throughout nursing school is prioritizing adequate sleep. According to WebMD, it is recommended that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, although that number can vary for some individuals. Sticking to a sleep schedule can help you avoid things like brain fog, mood swings, headaches, confusion, and lack of focus—all things that nursing students need to avoid.

Your Nursing Career Is Within Reach!

Managing stress is crucial for nursing students to thrive throughout their education and careers. Implementing these ten tips can help make your nursing school experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Setting healthy habits during school can also help you maintain balance in your future nursing career. 

Remember, it is perfectly normal to prioritize your well-being, and with the proper tools and resources, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges of nursing school and your career as a nurse.

Kenzie Sullivan is the blog content and SEO specialist for a family of career schools in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania: West Virginia Junior College, East Ohio College, United Career Institute, and Boardman Training Center.