Whether you are joining a nursing school for the first time or have gone back to pursue further education, juggling school work and social life can be challenging. From attending lectures to sitting for your exams, there is no doubt that becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a great deal of responsibility. Here are some tips to help you navigate nursing school.
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Join a group that shares your interest
Some people study better alone, while others prefer joining study groups. Either way, finding a group that shares your interest is better than sitting in a lonely corner in your school library to process what you have learned in class on your own. A good group can meet after a few days to compare what they learned, demonstrate skills, and implement NCLEX guidelines. In addition, your group members can offer some tips to help you manage your academic and social life.
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Do not cram
Nursing involves theoretical and practical concepts that can be applied in real life. For example, a topic like caesarian delivery should demonstrate how obstetrical surgery works. Besides knowing how to prepare a patient for such a procedure, it is also essential to understand the situations that warrant it. Cramming or memorizing everything you are taught in class cannot help you become a good nurse. It only enables you to pass your exams, but it is possible to forget everything after that.
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Know your study style
While there is no manual for learning, it is essential to know what type of learner you are. For example, perhaps you prefer reading a book on certain days. Other times, all you want is to meet your study group members to compare notes. If you have not identified which learning style suits your personality, think of a case scenario when you scored a good grade in your exam. Did you read about it in a book or online? If the latter option helped you score an A, then go for it.
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Adopt a positive attitude
Attitude is everything in nursing school. How you view your study life impacts your performance. For example, if you started school with a defeatist attitude, you will find it difficult to process your schoolwork. That is a perfect recipe for failure. But when you remain optimistic even after failing an exam, your grades will improve. Therefore, avoid any negative vibes that may affect your academic performance.
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Know when it is time to put your book down
Imagine yourself engrossed in books that you hardly have time to take a bath or engage in a hobby. Eventually, you will have burnout. Your mind works differently when distracted. The best way to avoid overwhelming your brain is by knowing when to put down your books. Come up with a realistic routine. For example, if your school work happens between 9 am and 5 pm, try to plan your way around it. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly and take a break to relax your mind.
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Pat yourself on the back for each win
Small wins like completing your flashcard or scoring a higher grade in your exam can motivate you to become a better learner. You already know how overwhelming a nursing course is, and that is a perfect excuse to pat yourself on the back. You can reward yourself by watching your favorite TV show, going for a swim, or buying a new outfit. When it comes to rewards, ensure they inspire you to be better, not spoiling you.
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Fine-tune your brain before class
A typical study routine may start with attending classes. The last thing you need is going to class unprepared because you overslept or engaged in non-schoolwork obligations. To prevent this, ensure you review your course material like a registered nurse (RN) study resource like Lecturio before attending your class to help you process what you hear during the lecture.
Nursing school can be stressful but rewarding at the same time. To navigate life in nursing, you will need the right strategies to instill a positive attitude and shape your learning style. All it takes to get good grades, working with your community and seeking support from your community to build your nursing career.