Are you at nursing school? It’s such an exciting time, filled with the wonder of learning and the possibility of a fulfilling career helping people ahead of you. It’s also challenging, as you have to balance study, a social life, assignments, research and practical learning. It can be tricky to manage, but you can pull it off with some balance. However, what if you’re wondering how to make the most of an accelerated BSN degree online or an in-person nursing course? This helpful article will share how you can make the most of nursing school, so continue reading to find out how.
Focus on the Nursing Exam
All nurses in the USA need to pass the NCLEX to become registered. There’s no way around this, so you should focus on passing this exam from the beginning of your study. You can review study guides, which will inform you what subject areas the exam focuses on and how the test phrases questions. Doing this from day one will ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to pass on the big day.
Study a Little Bit Every Day, and Avoid Cramming
It’s challenging to cram a few week’s worth of learning into an evening or a day on the weekend. Cramming is not an efficient method of studying. Instead, focus on getting a little done each day between classes and lectures. If you do this, you can break your learning into smaller chunks, and your mind will adapt to learning this way. This way, you’ll feel more prepared for assignments and practical tests.
Avoid Procrastination
When you’re studying, you can tend towards procrastination. Suddenly, cleaning your room, the skirting boards, the fridge and the shower become pressing tasks compared to hitting the books. However, you need to resist the urge to procrastinate because if you do, you won’t have ample time to study. If it helps, break your time into an hour or so. Study for an hour, have a break, get a refreshing drink and a bite, then study for another hour. After that chunk, do some chores, then get back to studying. If you establish a healthy routine, you will set yourself up well for success.
Follow Your Teacher’s Instructions
Your professor or instructor will assign you the required reading and research for each week and share external resources worth reviewing. Listen to the experts, and structure your study around the required knowledge. Try to focus on the assigned tasks instead of researching widely. A narrow focus on each topic as it comes up is a solid approach that will lend you well to succeed in nursing school.
Form a Study Group
If you’ve bonded with fellow students, why not consider forming a study group? This is an excellent way to stay motivated and plugged into your education. You can all motivate each other to study via a group chat, and you can schedule study dates in the library, where you can study together. Try to socialize with your group as well to balance work and play. You might make lasting connections that you can take into your nursing career. Don’t underestimate the importance of networking while at nursing school.
Work With Your Learning Style
You’ll know how you learn best. For instance, kinetic learners retain information better when writing things down or drawing in the margins when listening to a lecture. If you prefer visual learning, watch the recordings of your lectures or browse the internet for videos on the topic at hand. Use this to your advantage for an edge in your study.
Use Your Free Time Wisely
Part of studying is finding a balance. During your rare free time, consider what you can do to recharge your batteries and energize yourself for more learning. You might play video, card or board games to decompress, read fiction, or catch up on a Netflix series. Find time to catch up with your friends and family outside nursing school. Share some food, drink and laughter with your loved ones for some well-earned respite. Enjoy your downtime to ensure your well-being during the study.
A Nursing School Summary
This informative article has shared how to make the most of nursing school. From preparing for your final exam to forming a study group, take advantage of these tips for a successful nursing student career.