One of the first steps any aspiring nurse needs to take is to complete a nursing program. Whether it be a basic certificate program to become a licensed practical nurse or a full-fledged nursing degree program, you may be feeling understandably nervous about the challenges that lie ahead.
Fortunately, by knowing what to expect and how to overcome common challenges, you may better prepare yourself for success in whatever nursing program you choose.
How Hard Is Nursing School? Challenges of Nursing Programs
How hard is nursing school, anyway? This comes down to numerous factors, ranging from how rigorous your program is to your own sense of self-discipline and time management.
Is Nursing School Hard?
On one hand, nursing school is often not as hard as it is made out to be. Over the years, nursing programs have developed a reputation for being more difficult than some other types of degree programs—but this is mostly a misconception. With the right preparation and understanding of what to expect, getting through nursing school does not need to be an insurmountable obstacle.
Is nursing school hard in reality? Of course, there are some factors that contribute to the perceived challenge of nursing school, including rigorous coursework and clinical rotations. Things could become especially challenging if you are working a part- or full-time job to help pay for your schooling, as you need to juggle your academics with professional responsibilities and other life obligations.
Exploring Effective Study Guides or Resources
Luckily, there are plenty of tips for incoming nursing school students that may help make their time in a nursing program a bit less stressful. This begins with exploring effective study guides and other practical resources available.
Utilizing Comprehensive Study Guides
To succeed in a nursing program, you must be prepared to do your fair share of studying. This does not mean cramming the night before an exam but rather being proactive about studying in small but frequent increments throughout the week.
Using tailored study guides may prove considerably helpful here, particularly when it comes to memorizing specific nursing terminology and other concepts you will be tested on and expected to know in the field. When studying for standardized nursing exams (such as the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN), look for study guides and practice exams that are specific to these exams as well.
Leveraging Online Resources and Tools
These days, various online resources for nursing students may make getting through school a smoother journey. Take your time exploring both paid and free options for interactive study modules, video lectures, and other nursing school resources online to see what might work best for your unique learning style. Incorporating online tools into your study routine is one helpful way to improve recall while supplementing what you are already learning in the classroom.
Implementing Effective Study Methods
In addition to finding and using the right study guides, part of your success in nursing school hinges on implementing the most effective study methods for your learning style.
Active Learning Techniques
No two learners are exactly alike, so you should determine your personal learning style and choose active learning techniques that accommodate and support it. Some possibilities to consider here include:
- Attending group study sessions with classmates
- Taking practice NCLEX exams
- Concept mapping
- Utilizing case studies
- Exploring nursing simulations
By incorporating these techniques into your regular study routines, you may gain a more comprehensive understanding of the concepts you are covering in your coursework.
Prioritizing Time Management
Many new nursing students find themselves struggling with time management, especially when juggling assignment due dates, exams, and clinical placements with other obligations. This is where having some time management methods to fall back on could make all the difference when things get busy.
There are plenty of great strategies and methods for managing your time more effectively. For example, consider reading up on methods like the Pomodoro Technique and the Eisenhower Matrix to better plan and prioritize your limited time in nursing school.
Seeking Support and Mentorship
Getting through nursing school also requires an extensive support network, whether in the form of your immediate family, friends, or colleagues that you meet in nursing school.
Building a Supportive Network
Having support means the world while you are in the middle of a nursing program. Peer support may be particularly helpful in staying focused, following a study plan, and being able to commiserate and relate with those in a similar position as you. With this in mind, it is wise to be proactive about building relationships with your fellow classmates and instructors during your time in nursing school.
Consider, too, exploring other sources of support in the form of mentorship programs and professional association memberships. By networking with others in the field, you could gain valuable support and the potential for lifelong connections.
Seeking Academic Support Services
Many schools these days (online schools included) offer academic support services and other resources to help nursing students succeed in their programs. Familiarize yourself with the specific services that may be offered at your school; this may include anything from mental health counseling to tutoring and academic advising. From there, be sure to take advantage of these support services when you need them—specifically if you are facing academic or personal challenges during your enrollment.
Maintaining Self-Care and Well-Being
Being in any kind of rigorous nursing program could become draining, especially when it feels like all you have time for is studying and attending classes. At the same time, it is crucial to maintain self-care and protect your emotional well-being while in school. Otherwise, you could end up on the path to burnout.
Prioritizing Self-Care Practices
Even with a busy school schedule and other obligations, you must make it a priority to find some time for self-care. This begins with defining what self-care looks like for you: Is it relaxing on the couch and listening to music or catching up on your favorite television show? Maybe it is grabbing coffee with a friend or even hitting the gym.
Regardless, prioritizing self-care while in nursing school means actually working this time into your schedule and treating it just like any other deadline, appointment, or important task. By setting aside even 30 minutes daily for self-care, you can recharge your battery and keep yourself motivated.
Seeking Mental Health Support
Everybody struggles from time to time, and it is not uncommon for nursing students in rigorous degree programs to need some additional mental health support. Thankfully, less of a stigma exists surrounding mental health issues now than in previous generations—so there is truly no shame in admitting if you are struggling and need some extra help.
Know when to reach out for support from friends and loved ones, as well as when it may be time to schedule an appointment with a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. You might want to check with your school to see if they offer a support group, which could be an ideal way to meet with other students who may be experiencing similar challenges as you in a safe, judgment-free environment. At the end of the day, your mental health and wellness matter more than just about anything else.
Set Yourself Up for Academic Success
Although you certainly cannot expect to breeze through nursing school without lifting a finger, the reality is that your nursing program does not have to feel impossible to complete. By understanding the requirements and curriculum of your program ahead of time and preparing with the right support and time management strategies, you are on a better track for a more enjoyable nursing school experience.
If you keep asking yourself, “Is nursing school hard?” seek out information from a nursing program designed with your needs in mind. Once you have mastered nursing school and have become an RN, you could continue your studies with a school that makes it personal with programs in both RN to BSN and RN to MSN. These programs include practice-focused curriculums to help you develop real-world skills—all with the support you need inside and outside of the classroom. Get in touch by requesting more information or applying today.
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