Nursing is one of the most ethically rewarding but demanding careers ever. There is a lot to look after, from strenuous study hours to long shifts and dealing with all kinds of people during practical work.
With so much study and work burden, it is only natural to feel stressed out. But what can you do about it? While nurses can’t make their educational life easier, using some practical techniques can help you thrive in nursing school as well as your upcoming professional life.
Let’s discuss some practical tips for aspiring nurses in training that will help you navigate through school successfully.
What we will cover?
Choose the Right Program
Different people have different circumstances. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to pursue education. Thanks to advancements in education, we now have multiple programs for nurses to look at. A traditional 4-year program is best suited to those who have the time and finances to complete the degree without interruption.
But what if you are not one of the traditional students who have just graduated high school with a college fund and potential scholarship? Guess what? You can still go to nursing school.
Thanks to the advancement in education, we now have access to online degrees and accelerated programs that help kickstart your career much quicker than the traditional method.
An accelerated BSN degree online with 16 months of full-time courses is the one to look at. Despite being a short program, you still get your bachelor’s and complete the required clinical and lab hours. Pursuing remote education doesn’t mean that there is any compromise on the quality of education. You will still be enrolling in a campus that has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Build Time Management Skills
Now that you are in nursing school, time is going to fly, literally. A busy routine comprising classes, clinical rotation, and assessments is bound to burn you out and make you feel stressed. Having time management skills is the only glimmer of hope in this onerous routine.
A simple and effective routine where you go to bed on time and wake up after 7 hours of sleep can help you get through the day and perform each responsibility with utmost focus. Try creating a realistic schedule that covers your entire day. Remember, you are only human, and it is normal to face setbacks. So, add the gap for slight delays during the days to avoid feeling flushed and stressed at any minor inconvenience.
There are tons of mobile apps, paid and free, that can help you improve your time management skills and stay on top of tasks. These apps have got it all. They’ll send you reminders, help you build your most efficient routine, and even make suggestions of what you can do better.
Get Comfortable With Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are a mandatory part of any nursing degree. It is the time when you bring your theoretical knowledge into practice and get ready for the real world. Nurses who excel during their clinical studies have the potential to grow further and become super successful in this field.
However, to achieve that, you need to make the most of your clinical rotations. Rest well for the day so that you are actively involved in the entire process. Participate when necessary and also offer help to take on tasks that you feel are up your ante. There is only so much you can learn by just listening. Every time a query pops up in your brain, don’t hesitate to go ahead and ask your clinical supervisor.
Maintaining a combination of active listening and participation during clinical practice is a great way to get ready for practical life.
Take Care of Your Well Being
A strenuous study and training routine can easily lead to emotional and physical stress. After a long day at school, you might feel overwhelmingly tired and burned out, wishing for this to be over soon. We get that; it’s only natural.
However, going through all this doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do about it. Adding a touch of self-care and a healthy routine can quickly boost your confidence and prepare you for the next day.
For instance, you can take the holiday weekends and head onto a short trip away from all this. Or maybe a short trip to the nearby spa can help you start the coming week with better motivation and a clear mindset.
Apart from the weekly getaways, integrating regular self-care, workouts, and balanced meals can help you stay healthy and feel better regardless of the stress. If you have a part-time job, try to reduce your hours at work or request your employer for a flexible shift with breaks so you have time to rest and forget about the stressors.
Build a Network of Peers and Mentors
During your studies, you can start working on creating a network of nurses and seniors to get through the degree and gain practical experience. Socializing with others and seeking mentorship is a critical aspect of skill development and sharing your knowledge with others.
A professional mentor can offer support to get through college and also encourage you in times when you feel low. Having connections with professionals can help you get your desired recommendations during the job hunt. Besides this, there are different associations for aspiring and professional nurses, such as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the American Nurses Association. These associations play a significant role in helping nurses get their desired support and opportunities.
Embrace Technology
The technological revolution has rapidly taken over the healthcare industry. Modern practitioners use different technological measures to assess their patients and conduct treatments. It is also important for nursing students to embrace technology and start using it for the betterment of their future patients.
Technology is helpful in the accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition. It can also help you access patient records and monitor them without physically draining yourself. Nurses can save a lot of time by using tools to streamline administrative tasks. Moreover, efficient communication with the doctor and patient’s family through mobile devices is an added perk.
Before heading out in your professional life, understand the role of technology in nursing and get accustomed to it beforehand.
Nursing study can be very tough and difficult to manage. However, time management skills can help you get ahead of tasks. Nursing students should understand the value of technology in modern health care and embrace it before starting a professional career. Remember to make good connections and build professionals during your studies so that you are able to find good opportunities later on.
