The Definitive Guide to Surviving Nursing School
Real-world tips, advice and resources to stay sane and be a student nursing superstar.
Each and every day, nurses across the world provide care and compassion to millions of patients. Being a nurse offers continual opportunities to engage in rewarding work, but getting through nursing school can feel overwhelming for even the most determined students. As the need for new nurses continues to rise, it’s imperative we do everything possible to help current and future students gain the confidence and skills they need to make it to graduation and get their dream nursing career.
To do our part, EduMed has created this comprehensive guide, featuring practical, easy-to-follow tips, advice and resources to help nursing students at every stage of school. Whether you read it top-to-bottom or jump straight to the sections that are most relevant to your situation, you’ll come out the other side feeling more positive and motivated about the journey ahead.
The 5 Most Important Tips for Every Nursing Student
Knowing what to expect going into a nursing degree program is often half the battle. Follow the tips below to center yourself from the start and ensure you stay in good mental, emotional and physical shape throughout.
1. Get enough sleep
This can be easier said than done – especially when a midterm or research paper looms. But burning the midnight oil can actually make it harder for you to retain information. Go to sleep early, get some rest, and start again in the morning.
2. Create a study group
Going it alone can feel overwhelming. By creating a study group of students in your class who also take the program seriously, you can feel supported and ensure you stay on track with study plans.
3. Build in breaks
For every hour you study, make sure you get up and walk around or do a quick exercise for at least 10 minutes. This not only keeps your body limber; it also helps stimulate your brain to feel more focused.
4. Study along the way
Rather than cramming for an exam in the day or two prior, make sure you take thorough notes and try to review them throughout the semester – even a 20-minute session a couple times per week can take the pressure off testing day.
5. Nourish your body and brain
In addition to eating healthy foods and engaging in enjoyable movement, make sure to build in time for quiet reflection, meditation, and renewal. Consider taking a walk in a local park with your favorite music or podcast to reset.
What to Do If You’re Thinking About Quitting
Between long days and hard tests, nursing school can stress out even the best students. You’d be hard pressed to find a nursing student who hasn’t at one point considered dropping out. While nursing school isn’t for everyone, you should carefully consider the decision to quit before going through with it. Check out some of these common reasons for leaving school and see why you may want to reconsider.
I want to quit because…
Do’s and Don’ts for First-Year Nursing Students
The first year of nursing school can be one of the most challenging as students get adjusted to their new program and course load. This is a critical time for getting settled and feeling confident. Here are a few key do’s and don’ts to make the first year one of your best.
Do’s
1. Get organized.
Nurses-in-training have jam-packed, nonstop schedules, so find a digital or paper planner you like before the semester starts so you don’t miss any classes, deadlines, or important meetings.
2. Get to know your professors.
Nursing school is tough, but having trusted advisors and mentors can help you avoid feeling lost and alone. Introduce yourself to each professor within the first week or two of class.
3. Pace yourself.
Completing a standard BSN program takes four years of full-time study, so find and keep a pace that feels manageable over time rather than sprinting during the first semester and then dealing with burnout.
4. Get to know your cohort.
Building connections with your professors is essential, but making friends with your fellow students is equally important since you’re all experiencing this challenging journey together. You might want to consider setting up a social media group or chat thread to stay connected and share your experiences. Supporting each other can make a world of difference.
5. Make time for yourself.
Whether that means going for a quick run, stealing away for a smoothie, or watching an episode of your favorite TV show, build in small amounts of downtime that help you recharge before your next class or appointment.
Don’ts
1. Be afraid to get help.
If you find yourself falling behind or struggling with course content, don’t wait until it gets worse. Find a tutor or mentor who can help explain concepts and ensure you feel confident walking into the next exam rather than saying nothing and failing it.
2. Underestimate yourself.
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others who we feel are smarter, more studious, or better cut out for nursing. Avoid this negative self-talk and instead remember that wanting to be a nurse is a selfless act and you are more than capable.
3. Forget that school doesn’t last forever.
College can feel never-ending, especially at the beginning, but in reality we spend far less time in school than we do in our careers. Keep pressing through in a healthy way. Consider creating a countdown if you’re number oriented.
4. Forget to give it your all.
Students who skip classes and turn in half-hearted work often feel more stressed and disconnected from the program than those who truly stay the course and participate in class. It can be tempting to sleep in, but know that this type of behavior will just make everything harder.
5. Try to do everything at once.
Many freshmen and other first-year students overcommit themselves by joining student counsels, participating in clubs, playing in intramural teams, and holding down part-time jobs. For at least your first semester, hold off on all these activities so you can get a sense of what your nursing schedule entails.
Managing Nursing School Stress
Stress is a normal part of any college student’s life, but between the demands of clinicals and coursework, nursing school can be particularly stressful. Follow the steps below to lower your stress levels and breathe a little easier.
1. Develop smart study habits
Rather than taking one day at a time, review the syllabus of each class you’re taking at the start of the semester to get a sense of required projects, assignments and tests. Add all of these dates to your calendar so you don’t get caught by surprise and aren’t forced to stay up all night studying while also feeling hopeless about your chances for a good grade.
2. Check in with friends and family
Whether that means calling home and chatting with your parents/siblings, texting with a friend from high school, or emailing a former teacher, make sure to stay in touch with those who know you best and care about you the most. These individuals can provide meaningful and encouraging words that help calm nerves.
3. Communicate with your professors
Nursing faculty members understand that school can be really demanding. You’re not alone in dealing with stress, but they can only help if they’re aware of your situation. Make sure to communicate with them early on and make sure to touch base with them throughout the semester. Their support and guidance can make a significant difference in managing your stress.
4. Master multitasking
Because nurses-in-training have so much on their plates, finding ways of accomplishing multiple tasks at once is critical to being successful and keeping sane. Whether this means doing laundry while studying or making voice memos about essay ideas while you’re on the treadmill, find ways to combine tasks when possible to get more done and feel less stressed.
5. Don’t strive for perfection
As the saying goes, perfection is the enemy of good. School is a time for you to hone your skills, receive constructive criticism, and practice under supervision. Go easy on yourself when you make a mistake and remember that you’re still learning – no one expects perfection, so don’t hold yourself to that impossible standard.
Tips for Nontraditional Nursing Students
Nursing school can present unique challenges for nursing students who don’t fit the standard profile. Get specific tips and advice for your situation below.
- Parents
How to Survive Nursing School with a Family
As a single parent
When you’re solely responsible for your children, routine is key. Work with advisors to create manageable class schedules that fit around daycare, family time, and any other personal commitments. Don’t forget to apply for financial aid, ask for help from loved ones, and explain to your children why you’re in school. You may also want to consider the added flexibility and convenience of an online degree.With a baby
Juggling a newborn or infant alongside clinical rotations and group projects can be challenging – to put it mildly. In addition to creating schedules that work with your life, check to see if your school offers on-site childcare. If you need to meet with your team, consider inviting them to your house as to not disturb your child’s sleep schedule.While pregnant
The most important consideration when attending nursing school while pregnant is to ensure you stay healthy and unstressed, as stress can create complications. Things to consider include timing (e.g. how do semesters fit with your due date?), cost (e.g. can you afford both?), and rest (e.g. can you complete clinical rotations in an advanced state of pregnancy?). - Full-Time Workers
Getting Through Nursing School with a Full-Time Job
The reality is that many learners can’t afford to attend school without holding down a full-time job. It may seem impossible given nursing students’ hectic schedules, but it can be done with careful planning and a little understanding from professors and employers. Make sure to keep everyone in the loop on scheduling, consider stacking classes in the morning or evening, and think about whether online learning might best suit your needs.
- Online Students
Advice for Surviving Online Nursing School
Online nursing school attracts many students because it’s flexible and budget friendly. However, it can sometimes feel lonely and disheartening if not approached the right way or if it doesn’t match your learning style. You’ll need commitment, focus, and a solid plan to thrive in an online program. Set up a dedicated space for watching lectures, and don’t forget to engage with your classmates and professors actively; staying connected helps you feel more involved and motivated.
- Male Nursing Students
Male Nursing Students: How to Be Comfortable in Your Role
While more men are joining the nursing profession, women still represent the vast majority of nurses. This could still cause some male nurses to feel out of place or needing extra support. If you ever feel this way, remember that you want to be a nurse to help others. Seek out other male students and look at joining a membership group such as The American Association for Men in Nursing.
How to Dominate Your Nursing Coursework
In addition to receiving good grades, nursing students must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to practice as a nurse. Learners who keep their priorities straight and remain vigilant yet calm about their workload are more likely to find success.
General Study Tips
1. Make study time count.
Rather than studying distractedly or sleep deprived for hours and finding that you didn’t really absorb the information, try to maximize quality study time. For some learners, this means studying in the early morning hours before class. For others it means setting aside a Saturday or Sunday.
2. Know your learning style.
If you’re studying with a classmate who thrives on talking through concepts but you do best by creating notecards, break off and study on your own or find others who share your study preferences.
3. Take advantage of campus resources.
Most schools provide writing and math centers, tutors, study guides, and details on testing strategies. Make the most of these.
NCLEX Exam Prep
Given that nurses can’t practice without passing this exam, it’s normal to feel anxiety about doing well. But with some preparation, you need not worry about failing.
1. Attend a school with a good record.
Most nursing programs post their first-time exam pass rates. If they don’t, it could be a sign that students of that program struggle with the exam and haven’t been well-prepared. State nursing boards often publish NCLEX pass rates as well.
2. Take advantage of prep services.
Many schools provide NCLEX prep courses – either as part of the plan of study or as an optional class. If so, be sure to take advantage of this class as it will help you learn about the test format and develop test-taking skills.
3. Use practice exams.
These can help you get a sense of what to expect, identify areas of weakness, and shake out some of the anxiety surrounding testing day.
For even more tips on acing the exam, check out our complete guide to the NCLEX.
How to Get Back on Track if You’re Failing School
After working so hard to become a nurse, getting the news that you’re failing a course can immediately strangle all resolve. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get back on track.
Surviving Your Nursing Clinicals the Smart Way
Nursing clinicals can be the most demanding part of nursing school, but students who plan ahead and keep the right mindset can use this time to cement their knowledge and gain skills that impress hiring managers. Tips to keep in mind include:
Get prepared.
Before ever setting foot in your new hospital or care facility, make sure you have all your supplies ready, clinical bags packed, scrubs cleaned, comfortable shoes purchased, and breakfast/lunch packed.
Go in calm.
Make sure you get a good night of rest, play calming/uplifting music, and allow extra time to arrive in case of traffic.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Clinicals exist to ensure nursing students possess the hands-on skills needed to transition into employment. Ask your supervisor if you’re uncertain about something.
Make yourself helpful.
Ask your instructor what you can do if you find extra time on your hands. It shows initiative and allows you to learn new skills.
Keep a good mindset.
There will be days where you feel like you failed, but there will also be days that make you really proud of yourself. Try to remain positive through it all.
How to survive night shifts
Working night shifts can make the world feel upside down at first. Here are three quick tips to help you stay feeling strong and rested.
- Get enough sleep.
Try keeping the same bedtime, investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask, and eliminating noises. - Be smart about caffeine.
Like any other shift, caffeine can help keep you awake and alert, but make sure you stop drinking it long before your shift ends as to not interfere with sleep. - Find ways of staying busy.
Night shifts tend to be less chaotic than others, so nurses must find ways of staying focused. Consider completing paperwork, organizing closets, or reading a book.
How to Survive Financially in Nursing School
Surviving nursing school is about more than passing your classes and making it through clinicals. Students also need to make sure their finances stay in good shape before enrolling, during school, and after graduation.
Before You Enroll
Securing financial aid prior to starting school is often the easiest time to do it, as you don’t have the pressures of coursework added into the mix. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to qualify for federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Students should also research scholarships and grants from private foundations, professional nursing associations, state governments, and private companies. Check out EduMed’s financial aid resources below for more information.
During Nursing School
Most students don’t realize that they can continue applying for scholarships and grants even after they’re in school. In fact, some awards exist specifically for students in their junior and senior years. Try to locate these during holidays and summer breaks when you have ample time to fill out and submit applications. You’ll also need to fill out the FAFSA each year to identify how much money you can receive for the following academic term.
When You’re Looking at Job Offers
As you explore job opportunities, remember that federal loan payments typically kick in six months after graduation. To prepare, use a calculator to estimate your monthly loan payments based on potential salaries. It’s also a good idea to figure out the cost of living in your city. By gathering this information, you’ll have a clearer picture of the income you’ll need to comfortably live while paying off your loans. If a job offer doesn’t provide a sufficient salary, don’t be afraid to look for better opportunities elsewhere. You deserve a rewarding career that supports your financial goals.
Real-World Advice from a Nursing Grad
Kaitlyn White graduated from Belmont University in 2012. She worked at Vanderbilt University on a surgical floor, then as a Trauma ICU nurse for a few years before starting as a traveling ICU nurse, which ultimately led her to Alaska. Outside of work she enjoys outdoor recreation including rock climbing, camping, snowboarding, yoga, hiking, and enjoying the mountains and scenery that Alaska has to offer. She also enjoys traveling, quilting, and spending time with her sweetheart.
1. Looking back on nursing school, what do you wish you’d done differently?
The biggest thing I would change about nursing school is allowing myself some “me” time, focusing more on self-care, and giving myself a break from school. Looking back, I wish I could have taken more “fun” classes mixed with my nursing classes. I found that for me, nursing classes were challenging and I didn’t necessarily have peers who were good friends, so I really enjoyed learning about something other than straight nursing with different people who had more diverse backgrounds.
I also wish I would have understood the importance of balancing out free time with studying, because the culture of nursing school is definitely focused on spending 100% of your life studying, working on projects, and preparing for exams. I wish someone would have told me that it’s not humanly possible to be perfect in nursing school and that sometimes studying for just an hour followed by 5-6 hours of sleep will get you a lot farther than drinking two pots of coffee a day and pulling all-nighters to attempt perfect grades.
Speaking of, the culture never tells you that you can get B’s and still graduate and become an excellent nurse! The people who are number one in the class may have no idea how to talk to a patient, while the people with less than the best grades may be the most compassionate nurses you ever meet. I wish someone would have told me that in school!
2. What can students do to make their lives easier while in nursing school?
The biggest thing that helped me cope with school related stress was carving out specific time for deliberately non-school related things. To a non-nursing student this may sound crazy, but at the beginning of each semester I would gather all my syllabi and fill out my planner for the entire semester, color coded of course, and have every project and exam outlined. Week by week there was so much to do that I would literally write out plans for each day down to the 15th minute. X amount of time to eat, X amount to study for this class, X amount to work on a project for that class, X amount to spend climbing, etc. With that said, it was important for me to schedule in breaks throughout the day, no matter how small. I would even set five-minute timers for a nap while studying—and actually fall asleep for five minutes! Even 10 or 15 minutes to just sit and allow myself to not think about studying turned out to be super helpful in decreasing stress.
3. What’s something that you didn’t really consider or anticipate about being in nursing school and working in this field?
I think the biggest thing I didn’t anticipate about nursing school was just the constant pressure to be the absolute best. School was never hard for me until college, so I didn’t have any study skills and I wasn’t used to people doing better than me. It was a pretty rude awakening having to learn how to read textbooks efficiently and having to work on projects ahead of time to get them completed. Time management was a skill that I was forced to hone fairly quickly!
Working in this field is an entirely different set of expectations vs. reality. Once I actually got to the hospital, things were vastly different than they were portrayed in school. School teaches you that you must have every lab value and disease process and how to treat it fully memorized and ready to regurgitate at the drop of a hat, while in reality no one expects you to know most of that offhand. Working as a nurse is much more focused on knowing how to find the answer, rather than always knowing the answer immediately. Hospitals have resources where you can access information about lab values, medication administration, skills checklists, and of course other experienced healthcare professionals to help you. I remember feeling lots of undue anxiety as a new graduate nurse to have all the answers all the time, which of course is impossible. It was a serious mind shift to learn that it’s not shameful to ask for help or admit you don’t know something, which again is hard for a lot of new nurses to do. I’m seven years in and I still learn something new almost every day.
4. What advice do you have for students who might feel stressed?
Know that it will all be over one day. I had a class senior year during a particularly stressful and challenging semester, and one day our professor had us start the class by simply writing our name with “RN” after it. She reminded us that in a year that will be our reality if we can just keep going. It sounds silly, but just seeing “RN” behind my name was a good reminder that all of it was for a bigger purpose, and there was in fact an end in sight.
Don’t spend every waking second thinking about/working on school, it’s not worth it! It’s not possible to glean every word in every class, so it’s ok to let yourself think about something else for a few minutes each day. Even if you have to take study materials with you, get out of town once in a while! Don’t think that just because you have a test on Monday doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun on the weekend.
Take time for yourself, even if it’s 30 minutes a day. Make sure you exercise too! Your body needs a break, and those endorphins help your mind as well. Even if you have to study while exercising, make your body move! Lastly, eat nutritious food as much as you possibly can. When you fuel your body with garbage, it won’t function at its full capacity. You have to eat healthy to feed your body and your mind. If you sacrifice your health along the way, you’re setting yourself up for failure, no matter how good of a student you are.
Essential Equipment: The Gear You Need to Succeed
The right equipment can make or break your time in nursing school, so it’s worth it to buy the proper items. Necessary purchases include:
Comfortable Shoes for Clinicals
Nurses spend hours upon hours on their feet, making it imperative that they have supportive and comfortable shoes. Check out Prevention’s guide on the best shoes for nurses according to podiatrists.
A Backpack That’s Got Your Back
When carrying up to 40 pounds of textbooks, notebooks, snacks, a laptop, and other miscellaneous items, finding a large enough yet still comfortable backpack is critical. Look for one that distributes weight and sits comfortably to prevent back and/or neck aches. The Nerdy Nurse provides a roundup of five top backpacks for nursing students.
Helpful Student Nursing Communities and Resources
From Reddit and Facebook communities to informative YouTube videos and podcasts, there’s a ton of free resources available to help nursing students make it through school.
Facebook Groups/Pages
Nursing Students: This active page maintains more than 88,000 followers and counting.
National Student Nurses’ Association: Students can find support and insights from this page, which has more than 500,000 followers.
Surviving Nursing School with Nurse Angie: This page encourages the sharing of resources and tips, and offers free tutoring for nursing students.
Reddit Communities
Reddit for Nurses: This page exists for practicing nurses looking for support and camaraderie.
Reddit for Nursing Students: Created for students, by students, this is a helpful community for asking questions and sharing experiences.
Reddit for Pre-Nursing: A great community to check out if you’re thinking about becoming a nurse but want more details.
YouTube Videos/Channels
How I passed the NCLEX First Try with 75 Questions: RegisteredNurseRN shares her insider tips on acing the exam the first time.
How To Survive Nursing School: Registered nurse Ashley Adkins shares her best resources for getting through nursing school relatively unscathed.
Nurse Liz: Nurse Liz hosts an active YouTube channel with tons of videos and several new ones posted each week.
How to Prepare for Nursing School: Wondering how to get ready for all the demands of nursing school? Nurse Liz can help.
Pre-Nursing and Nursing School Tips: This video highlights Nurse Bianca’s experience getting accepted to nursing school and staying sane while enrolled.
Podcasts
FreshRN: This popular podcast talks about the first year of nursing in weekly episodes.
Good Nurse, Bad Nurse: This lighthearted podcast is hosted by an RN and includes lots of special guests.
Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts: JHM offers two podcasts for staying up-to-date on medical news.
Medscape Nurses Podcast: This podcast tackles common topics in nursing and provides insightful interviews.
Nursecasts: This is a podcast for nurses, by nurses.
