As I am about to enter my last semester of college at Nazareth, I have been reflecting on my time here and my experience studying to become a registered nurse. It is hard to believe it is already coming to a close. The nursing program at Nazareth has been strenuous at times, but in the best way, to prepare myself and my peers for a career in nursing. While there have been many serious and intense moments throughout the past semesters, there have been moments of laughter and complete silliness. Often these moments come at the times we are deliriously tired from hours of studying.
Having balance and being able to laugh even through the stress of exams and clinicals is essential. Looking back, I wish I had known that earlier in my time at Nazareth! There are many things I wish I had recognized sooner during my studies for nursing at Naz, so I figured I would share them, so you don’t have to find them out the hard way.
1. It will take time to develop skills and become comfortable talking with patients!
It is so easy to get down on yourself if you are not able to do something right away, like take a manual blood pressure or do an injection. You might feel like you will never be a nurse if you can’t do this one simple thing — but that is not true! During our first skills lab, I could just not seem to be able to take a manual blood pressure. I was so nervous about being able to do it in the future. However, I took some time to practice and get familiar with using the equipment, and now I have no problem. Skills take time to develop. It is the same idea regarding talking with patients. With time, you become more comfortable and used to interacting with patients.
2. You are allowed to give yourself a break.
At times, it may feel like there are so many assignments, papers, upcoming exams, and care plans due you cannot breathe. But it is beneficial to take some time for yourself, rather than push yourself over the edge. You are more than just a student, you are a person. Self-care is important — take a walk, do a face mask, make your favorite meal, read a book. Also, the nursing professors are super understanding if something comes up or if you’re struggling. Talk to them and tell them if you are struggling. Professors are always up to re-explaining concepts from class or elaborating.
3. You CAN form study habits that work and it IS helpful to have a study group.
Studying is the #1 thing a person does in nursing school. It is important to have study habits that work. This may seem daunting if you don’t have established study tools or habits that usually work for you. It’s important to establish what kind of study strategy works best for you and use that to your advantage. For several semesters, I primarily studied with flashcards and Quizlet. This worked great for me. But as there was more material, I realized this was a lot of cards to make, so I shifted to typing and re-writing study guides. Study habits will evolve and change, but it is important to do what works for your brain. Also, NCLEX questions are your best friend! Do as many as possible to get used to the way nursing questions are asked.
It is very helpful to have people to study with. You can quiz each other, teach concepts to each other, and elaborate on topics to further understand the material. At first, I primarily studied alone, but then I established a study group. Not only does this hold me accountable, but it has improved my grades and knowledge. They challenge me and help me understand concepts more thoroughly.
4. You will form lifelong friendships in nursing school.
It is almost inevitable that those friends from your study group will become close friends. I spend more time with these people than my own family during the semester. They can tell when I am having a bad day or when I’m on top of the world. Just because they are my “nursing friends,” doesn’t mean they haven’t become my real, close friends. They are some of the closest friends I have, and there is no one else that would have helped me persevere through nursing school. While nursing school has led me to a fulfilling career, it also has led me to them.