Is Nursing School Fun?
Absolutely! Are you ready to start the journey of a lifetime?
So you are getting ready to start nursing school. It is important to start strong. The momentum will carry you through the first few weeks. If you want some tips on starting strong, check out our previous blog (CLICK HERE).
This week let’s talk about having fun and building a framework for a successful nursing career.
Top Tips to Thrive in Nursing School
- Work or volunteer in a hospital or other healthcare facility while you are in school.
- Find a study group.
- Take care of yourself.
Success Tip Number 1: Work or volunteer with patients!
Isn’t this the reason you are in nursing school in the first place? Working with patients prior to nursing school or during school will give you several distinct advantages. You will:
- Have the opportunity to practice empathy,
- Develop strong communication skills and
- Learn to organize and prioritize.
If you can manage to hold a very part time job in a hospital you will be well on your way to preparing yourself for school and graduation. When I hire new nurses, those that really struggle have no prior work experience in a healthcare facility. Working in a healthcare environment sets you up for success and gives you a distinct advantage. Healthcare demands excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills. If you can’t manage a job, look for volunteer opportunities.
Pro RN Tip: Find a job in the facility you think you want to work in and work your bottom off! If you have a good work ethic, word will get around. Leaders will fight for you. On the flip side, if you complain a lot, cancel your shifts, and are difficult to work with…. Guess what? Word will get around.
Success Tip Number Two: Find a study group.
I don’t know what I would have done without my study partners. I listened to their hearts (literally) checked their pulses, assessed their tonsils, and palpated their abdomen. They even let me poke them with needles. Today these are some of my closest friends. We studied together, complained about our professors together, ate bad food, laughed and cried, held each other up and graduated together. Find a study group. They’ll keep you sane.
Bonus Tip Number Three: Budget time for yourself!
My daughter (who happens to be in nursing school), suggested I add one more. Budget some time for yourself. We get busy and stressed. Call someone you love. Remember your manners. Say please and thank you. Find a quiet place, take a walk, watch a movie or keep a journal. Practice positive self-care. We can’t take care of patients if we aren’t taking care of ourselves. Whatever it is, reserve some time to revive.
There is lots of research out there boasting the benefits of connection, strong relationships and positive self-care. Positive self-care improves happiness, increases life span, and decreases chronic illness. There is even evidence that happy providers diagnose patients faster and more accurately. Empathetic nurses are less like to restrain patients. Connect with people and practice self-care. The benefits to you and your future patients is priceless.
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