To the one who faces adversity with courage,
We remember those days. The intimidating million (or billion) course readings piling up on your desk. The impending doom of midterm exams and finals. The endless clinical hours after sleepless nights. The study groups that fail to connect. The unfair burden of group projects falling entirely on you. The relying on your coffees and energy drinks just to make it through a study session. Forgetting to eat due to a perceived lack of time.
The irony isn’t lost on us: you’re taught to prioritize patient health, yet you’re forced to push through illness, sacrificing your own well-being. We understand the unique burden of caring for others when you’re running on empty.
Nursing school—quite a unique beast, isn’t it? It demands everything you have – your time, your energy, your sanity – and then, it dares to ask for more. You’re juggling a complex curriculum, mastering intricate skills, and absorbing the emotional weight of caring for people during their most vulnerable moments. And let’s be real, sometimes the system itself feels like it’s working against you—almost designed to break you instead of build you.
But, amidst the chaos, we also know the joy. We see you thriving, making a difference, showing up, pushing your limits, and still surviving. We see the hard work you pour in, the resilience radiating from you.
IN FACT, YOU ARE RESILIENCE ITSELF.
This phase won’t last forever—no matter how overwhelming it feels right now. Remember: you are tough enough to conquer this beast. Graduation will arrive, and your career will begin (and yes, a new beast will emerge, but you’ll be ready). Here’s our advice on navigating nursing school and making it through with your sanity (mostly) intact:
1. Adjust Your Perspective. Every step forward, no matter how small, propels you closer to your goal. When you feel like you’re barely moving, look back at how far you’ve already come. You’ll find your origin point so far back in the distance that you won’t even remember what it feels like being there. Remember the moments you impacted a patient’s life, the friendships forged in a shared struggle, and the milestones you’ve achieved in your studies.
2. Tweak Your Speech. Don’t speak harshly to yourself or about your nursing school experience. Your words hold immense power. They can shape your perspective and fuel either motivation or despair. Choose your words wisely.
3. Embrace the Present Moments. Slow down. Breathe. Realize that these moments, both challenging and rewarding, are fleeting. Living a slower, more intentional life will help you appreciate the journey.
4. Treat It Like a Challenge. View nursing school not as a trial, but instead, as an opportunity for growth. Just as exercise strengthens your muscles, challenges strengthen your mind and spirit. Each obstacle that is overcome builds resilience and fosters self-confidence. The difficult moments may be stressful, but the sense of accomplishment upon conquering them is unparalleled.
5. Build Creative Ways to Track Your Progress. This is important. Maintaining motivation requires recognizing how far you’ve come. Implement systems to visualize your achievements: It helps keep you motivated and shows you how far you have come. Here are some ideas:
- Course Checklist: Create a list of all required courses and check them off as you complete them.
- Progress Spreadsheet: Develop a spreadsheet to monitor grades, completed courses, and semester progress.
- Visual Journey Map: Design a visual representation of your nursing school journey, marking milestones and accomplishments.
6. Celebrate Your Successes. Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Did you ace an exam? Master a new skill? Survive a particularly challenging shift? Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.
- Create small rewards as you continue through your program.
- Throw a small self-care party with your nursing buddies after each year completed!
7. Lean on Your Support System. Your family, friends, classmates, and mentors are your lifeline. Share your struggles and triumphs, and never hesitate to ask for help when needed.
8. Stay Active. Activity is vital for every part of your well-being; it’s good for your mind, body, and soul. Physical activity releases endorphins—reducing stress and improving mood. Make time to get your body moving.
9. Prioritize the Essentials. This might seem basic, but the essentials are often the first to go. Your body and mind need fuel to function at their best. Sleep, nutritious food, and hydration are non-negotiable for optimal physical and mental functioning.
10. Resist Comparisons. Avoid comparing your journey to others. Everyone’s path is unique, and comparing yourself can undermine your confidence, invalidating your story. Comparing yourself to others does absolutely nothing for you; it only hurts you. You are where you are meant to be right now. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your individual achievements. You are equipped to handle the challenges you face, and you’re likely managing them far better than you realize.
11. Schedule Regular Breaks. Treat breaks like essential appointments. Short, regular breaks can significantly improve focus and productivity. Step away from your studies to engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s a walk, listening to music, or simply relaxing.
12. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Nursing school is demanding, and perfection is unattainable. Forgive yourself for past mistakes and learn from them… Don’t be reactive to situations where you didn’t perform your best. Instead, be proactive and keep moving forward.
Remember: Your identity extends beyond being a nursing student. You have a life outside the classroom and hospital – family, friends, and personal responsibilities. You are a multifaceted individual, and nurturing all aspects of yourself is vital for your success and well-being.
You are not alone in your battle. Even if you feel misunderstood by those around you, know that you are welcome in a community full of nurses. You have a whole crowd of cheerleaders over here. We have no doubt that you’ll excel in all that you do.
The Teach Me Nursing STAT Team.
What are your best nursing school survival tips? Share them in the comments!
Thank you for all of these- it is really hard to navigate nursing school especially with little to no support system. I appreciate your guidance