Learn how to be successful in nursing school with proven nursing student tips to help you approach the program with confidence. Some steps to take include forming a study group with other students in your cohort, practicing good self-care, setting SMART nursing school goals and establishing a support network.
You can learn how to be successful in nursing school by setting SMART goals, creating a realistic study schedule and using effective study methods, among other online nursing school tips for success. Nursing school is intensive because it must prepare students to care for patients. While you will be challenged, remember that many nursing students have graduated successfully, and you can too.
At Averett University, the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program provides support designed to help you earn a BSN in as few as 16 months. Faculty members, Academic Success Coaches, and peers in your nursing cohort can support your progress throughout the program.
Before enrolling, review common nursing school challenges and the nursing student tips that can help you learn how to succeed in nursing school.
Common Challenges Nursing Students Face
Nursing school is demanding, but understanding its challenges can help you prepare and manage them effectively. You will have a full schedule of classes, labs and clinical shifts, along with daily study sessions.
Some common challenges include:
- Dealing with long hours
- Finding time for self-care
- Finding useful study techniques
- Managing time effectively
- Participating in a rigorous curriculum
While you will face challenges, you will also have support from student resources, dedicated faculty and your nursing cohort.
What Does It Take to Be Successful in Nursing School?
Success in nursing school requires a strong commitment to your goals. If you’re determined to become a nurse, persistence and creative problem-solving can help you navigate barriers you encounter.
Success also requires asking for help when you need it. Your instructors, cohort members, Academic Success Coach and loved ones can offer different types of guidance and support.
It’s also important to remember that after graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN before becoming a registered nurse (RN). Begin preparing early so you can approach the exam with confidence.
Learn more about nursing school simulation labs.
10 Nursing School Tips for Success
Following some proven nursing school tips can help you learn how to be a successful nursing student.
1. Reaffirm Your Motivation
Before starting nursing school, reflect honestly on your reasons for wanting to become a nurse. A clear sense of purpose can help you stay focused when nursing school becomes stressful or demanding.
2. Treat Nursing School Like a Full-Time Job
In addition to clarifying your motivation, treat nursing school like a full-time job. Successful completion may require more than 40 hours each week. Students will need to learn to balance coursework with clinicals, studying and personal obligations. While the schedule can be demanding at times, remember that it is a temporary commitment and the first step toward a rewarding nursing career.
3. Set SMART Nursing School Goals
A SMART goal is:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-specific
SMART goals focus on the steps required to achieve a desired outcome rather than only the outcome itself. By setting SMART goals, you create an achievable plan that sets you up for success. Compare the following regular goal with its SMART version:
- Regular goal: “I would like to get a high grade on every nursing school exam.”
- SMART goal: “I would like to score 90% or higher on my next exam. I will accomplish this by spending time reviewing material after each class and by asking the instructors questions when I don’t understand something.”
4. Create a Realistic Study Schedule
Other nursing student tips include creating a realistic schedule that includes:
- Assignments
- Classes
- Clinical shifts
- Dedicated study sessions
- Due dates
- Exams
- Labs
Scheduling all obligations helps you remain organized and prevent assignments, exams and classes from falling through the cracks.
5. Discover Your Best Study Methods
Study methods vary, and no single approach works for every student. Experiment with several techniques to determine what works best for you, such as:
- Pre-testing: Before studying a new nursing concept, answer questions about it. You may answer incorrectly, but research shows that “pre-testing” improves learning retention.
- Spaced practice: Rather than studying a topic for one hour in a single session, study it for 15 minutes on four separate days.
- Self-quizzing: As you read, develop questions about the material. After each section, quiz yourself.
- Paraphrasing and reflecting: After studying a topic, set the materials aside. Reflect for a few minutes on what you learned, then explain the topic in your own words.
6. Join a Consistent Study Group
Your nursing cohort can support your success. Form a focused study group that sets an agenda for each session and allows time for members to review the material independently before meeting. You could also create study plans and quiz each other.
7. Ask for Help Early
One way to learn how to be a successful nursing student is to contact your instructors or other support services, such as an Academic Success Coach, as soon as you need support. Explain where you are struggling, then ask for clarification or additional resources.
Get more tips on how to study effectively in nursing school.
8. Stay Engaged in Online Coursework
If enrolled in an accelerated BSN program, such as Averett’s, you may participate in online coursework. While the online ABSN coursework offers convenience and flexibility, it requires you to be self-motivated. Staying engaged requires intention and consistency.
Hold yourself accountable for each class. Set aside consistent time for coursework, create a distraction-free study space and participate actively in online discussions. Connect nursing theories with case studies and clinical skills to reinforce learning and maintain engagement. You can also review video lectures and other materials as often as needed to reinforce learning.
9. Prioritize Your Physical and Mental Well-Being
Because nursing school can be stressful, schedule regular time for self-care to help prevent burnout. The following self-care tips may help:
- Sleep: Sleep supports the brain’s process of clearing toxins and other waste products. Research indicates that human brains need sleep for this process. Without sufficient sleep, you may struggle with learning retention, memory recall and concentration.
- Nutrition: During a long day, you may be tempted to reach for a sugary snack for quick energy, but it can lead to an energy crash later. Instead, refuel with nutritious foods and drink plenty of water.
- Exercise: Fitting exercise into a nursing school schedule may be difficult, but it is possible. Instead of jogging for an hour, try high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which can provide health benefits in less time.
- Personal time: Everyone needs time alone. Set aside time for an enjoyable activity, even if it is only 10 minutes of yoga in the morning.
10. Build a Strong Support System
Support from loved ones is invaluable. People who can provide a warm meal, an encouraging word or other practical help can make a meaningful difference.
A support system is especially valuable during clinical rotations. Clinical placements may challenge you physically and emotionally as you work in a healthcare setting, especially if it’s your first time. Relying on your support system can help you meet these demands.
How Averett University's Accelerated BSN Program Supports Student Success
Preparation and access to resources can help you learn how to succeed in nursing school. At Averett University, you can work one-on-one with Academic Success Coaches for personalized guidance on time management, study techniques and NCLEX-RN preparation.
You can earn your BSN in as few as 16 months with Averett’s ABSN. To determine whether you’re eligible to apply, request information today and connect with an admissions advisor. Your advisor will review your qualifications and guide you through the admissions process.