Tips for Surviving Nursing School Clara Barton, a pioneer in nursing as well as in women’s rights, changed the world by undertaking the rewarding lifestyle nursing offers. Her efforts led to advancements in nursing as well as the foundation of The American Red Cross. Careers in the nursing field are among the most rewarding and admired. Sometimes, during the grueling process of nursing school, you lose sight of the honor associated with your future career. There is light at the end of the tunnel, although sometimes it might not feel like it. Below are some helpful tips to help you survive the nursing school gauntlet, get an RN and join the ranks of dignified nurses all over the world.
Dedicate Time Everyday This is a tip that everybody knows, but few have the discipline to actually put it into practice. Learning the materials for your nursing exams becomes much easier if you dedicate time everyday towards reviewing what you have learned in classes. Cramming is not an effective way to study because of the way your memory converts short-term memories into long-term ones. Shortterm memory becomes long-term memory through time. Studying everything three hours before your exam may get you passing grades, but little of what you study will be converted into long-term memory. This can be remedied by studying for an hour every day and allowing the material to transfer into your long-term memory. If put into practice, this strategy can help you ace your exams!
Be Willing To Try Nursing school is the time to make mistakes and learn from them. While in clinicals or in class, put yourself out there and try. Answer questions if you think you know the answer. Volunteer to try new procedures. The best way to learn is by trying, failing and then correcting your mistakes later on. If you do not try while you are a student, you may find yourself making mistakes while you are caring for real patients on your own. Clinical experience is the perfect opportunity to try new things and be corrected by nurses who know what they are doing.
Take Extensive Notes Take notes on everything. Writing down information is a helpful way of getting information to stick in your mind. Do not just write word for word what your instructors say. Write things in your own words in a way that you understand. Although it can be difficult to write legibly when the information is being presented very quickly, do your best to get your notes down in a readable and organized fashion. This will make it easier to re-read when you are studying for your exams.
Endure to the End When you get discouraged, remember the importance of what you are doing. This is not only a career or a way to earn a living; it is a way of life that is a critical part of society. Your studies and hard work will enable you to save lives in the future, so keep that in mind. Keep working hard and doing your best and eventually you will graduate and join the ranks of great nurses like Clara Barton and others who have changed the world through nursing.