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1. INVEST IN A GOOD ACADEMIC PLANNER

Trust me when I say this is your number one priority. Your academic planner, if used correctly, will be an anchor and a road map for your success. Your planner can be physical or digital. I like to use physical planners, but digital planners have come a long way and are really fun. You can find a lot of digital planners on Etsy that are compatible with GoodNotes and Notability. Paper or digital – I recommend you get something that fits your aesthetic – you will be more likely to use it and reap its benefits.

HERE is the planner that I lived and died by – I literally repurchased this exact design at least three times.

Use your planner to write all the things:

• Reading assignments
• Check Offs
• Skills lab
• Homework
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Clinicals
• Projects
• Orientation
• Simulation
• Personal Events
• Deadlines
• Self-Care

2. MASTER YOUR LEARNING STYLE

As a former classroom teacher, I can tell you with confidence that not all students learn the same way. Good teachers acknowledge this and try to deliver their content with multiple modalities, but I assure you not all nursing instructors are good teachers. You heard me. In nursing school, my teachers were good NURSES, not necessarily good TEACHERS – yes, there is a difference. Thankfully I was clever enough to teach myself and incorporate my learning styles in my study practices.

Your learning style is part of your hardware – it’s how you were built and it’s what you bring to the classroom and your study sessions. However, HOW your instructor teaches you and how you choose to study is the software. Unfortunately, we cannot change how your teacher chooses to deliver their lessons, but you can choose your study behaviors and this will make all the difference.

Educators don’t always agree on the number of learning styles, but they agree that these 4 categories are the most common:

• VISUAL: You learn best when you see the information in pictures, diagrams, graphs etc.
• AUDITORY Learners: You learn best when you hear the information, recorded lectures, conversations, etc.
• KINESTHETIC: You learn best when you are actively engaged, hands-on, interactive etc.
• READ/WRITE: You learn best when you can read the information, write notes, verbal comprehension, etc.

These categories are not mutually exclusive or isolated, it is entirely possible that you are a combination of more than one – but you need to know that and plan according.

There are many online assessments that will help you discover your learning style, but I always used the North Carolina State University Index of Learning.

This assessment will go deeper into how your mind works – but don’t worry it isn’t longer. I discovered that I am a global thinker (big picture) as opposed to a sequential thinker. I have a keen ability to zoom out and see all the connections to the bigger picture. This means that before I learn a concept, it helps me to know what I am learning and why I need to know it; otherwise, it would be like showing me only a corner of the puzzle or a zoom-in of a painting. It also meant that I am strong conceptually, but I was at risk of missing key details which is potentially BAD on nursing school exams – but knowing this made me more intentional in my studies.

Click here to get a copy of my free Learning Styles Cards.

3. PREPARE YOUR STUDY SPACE

Your study space is a sacred space and should only be used for this purpose. Ideally, this space would be situated so that you are able to focus, concentrate and avoid temptations. If you can manage to find a place to study outside of your bedroom that offers you peace and plenty of workspace, I highly recommend you commandeer it. Studying in the bedroom can make a tired nursing student succumb to the call of their bed, television, or video games. However, not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated office space, so do your best in your circumstances. There are no hard, fast rules but here are some helpful tips:

Ideal Study Space

• Desk
• Comfortable Desk Chair
• Shelf
• Comfortable Lighting
• Clock
• Access to Electrical Outlets
• White Board – I used this amazing portable white board – it actually fits in your backpack 🙂
• Bulletin Board
• Inspirational Decorations (i.e. vision board, smart goals, etc.)
• Computer or Laptop
• Headphones
• Academic Planner
• A convenient case for your favorite and Most Magical Pens, Markers, and Highlighters 🙂

Distractors to Avoid in Your Study Space

• Social Media – put your phone on silent or airplane – or logout altogether
• Television – all streaming
• Clutter – believe it or not, you will take on big cleaning challenges at inappropriate times to avoid arduous tasks like studying – avoidance behaviors will get you in trouble
• Hot people – tell your person they are too hot to be around while you study
• Temperature Extremes – avoid a space that gets too hot or cold – consider using a space heater or small fan to keep you comfortable

It is not “GAME OVER” if you cannot create this sacred space at home. I had a dedicated home office that I used often, but I found myself at our local library or a coffee shop 50% of the time. I needed these additional spaces to meet with my study groups or just to get away from the distractions of my world at home (needy husband, adorable kids, dirty dishes, etc.). Just be sure you’re hitting those key points mentioned above when choosing your learning environment.

4. CREATE YOUR SMART GOALS

Prayer alone will not get you through nursing school. You need to set your goals and these goals need to be SMART! I always felt that failing to plan is planning to fail. Set yourself up for success with a few SMART goals this semester.

SMART stands for SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, AND TIMELY. Using these parameters will ensure that you have a clear goal, a goal based in reality, a goal that you will be able to track and know if it has been achieved. I enjoy using SMART goals because they keep me focused, motivated, and on track. My students especially liked using them because they could see their successes in a very concrete way.

SMART goals are NOT generic, and they can apply to all areas of your life. Start small as you begin using SMART goals. I recommend you use the following questions to help you shape 2-3 smart goals before you begin your semester and then re-evaluate or update your goals once you have achieved them.

Below I have listed an example of the process of forming a SMART goal centered around how you might choose to study to perform well on unit exams.

Specific: clear, specific, focused – try using the 5 “W” questions to define and draft your goals.

• What do I want to achieve? What steps need to be taken to get there?
• Why is this goal important?
• Who needs to be involved?
• Where will this happen?
• What resources are needed to accomplish this?

Specific: I will pass my unit exam by making one-pager notes to help me learn difficult concepts.

Measurable: data, frequency, scores – How much? How often? How well? How will I know the goal is met?

Measurable: I will score 80% or higher on unit exams by making one-pager notes on the BIG TOPICS listed (total #) in my medical-surgical syllabus.

Achievable: realistic, attainable, stretching my skills but doable – Can this be done? What resources are necessary?

Attainable: I will score 80% or higher on unit exams by making one-pager notes on the big topics listed in my medical-surgical syllabus for EVERY unit exam.

Relevant: big picture, value, alignment to other goals – Why is this result important? Is it worthwhile? Is this the right time?

Relevant: Making these one-pager notes will help me master the content and perform well on my unit exams and ultimately help me pass the course.

Time-bound or Timely: day, target date, frequency, deadline – When? How often? How when I know I have achieved this?

Timely: I will score 80% or higher on unit exams by making one-pager notes on the big topics listed on my medical-surgical syllabus after the lecture. I will use these notes to study and score an 80% or higher on every unit exam.

Did you see what just happened? We got specific, we made a plan, and we created benchmarks to see if we met the goal we set out to achieve.

Goals can be targeted to many different areas of behavior or performance. Decide where you want to focus your attention.

Do you want to:

• Increase or Improve something
• Reduce or Stop something
• Create something
• Save something

Use this framework to set your short-term and long-term goals. The more you use this framework the more you will be able to see its value. If you find it hard to hit your target, your goal may not have been realistic or as attainable as your first determined; use these situations as a learning experience and move forward.

People often ask me about my one-pager notes. You can purchase my helpful Medical Surgical One-Pager Template on my Esty shop – click here to get one right now!

5. CREATE A VISION BOARD

A vision board is a visual collage of imagery, words, or phrases that reflect your goals. It will serve as a reminder of your ultimate WHY. This board can and will change as you meet your goals. Before you begin your journey take the time to make your initial vision board and update it at different benchmarks; end of the semester or season, after graduation, after landing your dream job, etc.

6. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Nursing school is not like other degree programs and you will soon see why. You and everyone you love are about to see how demanding these programs are. You will be missed by your friends and family because you will need to study during major events, get-togethers, holidays, and even vacations. Each day and week you will see that there is so much to do and more that could have been done. Despite our best efforts, finding balance can be a real struggle. For that reason, it is highly recommended that you squeeze in as much quality time as you can before you enter your studies.

Activities that maximize quality time in short bursts:

• Escape Room
• Bowling
• Board Games
• Hike
• Cooking or Baking
• Concert
• Build a Fort (for kids)
• Stargazing
• Scavenger Hunt (for kids)
• Watch the Sunset or Sunrise
• Backyard Picnic
• 5K
• Swimming
• Attend a Class (Ceramics, Yoga, Painting, Tai Chi, etc)
• Minute to Win It Challenges
• Create a “Chopped” Basket and Compete or Judge
• Walk the Dog
• Plan and Execute a Practical Joke

I did not have time to watch television. If I did have any free time it was spent with my kids and husband or sleeping. Your time will soon have an economy to it and you will need to spend it wisely. Just remember that all good things come with big sacrifices -even watching your favorite shows. #strangerthings.

Budget For Expenses

Your program will tell you what you need to buy and every program is different. Our program required scrubs with white non-mesh shoes 100% of the time, even during didactics. We were told to buy nursing supplies before classes started and we used all of them. The only advice I can give you is to follow your syllabus, and don’t overspend or splurge if you are on a budget – save that money for the coffee because you are going to need it.

Take the above graphic with a grain of salt. Some of you will be unmarried, living at home, no debt to speak of and that sounds amazing. I only want to help you get some perspective when it comes to your finances.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everybody has a different home situation. I was an older learner, with kids and a husband. I did not work during school aside from selling books on AMAZON as a side hustle. My husband supported our family of four and I was acutely aware of money as I bought red bulls and lattes. I tried my best to eat breakfast at home and pack a lunch, but that was not always the case. Stress eating is a real thing and sometimes this girl needed a plate of tacos or nachos to keep the stress at bay. I should also mention that my family of four was able to move in with my in-laws all throughout nursing school. Luckily, they had a nice house with plenty of space; so much space in fact, that I had my own office for studying. They also helped me look after the kids on my late study nights – a true bonus! God is so good!

One of the most common questions I get from prospective students is if I think they can work during nursing school. I saw many peers begin with jobs, but they ultimately had to quit their jobs in order to keep up with the demands of school. I did know people that worked part-time and made it work – but understand that these people look MORE STRESSED than others and were doing something HERCULEAN. I know some people that choose to work as Unit Clerks or PCTs one or two days a week after passing their Medical Surgical class. This really helped them understand the nursing school content and hospital processes. Another benefit to doing this is that the hospital staff will get to know you and your work ethic which will come in handy when you apply for a job as an RN.

You will have a better idea of the workload and your performance once school begins. I am not trying to scare you or exaggerate, I’m only trying to give you some perspective. My program was a 2 year ADN program and we always felt that they were forcing 4 years of content into 2 years. I cannot emphasize enough how intense it was for us and it is all I know.

Find Your Happy Place

There will be bad, bad, days and I always like to have a plan for them. On days when I was afraid, overwhelmed, burned out I needed a place that was restorative, calming, and accessible. Only you know where you will find the place that gives you peace, joy, and restoration. Wherever it is – you must find it because it will help you recharge and get back to all the things.

Happy Place Ideas

• The Beach
• Hiking Trails
• Biking
• Yoga
• The Lake / River
• Fishing
• Boating
• Sports
• Painting
• Crafting
• Gardening
• Writing
• Exercising
• Dancing
• Performing
• Boxing
• Tai Chi
• The Gym
• Spa
• Photography
• Cooking
• Baking
• Star-Gazing
• Live Music
• Camping
• Volunteering
• Church
• Refurbishing Furniture
• Comedy Shows
• Live Theatre
• Home Improvement
• Meditation

Believe it or not, my happy place was my church. I could not always attend mass on Sundays, in fact, I was usually at Starbucks Sunday until the library opened at 1300 hours, but my parish offered a small chapel for perpetual adoration; this means that I could go to this chapel at all hours of the day or night and be in God’s presence. My parish also has an outdoor walking area that has the stations of the cross that would allow me to get in some quiet time to reflect and pray. Towards the end of school, when things were getting intense, I found that praying the rosary was really grounding. I used an app on my phone and prayed the rosary in my car before entering the building.

Rest

Take some time to rest before you start nursing school. You are about to put your mind and body through something fiercely demanding. You won’t know until you know, but you will be glad you took the time to rest.

Show Up

You may be full of fear and doubt, but so is everybody else. You made it. You were chosen. You are good enough. You are ready. So get to it!

Know that you are enough and remember you will always have a Study Bunny to help you.

Let’s be friends.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you. What advice do you have for soon-to-be nursing students – comment below.