Enrolling in a graduate or undergraduate nursing degree program is a major life decision that requires careful planning and preparation. Before you decide to embark on this rewarding but challenging journey, it’s key to assess your readiness and know what steps you’ll need to take to succeed.
Table of Contents
- Are You Ready for a Nursing Program?
- How to Prepare for Nursing School
- Online Nursing Programs Offering Flexible Night and Weekend Classes
This guide for new nursing students and program applicants covers some simple yet effective ways to prepare for nursing school. From creating a distraction-free study space and cultivating strong organizational skills to learning the Nursing Code of Ethics and joining professional organizations like HOSA, here are ten steps to take before you apply to a nursing program.
Are You Ready for a Nursing Program?
According to an analysis published in 2019 in the peer-reviewed journal Nursing Inquiry (NIN), “The early withdrawal of students from healthcare education programs, particularly nursing, is an international concern and, despite considerable investment, [student] retention rates have remained stagnant.” In fact, the National League of Nurses (NLN) reports that as many as 20% to 25% of students drop out of their programs, which experts attribute to causes like “high academic demands” and “difficulty with the ins and outs of the job.”
Taking appropriate steps to prepare will help you avoid these pitfalls and thrive in your chosen program. With that in mind, let’s review some tips for getting prepared.
How to Prepare for Nursing School
Here are ten essential strategies to prepare for your nursing program:
- Choose the right nursing degree program for your needs.
- Optimize your study space to minimize distractions.
- Develop and practice good study habits.
- Strengthen your organizational skills
- Focus on mastering concepts — not just memorizing facts.
- Set yourself up for success with a healthy diet, proper sleep habits, and regular exercise or movement.
- Create a support system of friends, family, and peers.
- Familiarize yourself with the Nursing Code of Ethics.
- Consider joining professional and student associations for nurses.
- Keep yourself up-to-date on the latest developments in your field with medical journals and continuing education.
1. Choose the Right School and Program
With so many options to choose from, it’s important to find a nursing program that fits your needs. Here are a few key points to consider when you’re evaluating potential programs:
- Do you plan on becoming a full-time or part-time student?
- Are you interested in an accelerated program? What does your ideal timeline from enrollment to graduation look like?
- Would you rather attend classes online, in person, or a hybrid of both?
- What are your budget considerations, and what grants or scholarships are available to you? How much is tuition, and what about additional expenses for textbooks, meals, and commuting, or room and board?
- How many of your credits will transfer if you plan on transferring from another school or program?
- What aspects or niches of nursing interest you most? For example, are you more passionate about emergency care or pediatric care? Mental health or public health?
Considering these factors can help you better understand the course of study you want to take and how long it will take to complete. Additionally, understanding what financial resources are available to you can help you determine if you may need to work while attending nursing school part-time, or if your financial situation and present responsibilities will allow you to accommodate a full-time course load.
2. Make a Study Space
Creating a dedicated study area is essential for success in nursing school. Set up a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions. While you may sometimes need your phone to study, you can set it to “Do Not Disturb” mode to block incoming non-emergency calls, texts, and other notifications.
Make sure you have a comfortable chair and desk, and keep all of your necessary materials within reach. You may even want to consider a standing desk for greater comfort. Other additions that might help you focus include blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and/or quiet music.
However, you decide to arrange the space, this designated area will help you focus and stay organized throughout your study sessions.
3. Build Strong Study Habits
Now that you’ve finished setting up your physical study space, it’s time to get to work practicing your mental study habits. Here are a few tips for studying more effectively:
- Plan. Create — and commit to — a manageable study schedule that you can consistently stick with.
- Experiment. Try out different study techniques, such as active recall, spaced repetition, and solo vs. group study sessions.
- Target. Set concrete, specific goals and objectives, like the number of pages you’ll read or the length of time you’ll study.
- Explore. Determine whether you’re predominantly a visual, verbal, aural, or physical (kinesthetic) learner, which can help you choose study methods that are a good fit for your natural strengths and aptitudes.
- Rest. Remember to take occasional breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout. Give yourself rewards when you hit milestones or achieve goals.
4. Get Organized
Staying organized translates to more successful time management in nursing school. For example, you’ll need a planner where you can record and prioritize assignments, tasks, and to-do’s. Most planners cost less than twenty dollars, but that small investment can translate to a big impact on your efficiency.
If you’d rather use digital tools, there are countless apps and online resources designed to help nurses track assignments, exams, and clinical rotations. Some examples of helpful apps for nurses include:
- Caring Village
- Epocrates
- LactMed
- Medscape
- Pedi QuikCalc
- Pedi STAT
- UpToDate
Here are a few other accessories and supplies that will help you get (and stay) organized:
- Separate folders for each of your courses
- A durable backpack that can hold your books, notebooks, and course materials
- An organizer belt or scrubs pocket for small items like pens
- Multiple colors of pens, highlighters, stickers, and sticky notes
- A timer that’s separate from your phone, so you won’t be tempted to start checking apps
Whether you take a more high-tech or low-tech approach, be sure to create a consistent system for managing and labeling your notes, textbooks, to-dos, and study materials. For example, consider color-coding based on priority level and course.
5. Prioritize Understanding Over High Grades
Nursing school demands highly developed critical thinking skills. You need the ability to analyze data, read between the lines, and piece clues together — sometimes while under intense stress and pressure. That’s why you need to prioritize deep understanding above good grades.
While maintaining a high GPA is important, remember to always focus on truly absorbing the material and concepts being taught, rather than simply memorizing facts. Engage actively in class discussions, ask questions to clarify any uncertainties, and reach out to your professors if you’re struggling with a unit or concept.
6. Set Yourself Up for Success
Prepare for the challenges of nursing school by cultivating good habits early on — not just when it comes to studying, but also when it comes to protecting and maintaining your health. Try to stick to a nutritious diet, get proper sleep every night, and incorporate physical movement or exercise into your daily routine. As an aspiring healthcare professional, you already understand how critical sleep, diet, and exercise are to function and feel your best. Do not neglect these basic needs.
If you’re having trouble getting quality sleep — something more than 60% of college students experience — consider exploring these online wellness resources, which can help you improve your sleep quality by managing stress and anxiety. You may also be interested in learning about National University’s commitment to student wellness and mental health.
7. Build a Support System
Shifting from high school to an undergraduate nursing program, or transferring in from another college or university, is a major life transition. It helps to surround yourself with supportive people who understand the unique challenges and demands of nursing school.
Connect with your classmates, join virtual or on-campus study groups, and seek guidance from mentors, alumni, and experienced nurses. Having a strong support system can provide emotional encouragement and practical help when you need it most.
8. Review the Nursing Code of Ethics
Before you enroll in a nursing degree program, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Nursing Code of Ethics, which is free to read online.
The Code is a set of professional standards and guidelines that, as the American Nurses Association (ANA) explains, serves as “a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession.” It touches on a vast array of topics in healthcare, including COVID-19, public health, regulatory advocacy, telehealth, safe patient handling, and more.
Understanding the ethical principles contained in the Code will guide your decision-making and behavior as a nursing student and future healthcare professional. As you read through the Code, reflect on how these ethical standards align with your personal values and commitment to patient care.
9. Consider Joining Student or Professional Nursing Associations
Look into joining professional or student nursing organizations, such as groups like:
- HOSA (formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America)
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (ΣΘΤ)
- The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS)
- The American Nurses Association (ANA)
- The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
- The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA)
These organizations — and many others like them — offer valuable networking opportunities, access to resources for healthcare workers, and insights into the nursing profession. Becoming a member of HOSA, the ANA, or other organizations that you qualify to join can enhance your learning experience and provide you with a broader perspective on nursing.
10. Stay Informed and Educated
Graduation isn’t the end of your education. Throughout and after your program, it’s important to proactively seek out information so that you can stay current on the latest developments and trends affecting your industry.
Here are a few of the best ways to keep up with the latest developments in healthcare and nursing:
- Read peer-reviewed nursing journals like the American Journal of Nursing (AJN), the Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN), and Nursing Ethics (Nurs. Ethics).
- Attend nursing webinars or conferences when your schedule permits.
- Stay updated on changes to healthcare legislation and policies.
- Consider following social media accounts, podcasts, or YouTube channels that create relevant content.
Online Nursing Programs Offering Flexible Night and Weekend Classes
National University is proud to be the first academic institution in the world to receive Planetree International recognition for integrating person-centered principles into our healthcare curriculum. Additionally, our nursing programs have earned WASC and CCNE accreditation.
If you’re looking for an accredited nursing degree program that gives you the flexibility to study nights, weekends, or online, consider applying to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program at National University. Nursing programs we offer include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership (DNP)
- Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Alongside our graduate and undergraduate degree programs, National University also offers a range of professional nursing certificates, including the Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner and Graduate Certificate in Nursing Quality and Safety.
Take the first step toward your new career in nursing today. Contact admissions for program details, or start your application online.