If you’re opting for nursing, you’ll know that it’s a challenging and demanding field. Previously nurses didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. But now, nursing is recognized as one of the most formidable pillars of the healthcare system. Without nurses, administering treatments would be next to impossible.
The nurse’s role has evolved immensely over the years, and what was previously more of a caretaking role has now evolved to include diagnostics, treatments, and more. Safe to say, then, that the burden on a nurse’s shoulders is immense. Nurses have to juggle myriad daily tasks to ensure that their patients can recover fully. Moreover, they must ensure they have all the information necessary to provide the best care to their clients.
Higher education is an excellent way to ensure you have the right skills to cater to your clients. However, getting an advanced degree alongside your job can be difficult. Read below if you need tips to overcome the challenges of pursuing studies alongside work.
1. Pick the right institute.
When exploring advanced nursing degrees, you will likely find many options. Nursing is a popular program, and different institutes have programs that seemingly appear like the right option. However, closer inspection will tell you that not every program is the same. Most of these will belong to institutes that aren’t accredited or recognized; hence, opting for these programs will be a waste of resources.
Northwest Missouri State University is an excellent option if you’re looking for accredited RN to BSN programs. NSU is a recognized name in the field of medical education and offers comprehensive programs that can help you upgrade your knowledge. This university offers you an opportunity to learn from the best teachers in the field and offer your patients the best treatments when you graduate. With their accredited online RN to BSN programs, you’ll be better equipped to advance your career.
2. Don’t leave everything till the last minute
When juggling all the coursework, you might feel tempted to leave things off till the last minute. However, doing so can be seriously damaging not just to your academic performance but also to your mental health. Too much work piled on can make it difficult for you to cope and mean that tests, presentations, and other projects leave you grasping for straws.
Instead, try keeping up with your coursework no matter how busy you are. It can be as simple as focusing your full attention in class so that you’re updated on every new topic. Additionally, making notes and reviewing them at least once after class can help you keep all the information fresh in your mind. This way, you won’t feel like you have to do everything from scratch once any important deadline comes up – you’ll simply have to brush up on what you already know.
3. Figure out your learning style
Contrary to popular belief, learning doesn’t operate on a one-size-fits-all notion. Instead, effective learning requires us to understand our learning styles and move forward accordingly. While many different learning styles exist, some people can operate on a mix. Verbal learners retain information best when reading, whereas auditory learners retain it best when they hear it. Visual learners can have a much easier time picturing the information, whereas kinesthetic learners need to experience it firsthand.
Determining what works best for you can help you tailor your study sessions accordingly. Watching videos, reading out loud, making notes, or creating personal projects and experiments can help you make your study sessions much more effective. It’ll require some experimenting to figure out your learning style, but when you do, it can drastically cut down the time you take to study.
4. Have a study group
While some of us function better when we study alone, others might need some support. Nursing school can be pretty tough, and even if you’re on top of your game, there will always be something you won’t understand immediately. When that’s the case, having a study group around can be super helpful and help you go over any topics you don’t understand.
Also, study groups can help you get a different perspective on topics. You might fail to understand the full significance of a certain topic, but seeing it from your peer’s perspective can help you adjust. Overall, study groups can be a valuable source of support, especially when deadlines are looming. Your friends can help keep you in check and keep track of your studies and progress and learn how the NCLEX is scored. Moreover, it can also offer ample networking opportunities and help you develop a lasting personal and professional network. It will also help you learn how the NCLEX is scored.
Bonus Tip: Think empathetically
One of the biggest tips that can help you excel at nursing school is to think empathetically. Empathy is a successful nurse’s biggest ally. It’s what helps nurses connect so deeply with their clients. When faced with new information, process it, keeping your future clients in mind. A lot of the time, patients step into the clinic with a host of fears and doubts. As a nurse, you must present them with information you pick up in school to help put these doubts to rest.
It can include just communicating as clearly as possible with your patients. Explaining things to them, answering their questions, and addressing their concerns can help them set their fears aside and be better prepared for the treatment. When you think empathetically, you take the time to understand what’s physiologically wrong with your clients and how you can deal with their psychological issues. Doing so can help you gain much more value from your degree.
Conclusion
Higher education is essential if you want to progress in your career as a nurse. However, stepping back into school can seem daunting, and you might fail to handle the workload and pressure. These tips can help you manage yourself better and can help you make your way through nursing school without batting an eye. So, to make the most of your experience, follow these tips. Earn education from accredited institutes, determine your learning style, and participate in a study group. Eventually, you’ll be acing all your nursing exams with flying colors.
Speaks from heart, always too passionate and driven by emotions. Spins the words with kindness & sharpness, intriguing your ever-inscrutable minds.
