Nursing is one of the most demanding healthcare professions in the United States. According to recent studies, there are three times as many registered nurses as physicians. This demonstrates the importance of nurses in healthcare. However, while nursing is a gratifying career, becoming a registered nurse is not a walk in the park.
Professional nurses work in diverse settings and play essential roles in patient care and disease prevention. However, those studying nursing have tons of information they need to master. To have the ability to collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary care team successfully, you need to be exceptional.
In other words, nursing studies can be overwhelming and confusing for the student. There will be times when you feel that there is too much to learn within a short span. Maybe your present strategies are not working, or you need more insights on coping with the demands. Here are some expert tips on how to succeed as a nursing student.
- Prioritize Self-Care
The demands of nursing school can cause stress and negatively affect students’ overall health. According to recent data, there is an urgent need for the improvement of the health and well-being of nurse practitioners. The nursing profession is demanding, and most practitioners tend to place the needs of the patients ahead of their own.
Self-care is one way to ensure your needs are met and that you remain healthy and motivated. It is the deliberate activity people do to provide for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As a student nurse who spends hours caring for others, meeting your needs is critical. Proper self-care will reduce stress, improve your ability to show empathy, and enhance the quality of care you deliver.
There are several ways to practice self-care, including avoiding stress and coping during challenging times. Create and maintain a healthy social support system you can turn to when facing a hard time. Also, practice positive reframing, where you try to find the good in experiences.
- Get Quality Sleep
Most college students underrate the importance of quality sleep for their academic performance and general well-being. However, recent studies show that sleep affects various aspects of our lives, including academic performance and memory.
According to research, students who sleep about eight hours each night can focus more during their studies. As a result, they are better able to remember concepts and generally report superior academic performance. Sleep is also essential as it reduces fatigue and the risk of costly mistakes.
While most people understand the importance of sleep, most nursing students still struggle with insufficient sleep hygiene. Try to get at least eight hours of quality sleep each night. This may mean creating a routine to help you fall asleep faster.
Also, avoid taking caffeine or watching television close to bedtime. Then, avoid using your bed for non-sleep-related activities like studying or eating. Finally, don’t stress about assignments, as you can quickly get professional writing support online. There are many companies offering nursing capstone support on the internet.
- Eat Healthy Food
Eating the right food is vital to nurture our brains and remain focused and healthy. However, according to research, most nursing students are not making healthy meal choices, with obesity and overweight issues growing among this population. Eating right helps you maintain healthy body weight while providing the nourishment you need to keep up with daily college activities.
Create a food budget and plan your meals, including healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Also, drink lots of water to keep yourself energized and avoid consuming sugary drinks. If possible, prepare your meals and watch your portions.
- Understand Your Learning Style
Different students possess different styles of learning or methods of retaining new information. There are four main learning styles, auditory, visual, read or write, and kinesthetic. While most people know how they learn best, it is often surprising when students discover their predominant learning styles.
Knowing your preferred learning style helps to keep you efficient and productive. For example, maybe you are a visual learner who thrives by sight. If that is the case, tools like flowcharts, symbols, and diagrams are ideal when studying and trying to understand information. On the other hand, auditory learners should prefer attending lectures, participating in group discussions, and listening to podcasts.
This article highlights a few insights for nursing students on how to thrive in college. First and foremost, work on your time management skills and prioritize self-care. This means eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Schedule study time and allocate periods for breaks and unwinding.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team
