What I Wish I Learned in My First Year of Nursing School
Moving from high school to university can be really scary for many nursing students. I wish I had known some things before starting my first year of nursing school. Now, as I’m entering my fourth and final year, I’ve learned some useful tips and advice. For those starting nursing school or already in it, here are five things I wish I knew back then:
1) Don’t be scared to ask questions
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Whenever you’re unsure about something, whether it’s in class or during clinicals, ask questions. The first time you’re in a hospital setting can be intimidating, but to provide the best care, ask your nurse or preceptor when you’re unsure. Asking questions helps you remember things better, making it easier in the future. Teachers, nurses, and preceptors are there to help you learn, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Getting Ready for Your First Day of Nursing School
2) Take charge of your own learning
In clinicals, you’re in charge of your own learning. If you have a chance to practice a skill, go for it! You might not get such opportunities later on. Instead of watching your nurse or preceptor do everything, ask if you can try the skill yourself. Showing you’re keen on learning and trying new things makes a good impression. If you’re interested in a particular task, tell your nurse or preceptor so they can let you know when the chance comes up. Remember, if you don’t take charge of your learning, you won’t get the most out of it.
3) Find supportive friends
Nursing school can be tough. It’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone and find supportive friends. Having study buddies and friends who understand your stress can be really helpful, both academically and emotionally. Not everyone knows what being a nursing student is like, so having friends who get it can make a big difference.
4) Don’t be too tough on yourself
Nursing school is quite different from high school. You won’t always get super high grades like before. Study habits that worked in high school might not work in college or university, and that’s okay. If you don’t get the grade you want, don’t stress too much. Use it as a chance to learn and improve for the next time. Remember, your grades don’t show if you’ll be a great nurse. The most important thing is being able to care for patients well and give them the best care.
5) Take care of yourself
Make sure to have time for yourself and give yourself treats. Burnout is a real thing in nursing school! Balancing exams, assignments, long clinical shifts, work, and social life is tough. We often focus so much on school that we forget to take care of ourselves. As nurses and nursing students, we’re good at caring for others but forget about ourselves. It’s really important to do self-care activities like spending time with friends, relaxing baths, or exercising to avoid burnout. Also, it’s nice to reward yourself after a hard week. Reflect on what you’ve achieved or treat yourself to something nice. These little things can boost your mood. When we take care of ourselves, we can take care of patients better too.
Written by: Monique Nguyen
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