What Nursing Students Should Know When Pursuing Their Degree

This content was produced in partnership with Archer Education.

Studying nursing is a challenging yet rewarding process that requires dedication, time management and perseverance. From selecting the right program to juggling didactic and clinical training, nursing students must be prepared for the academic intensity of their education. Additionally, an understanding of career opportunities, developing sound study habits and building a professional network can make an enormous difference in long-term success. This article provides essential information on what nursing students should know as they progress through their degree and prepare for a successful healthcare career.

Choosing the Right Nursing Program

Deciding on the right nursing program is one of the most important decisions aspiring nurses will ever have to make. Students must consider accreditation, program length, cost and clinical training opportunities. Some will opt for traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs, but others will opt for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) if they already hold a degree in another major. Online and hybrid programs can also provide flexibility for students who must work and who have family responsibilities. Researching faculty qualifications, student support services and NCLEX-RN pass rates can help students make informed decisions about their education.

Career Opportunities for FNP Graduates and Their Benefits

Pursuing an FNP degree such as this post masters FNP program available online in Illinios offers the entryway to a wide range of healthcare career paths. FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses that offer primary and specialty care to patients throughout the life span, making them an asset to a range of healthcare settings. Graduates are working in private offices, hospitals, community health clinics and telehealth. Most FNPs choose to specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, or women's health to tailor their careers to specific patient populations. Also, FNPs are more independent than registered nurses, typically ordering tests, writing prescriptions and developing care plans. As the demand for primary care providers grows, FNP graduates are well-equipped to find strong and lucrative healthcare careers.

Balancing Academics and Clinical Training Effectively

Nursing students must juggle school work with clinical hands-on training, so a balance between theoretical schooling and practical training is essential. While lectures and tests offer foundational knowledge, clinical rotations give you real-world experience in caring for patients. Being well-organized with a study regimen, following through on clinical assignments and actively interacting with instructors and preceptors can make a huge difference. It is essential to also engage clinical training with the right attitude, ask questions and seek feedback from experienced nurses to build skills and confidence.

Time Management and Study Skills

Time management is one of the most significant skills for nursing students, as they must balance demanding coursework, clinical hours and personal responsibilities. Prioritizing, creating a structured study schedule and avoiding procrastination can enhance academic performance. Active recall, spaced repetition and study groups are a few of the effective study techniques that can be applied to memorize challenging information. Using nursing textbooks, online course websites and practice exams are a few of the methods to have a thorough approach towards learning course material. Developing disciplined study habits early creates the foundation for success in nursing school as well as in professional practice.

Clinical Experience in Nursing Education

As valuable as classroom education is, practical experience is critical to the attainment of clinical competence. Nursing students learn by doing through simulations, laboratory training and clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings. These experiences allow students to practice patient assessment, medication administration and emergency response under supervision. Exposure to specializations such as pediatrics, critical care, or surgical nursing can help students choose a career path. Maximizing the opportunities for hands-on learning through full engagement builds confidence and prepares students for the realities of nursing practice.

Burnout and Stress

The pressures of nursing school can generate stress and burnout and self-care is an essential part of academic success. The long study hours, clinical rotations and exam prep can be overwhelming, but good stress management can improve mental and physical well-being. Exercise, mindfulness and taking the time to unwind can avoid burnout. Discussing concerns with peers, professors, or academic advisors can also provide relief during stressful moments. Early identification of the symptoms of stress and taking proactive steps to deal with them maintain students' motivation and engagement with their goals.

Building a Professional Network

Networking is an important aspect of career development for nursing students. Developing a relationship with classmates, faculty members, clinical instructors and practicing professionals in health care can result in employment opportunities, mentoring and professional development. Nursing conferences, student groups and participation in professional groups such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) are opportunities for students to develop useful connections. Attending nurses who practice in specialized fields of interest also provides an insider's look at different careers and specializations. A strong professional network supports personal and long-term career success.

Licensure Exams

Writing the NCLEX-RN exam is the final step in becoming a registered nurse and being well-prepared is imperative. Nursing students must be aware of the format of the test, practice NCLEX-style questions and study key concepts on a regular basis. Study guides, NCLEX prep courses and writing full-length practice exams can all contribute to increased confidence and preparedness. Time management during the test is also critical, as the NCLEX is written using adaptive testing to assess a candidate's knowledge and decision-making skills. Developing a solid study plan and utilizing available resources can significantly increase the chances of passing on the first attempt.