How do I make friends in nursing school?

[licensedpnurse, LPN]

It sounds like a silly question, right? Maybe it is, but I'm honestly not good at making friends--I am great at talking to people at work because it's sort of my job to be friendly/cheerful/funny, but at school I am just myself and its like I don't know how to talk to people. I do get anxious in new environments/social events, so I know that's a big factor, but it bothers me that I'm so good with people at work as "an employee" but not at school as "me." It usually takes me a little while to be comfortable around new people and actually open up to be able to laugh and joke around/be myself.

I start nursing school in a new town where I don't know many people--none in my school, and its a small town so they likely know most people in the program--and I know it wold benefit me to have people to learn and study with, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Wiggly Litchi]

Just be yourself, and don't feel put off if certain classes feel a bit clique-ish.

Usually I'll greet people as they walk past me to their seat - Doesn't have to be much, but a "Hi!" and a smile goes a long way on a Monday morning when everyone's worn out from studying all weekend.

People might be a bit guarded for the first week or so, and that's cool - my patho class is incredibly clique-ish, but it's cool since a lot of folks built their social circle in previous classes that they'd taken together.

People will let their guards down in time - just be approachable, don't be scared to greet folks, especially if you make eye contact. Bonds take time to form, so don't sweat it :)

[FutureNurseInfo]

Honestly, I do not care for friends in nursing school. I am, however, professional and will do what it takes to work in collaborative groups. But other than being a classmate, I would not bother if I make friends with them. As an adult learner I learned, in school making friends always leads to drama.

[caliotter3]

Always be the "go to" person when others need something and you will have many friends of the variety who will use you for what they can get from you. Otherwise, learn to be self-sufficient and get yourself through nursing school. Worry about friends in your personal life, not your work life. At this point, school is your work, so don't expect work mates to go out on limb for you, or your company. That way you can't be disappointed.

[BAY AREA RN, BSN]

just walk up and say hello, ask do any one want to start a study group. im for sure everyone one else feels the same way.

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

Often making nursing school pals just naturally happens. Usually with the people you sit next to each class. You are going to spend lots of time with these people, more sometimes than with your family. And, usually they are the only people who understand what you are going through b/c they are going through it too. Don't go in there the first day expecting a friend, but, be friendly, engage in conversation & don't just keep to yourself. Think you'll form friendship pretty naturally if you give it a bit of time

[TruvyNurse]

Just be yourself. Chat people up. You're all in the same boat.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

My philosophy on making friends is to return friendship to people who offer it. If someone snubs you, just don't think about that person.

Stay true to your values. Some people will go away for that reason. For example, some people will approach you about cheating. Just say no and don't bother with those people. Cheating is the worst mistake you could make in nursing school. Worse than making zero friends.

Study hard, excel and people will want to study with you. Be nice to all of them and be independent enough to let them all in to a study group with you. Don't think of a study group as a necessity for you to do well, it isn't. Don't limit your group to a certain number in an attempt to control it. Just let stuff happen the way its going to happen.

[Hijabi Nurse BSN RN]

I'm not even sure how I made friends in nursing school. I'm like introverted and I didn't go in with the goal of making them. But I think the best way to do it is to be open. Like, I am introverted but I did keep myself open in a way during clinicals because it was such a small group. I think it was during that time is when I really clicked with others.

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

Study groups!!