Graduate school strategies for success

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

In my experience, self-directed learning has a specific cadence to it. Preparing to meet deadlines doesn't need to be overwhelming. I went to an office product store and bought a large laminated three month calendar (the length of a school term) and plotted out what was due and when. Seeing the deliverables in that format made taking each aspect one bite at a time easier.

If your online program does not provide clinical sites for you (whether in advanced practice, education, or clinical nurse specialist), begin no later than 6 months prior to when you must turn in your site applications for approval. Dress up as if you are going to an interview. Get some inexpensive business cards (I used an online one and spent less than 30 bucks). Make a cover letter stating your objectives, concisely. Make a resume'. Carry those around with you in a file folder and drive all over the place. It worked for me for five clinical sites. Attend your discipline's local chapter meetings and network. Behave professionally.

Most importantly, take the time to take care of yourself. Meditate, exercise, eat and sleep as well as possible. You may have to forego some hobbies except on days when you are caught up and need to unwind. Take those days, selfishly, and recharge. You will survive graduate school much happier for it.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

1). DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. At all. If you have time, start an assignment. Even if it is 6 weeks ahead.

2). Cultivate habit of studying alone. The time for "teamwork" is over; as a provider, you will be expected to do things on your own as much as possible. So get there early. Get out of "study groups", whether you feel you better studying there or not.

3). (and, BTW, brick-and-mortar programs may or may not provide preceptors as well): ask everyone you are working with, whether it is mid-level, physician or even a specialty team RN. Make an impression of an intelligent, loving-to-learn individual. Join your state's NP association. Also, find sites of NP specialty associations, if such are existing where you live, and ask there.

So far, I found the theme of "preceptors cannot be found" overblown, but having backup is a very wise move.

4). If you are not there yet, get your domestic and personal issues under as much control as possible. Get all help you can if you need it. Sometimes, especially if you are in full time program, you will literally have time to study, sleep and satisfy basic your natural needs. So figure out beforehand who is going to pick up kids from school and how you will survive without taking your usual January 13-weeks job-plus-vacation assignment in Southern California.

5). Visit your HR and figure out how to switch to part-time in case you need to do so, if you are going to continue working.

6). Whatever is takes, avoid moving during program. Changing preceptor mid-semester wreaks less havoc than doing that.

7). Get every chance to learn whatever you can. Consultant came to unit? Bring him coffee and the chart, and ask for a day of shadow. Taking kid to the dermatologist? Ask about day of shadow. Believe me, many will not refuse. They want referrals, and they are interested in being nice with you as with future source of them. There is no such thing as too much of a knowledge.

8). Invest in quality stuff you will need. Littmann stetoscope, ophthalmoscope, a few good quality casual pants/tops/comfortable walking shoes, labcoat, if your program requires it. Play with them early so that you'll get comfortable.

Do not freak out. It is doable, and it will pass.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

1). DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. At all. If you have time, start an assignment. Even if it is 6 weeks ahead.

2). Cultivate habit of studying alone. The time for "teamwork" is over; as a provider, you will be expected to do things on your own as much as possible. So get there early. Get out of "study groups", whether you feel you better studying there or not.

3). (and, BTW, brick-and-mortar programs may or may not provide preceptors as well): ask everyone you are working with, whether it is mid-level, physician or even a specialty team RN. Make an impression of an intelligent, loving-to-learn individual. Join your state's NP association. Also, find sites of NP specialty associations, if such are existing where you live, and ask there.

So far, I found the theme of "preceptors cannot be found" overblown, but having backup is a very wise move.

4). If you are not there yet, get your domestic and personal issues under as much control as possible. Get all help you can if you need it. Sometimes, especially if you are in full time program, you will literally have time to study, sleep and satisfy basic your natural needs. So figure out beforehand who is going to pick up kids from school and how you will survive without taking your usual January 13-weeks job-plus-vacation assignment in Southern California.

5). Visit your HR and figure out how to switch to part-time in case you need to do so, if you are going to continue working.

6). Whatever is takes, avoid moving during program. Changing preceptor mid-semester wreaks less havoc than doing that.

7). Get every chance to learn whatever you can. Consultant came to unit? Bring him coffee and the chart, and ask for a day of shadow. Taking kid to the dermatologist? Ask about day of shadow. Believe me, many will not refuse. They want referrals, and they are interested in being nice with you as with future source of them. There is no such thing as too much of a knowledge.

8). Invest in quality stuff you will need. Littmann stetoscope, ophthalmoscope, a few good quality casual pants/tops/comfortable walking shoes, labcoat, if your program requires it. Play with them early so that you'll get comfortable.

Do not freak out. It is doable, and it will pass.

With all due consideration for your valuable advice, whether the preceptorship situation is "overblown" or not, it is small consolation to the legions of posters on this site who at least weekly are reduced to pleading with strangers for assistance in this matter. At today's tuition prices this crucial area of nursing education should not be left to the luck of the draw that very often turns their quest into a low-life Vegas craps game.

And those are just the ones that we know of.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

Another key point. Don't just do the "minimum". The more you put in, the more you get out. I know several students who "just did the minimum" and struggled through clinicals and were unable to pass the boards. When your clinicals arrive...spend as much time as you can. This is where it all comes together and helps you be a better (more confident) practitioner.