Starting Nursing program need any advice/tips

ILUVERNSG, MSN, RN · Aug 2, 2017

Get a head start on on your assigned reading in the textbooks. (There is ALOT!)

Sit at the front of the class.

Take great notes or record the lecture if allowed.

Have a positive attitude.

Meet with your instructors regularly after class with questions and for advice. Don't wait until you fall behind.

Stick with the winners. Only study in the group with the brightest students who have a good grasp on content.

Be prepared on clinical days with your research and care plan. Impress your instructor.

Your uniform should be pressed and immaculately clean, always wear your name tag, shoes should be clean and white, always look professional.

Invest in a good stethoscope and put your name on it.

Hair should be neatly cut or tied back, tattoos covered, no unnatural colored hair, etc. Impressions matter, they really do.

Never come to class or clinical late!

Practice, practice, practice your clinical skills in the lab. This will give you confidence.

Before skills testing remember to BREATHE. It's normal to feel nervous here. You can do this!

NCLEX test question books are really great for practicing test taking skills and reinforcing key concepts.

Going to the LIBRARY to study will force you to focus on the work you need to do. You won't have the distractions of home, kids, spouse, etc.

Nursing school is tough and demanding. Take time for yourself to de stress when needed and recharge.

You will encounter "difficult" instructors. It's just a fact. Learn how to deal with them and meet the objectives.

Nursing is a wonderful but tough profession. You will have wonderful days and some bad ones here and there. Just learn from your experiences and do your best not to repeat any bad decisions. No one is perfect!

Good luck to you as you begin your journey into a profession I still love after 28 years!