The school has returned for nursing students of all levels. Whether you are working towards your associate’s degree or a master’s degree, every student has to deal with an adjustment period. It can take a while to get back into the rhythm of things, after months of rest and relaxation. To make things easier for you, we have gathered a list of back-to-school tips and tricks to help you start the school year right.
Set a Consistent Routine
Setting a daily schedule or routine offers a host of benefits for HCP students. It provides structure to your school week, as you are never going to be at a loss for what you need to do next. When you have a consistent checklist, you reduce the risk of forgetting to do something (whether it is an assignment or an important task) and cramming later as a result. In the long term, you will experience less stress and will become a more productive individual over time. With less of a mental burden, you experience better mental and physical health over time.
You can establish when you eat breakfast, leave the house for your classes, study, do your homework and more. It does not have to be rigid. You can adjust your schedule based on your needs and priorities, at a given time. If there is a big test or assignment coming up, then you allocate more time towards that. As long as you are following the basic structure, you will reap all the benefits of a daily routine.
Find a Good Place to Study
Healthcare students have a lot on their plate. They need to memorize and internalize countless complicated concepts and apply them practically in the medical field. To do this effectively, you want a dedicated space for studying, in your home. It has to be organized, quiet, and removed from any potential distractions. This is why you want to study far away from your entertainment devices, like your computer or your gaming console.
If your house is noisy for reasons beyond your control, then you have alternatives. You can study at a nearby library or coffee shop, provided they have Wi-Fi. If you have a friend, try asking if you could study at their place for the night. Failing all this, you can put on your headphones and play soothing music in an attempt to block out any and all distractions. Find whichever works best for you, at that time.
Do Not Cram
Cramming is a zero sum game. Attempting to catch up to days or weeks of studying will leave you tired and stressed out, and can potentially burn you out over time. In addition, people who cram may end up passing, but the knowledge does not internalize and they generally perform worse in comparison to their contemporaries.
Instead of cramming, you want to stay on top of your studies to the best of your capacity. Read the material of your lesson the day before your classes cover them, and complete all your assignments on time.If you feel especially industrious, you can even study material well in advance. You may make mistakes with this self-guided study, but this can all be cleared up during classes.
Reach Out to Your Classmates
No student is an island, and that includes nursing school. Healthcare is a very team-driven industry, and you will not make it very far if you cannot work well with others. In addition, friendships are a valuable part of the school experience and spending time with them can help you unwind, after a particularly tough week of school. Do not be afraid to reach out, and make an attempt to connect with your peers.
You will not be close friends with everyone, but that is OK. A close inner circle of friends will naturally develop, and you can maintain a good acquaintanceship with everyone else. Organizing study groups with friends can allow you to bounce ideas off of each other, and assist one another with material that you are collectively struggling with. Making friends is also a good way to establish connections and networks in the healthcare industry. The list of personal and professional benefits is endless.
Take a Breather
You cannot study effectively in an empty tank. Do not hesitate to provide yourself with a break in between study sessions. Scheduling naps, a lunch out with friends, or even indulging in your hobbies once in a while is totally fine. When you get back to work, your mind will be well-rested and refreshed. Provided it is in moderation and not at the expense of your productivity, then a good break may be just what you need for some mental clarity.
When you accomplish something with your studies or professionally, do not hesitate to reward yourself either. As with breaks, you do not need to go all out all the time, but some indulgence once in a while will do you good.
