I Wish I Knew These While Pursuing My Career in Practical Nursing

From a past student’s perspective

The transition from high school to nursing school can be extremely challenging and scary for many nursing students. There are many things I wish I had known before entering nursing school. Now that I have completed my practical nursing course; I have accumulated some tips, tricks, and advice over the period. To help those just entering nursing school or those who are currently pursuing the course, these are my top 5 things I wish I knew when I was in your shoes:

1) Ask questions, it helps

Whether it be in lectures, during practical demonstrations, or practicum, always ask questions when you are unsure about something. Your first practicum placement can be extremely intimidating, however, to provide the best care for your patients; ask your nurse/supervisor questions when you are unsure. Asking questions will relieve your doubt; and will likely help to retain the information, thus, making it easier to recall it in the future. Your lecturers/teachers are there to assist in your learning and will always be there to answer any pertinent questions that you have; therefore, do not be afraid to ask questions when necessary.

2) Be proactive in your own learning

As a nursing student, you are responsible for your own learning, whether in a lecture, during a practical demonstration, or practicum. When opportunities arise to perform a skill, take it on, do not be shy! You may not have the opportunity to practice this skill in the future as a nursing student; thus, don’t let the opportunity pass by.  During the practicum, instead of letting your nurse/supervisor do all the tasks, ask if you could assist.  This demonstrates your interest in performing tasks; shows that you are open to new learning opportunities and eager to learn.  Do forward reading on upcoming topics in the textbooks, so you will be more familiar with the information when the lectures are being taught.   Remember, if you are not proactive in your own learning, you will be unable to maximize the knowledge learned.

3) Study groups or support groups are great to have.

Being a nursing student can be demanding and overwhelming. It is important to step outside your comfort zone and have a supportive friend group. Being in a study group and having supportive friends will help you both academically and emotionally. Everyone will not understand the stressors of being a nursing student; hence, having a group of friends that support and understands your situation is extremely helpful.

4) Do not judge yourself too harshly

Nursing school is nothing like high school, in my opinion. Do not expect to achieve straight A’s on every assignment and exam you take as you did in high school.  The workload is different and your study habits may change from what worked back then…. this is OKAY! If you did not achieve your desired grade on an exam/assignment, explore where you went wrong; and use it as a learning experience to motivate yourself to do better in your next exam. Be your greatest critic, but do not set impossible goals. Remember, your grades are not a reflection of your ability to be a great nurse. The most important part of nursing is being able to care for your patients proficiently and provide the best, holistic, patient-centered care.

5) It is important to take care of yourself

Taking time for yourself is important. Studying for exams, completing assignments, doing practical demonstrations as well as managing a social life is not easy. We often get so consumed with our schoolwork and other social activities that we forget to take care of ourselves and put our needs first.  As nurses and nursing students, our job is to take care of our patients, however, if we don’t take care of ourselves. How can we take care of others? It is so important that we include self-care activities into our routine such as taking breaks in between studies, taking a relaxing bath, or exercising to ensure that we do not get burnt out. Treat yourself to something good; it is important.