I’m not sure which is worse, nursing school or the first year of nursing. 😅 They’re both stressful and heavy in their own ways. In school, you’re trying to balance the course work + clinicals + personal life. In the post grad world you’re trying to balance the emotions + long 12’s + personal life.
So how do you balance it all? It took some time but I have found some things that have helped me stay calm and less stressed during both college and my first year of nursing.
I’ve had several messages from you requesting me to cover this topic so here we go!
For the nursing school student:
- Buy a planner. At the beginning of the semester, go through each syllabus and clinical schedule and write everything down. Staying organized was so helpful with making sure I was turning assignments in on time and showing up to clinical at the right time!
- Don’t make a 4.0 your goal. The goal is to pass nursing school and pass the NCLEX. Learn the material to care for your patients, not for that A.
- Find your person. This ones important. Mine was my roommate and we scheduled clinicals together, kept each other accountable, studied together and encouraged and motivated each other.
For your first year of nursing:
- Ask questions!! Yes, technically there are dumb questions. But not in the nursing world. You have people’s lives in your hands and it’s your job to know how to take care of them and what to look for. If you don’t know ASK. Don’t be afraid because not knowing can cause you to make mistakes. It takes a lonnng time to feel comfortable and know what to do.
- Find a report sheet system that works for you. Your report sheet can be your lifeline during your 12 hour shift. Everyone has their own way of writing patient’s information, history and medications down. I like to use one piece of paper for all of my patients so everything is in one place for me to refer to. Find what works for you.
- Focus on the positive. Some shifts can be bad and crazy and nonstop. Emotions run high when you’re taking care of sick patients and it can be so emotionally draining. Focus on the good and try your best to stay positive.
For both:
- Make time for your workouts. I know, you’re tired but trust me on this. You will feel SO much better after spending time moving your body and sweating. Endorphins make you happy! I tend to workout 5-6 days a week and make my rest day the last day of my shifts for the week. My body is exhausted by that point and I hardly have any energy. During school, I cut my studying in half and went for a run to clear my head before returning to my notes.
- Eat well. Plan ahead of time. Your meals, snacks and grocery lists. A well rounded nutritious diet is important to give you the energy and immunity to get through school and your long shifts. Pack your own food so you’re not tempted by the unhealthier options around you!
- TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Most important of all, self care. Whether it be watching endless episodes of your favorite show, spending time with your dog or favorite person, getting chips and guac, reading a good book. Whatever it may be DO IT. Take care of your mental health. You can’t be expected to take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
- Compression socks. They help prevent varicose veins, DVTs and hurting feet after long shifts. They’re 100% worth it.
I feel like there’s so much more that I could add but these are just some highlights that came to mind! I hope you find them helpful and know you can do it! ☺️ Goodluck!
**If there’s any more nursing related topics you’d like me to cover just let me know! I’m happy to help you in any way I can!**
