5 Tips For Managing (and Surviving) Nursing School Stress

From the experts that know, we have helpful techniques for how to survive nursing school.

Jump to the 5 Tips

1. Study
2. Manage your time
3. Find your passion
4. Network like crazy
5. Have personal time

It’s no surprise that nursing school is not only challenging to get into, but once you’re in, the real stress has only just begun. Surviving the entire nursing school process can often feel daunting and overwhelming. From classwork to clinicals, there’s an enormous amount of pressure that runs parallel with the pursuit of having a career in the nursing field.

Any tricks, hacks, techniques, or “how-to’s” you can find are definitely worth checking out. You never know what information might be sticky enough to become your new positive learning habits. 

Why is nursing school so stressful?

Nursing school is academically demanding, with students juggling multiple classes and assignments simultaneously. The coursework is often complex, and students are expected to master a wide range of topics, from anatomy and pharmacology to patient care and communication.

Nursing school also involves significant hands-on clinical experience, which can be emotionally and physically taxing. They often require students to work long hours in high-pressure environments, caring for patients who may be critically ill or in pain.

Students also struggle to balance the demands of nursing school with their personal lives. Many students have family responsibilities, jobs, or other commitments that make it difficult to devote time and energy to their studies.

How to Survive Nursing School: 5 Tips

These five simple tips from our friendly educational experts have been said to reduce nursing school jitters, increase confidence, and keep you in the game:

1. Study.

Just like with one of the top fears/ phobias in the world (public speaking), the main way to reduce such anxiety while increasing your confidence is to be prepared. 

Whether a test, presentation, or being observed by an authority in your field of study, being fully prepared will give your confidence the boost it needs by knowing you have retained the necessary information. 

This crucial action alone will calm your nerves, giving you a real advantage over procrastinating classmates choosing not to do the same.

2. Manage your time. 

When faced with multiple tests, exams, deadlines, assignments, and many expectations from your instructors, it’s vital that you take ownership of your time. While we all have different time management styles and keep ourselves in a system or routine, there’s no “right” way to create a schedule. 

So the most effective way to establish a solid routine for yourself is by creating a customized system that works specifically for you. Simply setting the goal always to stay ahead of your educational demands will effectively reduce any unnecessary, and additional, stress.

3. Find your passion.

There are so many facets to explore within the nursing field, that even minimizing your career objectives to “nursing” alone could dismiss the key foundational aspects you might find to be your truest passion. 

From pediatrics to aesthetics, it’s truly necessary to lean into all nursing elements and options that bring you real excitement as you move through your classes and clinicals. These passionate understandings may evolve or change as you learn and grow closer to your career goal in the medical field – and that’s totally okay.

The real objective isn’t to pick your career in your first week of classes, but to stay engaged with the aspects that truly ignite your passion.

4. Network like crazy.

In all reality, you could throw a rock and accidentally hit someone who’s been enrolled in a nursing program or is currently working in some facet of the field. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet them. Reach out, ask questions, and utilize every moment they’re willing to share with you.

The wisdom of another who’s been through the same process is truly priceless. If anything, simply because they’re living proof that you can also make it through nursing school to find yourself in the career you’re working diligently toward.

5. Have personal time.

You matter. Your mental and physical health are genuinely just as important as the grade you receive on your final exam. So, if you don’t already have a hobby, you can use it as an outlet – make it happen. Whether physical, creative, or not at all related to nursing, find one quickly.

This could be yoga, rock climbing, painting, knitting, cooking, or even gaming. just as long as it allows you to do something that provides you with joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment. allow for those necessary moments of separation from the looming pressures of nursing school.

We Live to Help Nursing Students Become Rockstar Nurses

While nursing school can be a challenging and stressful experience, it’s important to remember that it is also a rewarding and fulfilling profession that makes a significant difference in the lives of others.

Always remember that this path is yours to walk. So embrace the resources available for traveling this journey with less stress, more confidence, and a real opportunity to truly find yourself in a fulfilling career you love, while serving and helping others. 

SimpleNursing will always have your back… so follow us, keep in touch, and let us know what you need to feel confident in this brave new venture.

Find out how we make nursing school easier for stressed students.