Greetings,
I hope all is well. I wanted to take the time to speak more about nursing school. This is the first part of my nursing school series.
If you are about to start nursing school, interested in starting it, already in it, or know someone who is, this series will help in getting you (or them) prepared.
Let’s get into it.
This post will be focusing on five things that I have learnt in nursing school. Bonus Tip: This is a period that tests you.
Whether you are doing a 2-year associates, 4-year BSN, or an accelerated program, you will experience things about yourself and others that you probably never noticed before, or if you did notice it, it may manifest on a deeper level.
Thus, in order to prevent or decrease the level of certain situations, here are somethings that I have learnt.
1
I had to be realistic. I have read that certain personalities go into the nursing field. Though I am not sure how true that is, I always knew that I wanted things to run a certain way and I aimed to place the required effort into accomplishing set goals.
Nursing school woke me up. Between the various chapters, lectures, clinicals, and finding time for self and family, I realized that it was okay to just give it my best. I would not be able to do everything, nor would I learn everything, and I had to be okay with that.
Once I started to just try and be realistic about my workload, the time I had, and what I could actually do, things became easier. It was never perfect, but I succeeded with the help of God.
2
Piggybacking from point one, I learnt the importance of working smarter and not harder.
Again, between studying, reading, clinicals, and taking care of self, I had to find a strategy that would not only help me to succeed, but I also needed one that decreased the potential of a burnout.
Every semester, I observed my new normal for a few days in order to sort out a new course of action; the materials were different and they would be brought across differently. My clinicals were also at different times and within different facilities.
I had to look for the things that remained consistent (lectures, power points, and recordings) and learn about myself (I am a morning person; the later it got, the more restless I got. This meant more studying in the mornings and more active work like quizzes in the evenings).
Things did not always work out how I planned, but I had to force my perfectionist self to realize that I placed in the effort and then left the rest to God.
Don't Be Busy; Be Productive.
3
The word “NO” is not a bad word. I had to miss out on things or put things off. It is important to realize that when you are working towards a goal, you will have to make sacrifices.
It will hurt, and you may feel left out, but whether you are doing this for 18 months, 2 years, or 4 years, it’s only temporary.
Not to mention, you will have the summer and winter breaks to do a mini-catch up.
I read a book on Test Success that spoke about this. It gave examples on how to say no: communication is a big part of it. Explain to your loved ones your goals and what they can do to help, also plan how and when you are going to spend time with them.
Additionally, become unreachable during intense study sessions. You can use the forest app or simply place your phone on airplane mode. Furthermore, place a sign on your door to let people know that you are studying/ unavailable.
** You will have to become a little more creative if you have kids. There are a few moms who recorded their nursing school journey on YouTube. Two persons that I watched who are moms include iFitNurse and Krystal Dantzler.
4
Be aware of the troubled. Do not. I repeat do not fall for the drama in nursing school. Yes, you want to be polite and sociable. However, between family, work, study material, tests, and projects, it can all become overwhelming. Be aware of those who always have drama, who always complain, or who just bring a negative vibe to the room and stay out of their way as much as possible.
If you have to work with them, be polite and do what you have to, but do not take them into your bosom so to speak.
Try to be nice to everyone while being a respectful self-advocate.
5
People will go. Because you are busy, tired, and not yourself at times, some will not understand, and they will leave. That is fine.
On the other hand, you may be the one to leave for whatsoever reason.
When you realize the loss, take time to grieve through it, explore your feelings, and move forward.
Make time for those who are important but understand that not everyone will see or appreciate your goals and progress. It’s okay if they don’t. Some people are only meant to be in your life for a season.
That is all I have for now. Thank you for stopping by.
If there is anything that you would like to share or would like me to speak about, comment below or find me on Instagram @simplayannareece.
Until next time, peace be.
~SimplyAnnaReece.
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