Learning how to be successful in nursing school is a must for future students. While nursing school is rewarding, it can be challenging; knowing how to overcome those challenges is key.

If you are not sure how to prepare for nursing school, this is the guide for you. Below, we will explore preparation steps and lifestyle adjustments that could help you reduce stress and excel in your nursing degree program.

Whether you are an aspiring nurse exploring nursing programs in Phoenix or your first class starts in two weeks, we are here to help you succeed in nursing school.

Academic Preparation for Nursing School 

First, let us explore how to academically prepare for nursing school by refreshing your knowledge on pertinent topics and preparing for the nursing coursework.

Refresh Your Knowledge in Key Subjects 

Before your first nursing course starts, consider reviewing subjects like:¹

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Math

A strong foundation in the sciences is critical for any registered nurse—especially one pursuing an advanced degree.

To review and self-study, you can use your own notes and past exams from previous courses, enroll in review sessions offered by your program, or check out online resources designed for nursing school prep.

Familiarize Yourself with Medical Terminology

While you will learn nursing vocabulary and other essential academic skills during your program, you can give yourself a headstart by familiarizing yourself with common terminology before classes start. Nursing school requires a lot of memorization; with a few terms already under your belt, you will have fewer flashcards to shuffle.

To self-study, try turning to:

• Books – Stedman’s Medical Dictionary and The Merck Manual are two go-to sources of nursing concepts for professionals.
• Apps – Quizlet can help you make flashcards for memorization exercises.
• Khan Academy – Offers a dense repository of lessons and practice questions.

Nursing Programs

How to Be Successful in Nursing School: 8 Tips 

Now that we have covered how to prepare for nursing school, let us explore tips for nursing students in your first year to help you succeed once classes and clinical rotations begin.

#1 Practice Time Management and Organization

Managing time wisely and staying organized is critical for nursing students. Luckily, there are tools that can help:

• Time management tools – Leverage your smartphone’s calendar app, a physical planner, timers, and accountability apps to evenly divide your time between studying, clinical work, and self-care.
• Organization tools – Do not underestimate the usefulness of three-ring binders, color-coded folders, dividers, and other physical organization tools for managing classroom material.

#2 Develop Strong Study Habits 

In addition to staying organized, it is helpful to develop solid study habits. Here is a study tip: if you are not sure where to start, try a few different tactics to find your best match:

• Flashcards – Great for memorization and review
• Written summaries – Excellent preparation for long-form exams or conceptual review
• Group study – A top-tier option for mastering difficult, dense material

At the heart of all of these methods is active engagement with the material: They all require you to review the information you have learned, process it, and apply it to real-world patient care scenarios.

#3 Improve Your Communication Skills

Communication in nursing—both with patients and fellow care teammates—is critical. As you proceed in nursing school, build communication and active listening skills by:

• Asking follow-up questions
• Repeating information back to a speaker
• Using body language that signals engagement
• Empathizing with speakers and affirming their thoughts and feelings

You will likely have ample opportunities to learn more advanced communication approaches and practice them throughout your nursing program.

#4 Embrace a Growth Mindset 

Nursing school is not easy; but the challenges you face along the way will help you learn key skills, build resilience, and improve on personal weaknesses.

This is the heart of a growth mindset: the belief that your nursing skills and knowledge can (and will) improve over time if you invest in learning.²

But before you can grow and advance in your nursing career, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Before, during, and after each course or clinical rotation, take time to note some strengths you bring to the table and identify nursing skills you would like to improve moving forward.

#5 Set Realistic Expectations 

As you approach a bachelor of science in nursing program (or any other nursing degree), remember that college coursework can be time-consuming. Be realistic about the amount of time you will have (outside of class and clinical rotations) to:

• Study – Set expectations and limits for yourself when it comes to study time. Work for your allotted time, and move on when your time is up.
• Work – Many students work during nursing school. However, before you apply for jobs, get a feel for your workload while your nursing class is in session.
• Practice self-care – Budgeting time for self-care (in the form of hygiene, exercise, chores, or emotional processing) is vital for nurses. Learn to do this in nursing school to increase your future career success.

#6 Be Ready for Emotional Challenges 

You are sure to encounter stress and emotionally challenging situations during your nursing education—and during your career.

Support is key to academic success. During your program, build connections with other nursing students and devote time to reflection, emotional processing, meditation, or other stress relief practices.

You can also work with support groups to develop on-the-job stress management techniques.

#7 Invest in Essential Nursing Supplies

Be sure to budget for tools of the trade you will need for every nursing class, like:

• A stethoscope
• Scrubs
• Non-slip shoes
• Notebooks and pens
• Reference books

If you are on a tight budget, do not be afraid to turn to online networks to find deals or used items.

#8 Build a Personal Support System 

Even if your non-nurse friends and family do not completely understand what you are going through in nursing school, they will still want to support you along the way. Make sure to communicate with them about your needs, your tight schedule, and your workload—they will be able to support you best when they have information about how you’re doing.

While it might be tempting to put these relationships on the back burner during nursing school, it is important to continue nurturing them. The more emotional support you have, the easier it will be to get through tough times.

Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?

Taking the time to prepare academically, mentally, and emotionally for nursing school will help you unlock the fulfillment of this career. With the right preparation, you can start your journey with confidence and focus.

Learn more about nursing education at Alliant International University. We offer all of the tools future nurses need to succeed in their degree programs and in the nursing field.

Request more information about our programs today.

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Sources: 

1. Jean, Joelle. “What Are the Prerequisites for Nursing School?” NurseJournal. October 8, 2024. https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
2. “Growth Mindset.” Psychology Today. 2024. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/growth-mindset. Accessed November 14, 2024.