The first year of nursing school is usually an exciting—although challenging—time for prospective nurses. It lays the foundation for a successful nursing career and all of the rigors that come with it.

What tips for nursing students’ first year adventures can help improve their chances of success? Preparation, organization, and self-care can all be game-changers for nursing students.

This guide dives into what these approaches look like, and how they can help you excel during your first year of nursing school.

Nursing Programs

Essential Tips for Nursing Students: First Year Success

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and struggling to adjust? Or perhaps you are still wondering how to get into nursing school? Check out these tips from current nursing students and experienced nurses.

#1 Get Organized Early and Stay Organized 

As early as possible—ideally, before your nursing program even begins—create an organizational system that works for you. Lean on popular tools like:

• Digital apps (like Evernote or Google Calendar)
• Notebooks designed for educational purposes (like those made for Cornell Notes)¹
• Color-coded folders and index card holders

#2 Prioritize Time Management 

The second nursing school tip is to get a planner. It will help you tackle one of the most difficult tasks for any college student: time management. During nursing school, you will need to balance:

• Study time
• Clinical hours
• Personal time

To prevent burnout and stay on top of tasks, devote certain blocks of time to specific activities. For instance, devote one hour after classes each day to work on assignments. Once that hour is up, move on to another task.

#3 Build Strong Study Habits 

The first year of nursing school is the perfect time to build strong study habits. What you learn in nursing school covers subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and patient care techniques. That is a lot of information to memorize.

Depending on your learning style (auditory, visual, or written learning, for example), you can try out study tactics like:

• Flashcards – Flashcards are great for entry-level classes that require memorization of material.
• Practice exams – Turn to online or school-supplied practice exams to test your knowledge and get acquainted with nursing school testing materials.
• Teaching material yourself – Find a study group and take turns teaching course content to each other as a review activity.

#4 Make Self-Care a Priority 

During your personal time, try your best to disconnect from school- and work-related tasks and focus on self-care: a practice that will help you prevent burnout, protect your mental health, and maintain momentum throughout your nursing program.

Whether you devote time each day to your exercise routine or commit to a daily meditation regimen, carve out some time for yourself to prevent overwhelm.

And, when you notice signs of burnout (like irritability, lack of enthusiasm, and fatigue), devote a little more time to self-care than usual to recover.

#5 Form a Study Group or Support Network 

Community-building is critical for nursing students, and study groups are just one way to connect with your peers.

Aside from nursing school graduates, your fellow classmates are the only people who can deeply relate to your experience. They can help you work through challenging material, prepare for exams, and simply process the workload of a degree program.

If you are looking to enhance an existing support group, consider enlisting the help of a nursing mentor or upperclassman to gain additional insight.

#6 Get Comfortable Asking Questions 

Nursing school is an investment. To get the most out of your education, you should ask clarifying questions if you do not understand a topic or skill. This is the time to gain a solid grasp of both theory and practical nursing skills—the classroom environment is much less stressful than the clinical setting.

When seeking clarity, make sure to:

• Visit professors, advisors, and mentors during their office hours
• Schedule appointments with your school’s tutoring center
• Explore online resources for nursing students (your university may have some)

#7 Embrace Clinical Experiences with an Open Mind 

Speaking of the clinical environment, do your best to prepare for your first experiences with patients and experienced nurses:

• Review relevant material
• Reinforce soft skills (like empathy and communication)
• Prepare your stress management approach

Finally, keep an open mind when heading into your first clinical experiences. Even in challenging situations, these hands-on learning environments are sure to be some of the most valuable during your nursing education.

#8 Develop Communication Skills 

Communication is referred to as a “soft skill” in nursing, but it is one of the most important qualities of a nurse. During your first year, hone in on skills like:

• Building rapport – Find ways to start and sustain conversations with people from all walks of life.
• Communicating clearly – Before replying to an email or speaking, consider how your message could possibly be misinterpreted and adjust your phrasing as needed.
• Resolving conflicts – Learn how to engage with empathy and an open mind during professional disagreements.

#9 Embrace Flexibility and Resilience 

Nursing school (and the nursing profession at large) is sure to present unexpected challenges, schedule changes, and stressful scenarios. To embrace these, you will need to be:

• Flexible – Shake off your preconceived notions and expectations and learn to go with the flow.
• Resilient – Mistakes and challenges are part of the learning process—embrace discomfort and remind yourself of your sticktoitiveness.

Remember that you are not in this alone. You are getting an education alongside fellow students, you are being guided by experts with the answers you need, and there are nurses who can help you navigate the most difficult parts of this experience. Your resources should be a source of strength.

Embrace the Journey and Build Your Future with Alliant 

Take each of the above tips to heart; with preparation, support, and self-care, you are sure to have a strong first year in nursing school.

Looking for a program that will nurture your nursing skills and help prepare you for the field? Turn to Alliant International University; our nursing programs are designed for newcomers and experienced professionals looking to grow.

Learn more about our nursing programs in Phoenix.

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Sources: 

1. “Cornell Note-Taking – The Best Way to Take Notes, Explained.” Goodnotes. June 3, 2024. https://www.goodnotes.com/blog/cornell-notes. Accessed November 14, 2024.