To say nursing school is a challenging experience is a massive understatement. For millions of BSN students who enroll in a Bachelors of Nursing program, the harsh reality of what it takes to become a nurse is far more tasking than they imagined. While there’s no way to simplify this intense degree program, there are several tips you can follow to help transform this from a stressful experience, into one capable of helping you achieve your dreams of working as a Registered Nurse. Here are some BSN student tips for success and less stress.
BSN Student Tip #1 | Focus on Time Management Skills
Regardless of your RN program, time management is imperative for any bachelor’s degree program. However, when it comes to preparing for a career as a Registered Nurse, time management plays an even greater role than other careers. Therefore, now’s the time to refine your time management skills.
Some of the most effective tips when it comes to time management is breaking your day into compartmentalized blocks. Once you do this, you can then decide what tasks need to go into what time block based upon importance and urgency. Don’t simply block off time for school and your work as a CNA or Nurse, but for every part of your day (including sleep). While this may seem strict, doing so allows you to clearly see what needs to be completed when, and also ensuring your schedule time to decompress after a serious study session or intense exam. Talk with a BSN student who is further along in the program to get some helpful tips for time management.
BSN Student Tip #2 | Refine Study Habits
Think you’re excellent at studying? While many people feel their study habits are just fine, the art of studying is rarely mastered. You should focus your energy on not only studying, but learning how to do so smartly. Here are several effective methods to help boost your efficiency and productivity without demanding hours upon hours of time (remember, you should live your life in blocks):
- Effective Study Blocks – One of the biggest misconceptions is studying for four hours straight is the best method. Not only does this cause you to reach an exhaustion point, but when dealing with complex subject matters, such prolonged study sessions aren’t the best method for recalling what you learn. Rather, break a four hour study session into more easily managed blocks. If possible, spread your study sessions throughout the day in one hour blocks.
- Eliminate Distractions – Tired of spending hours of studying? Maybe it’s not the complex material you’re learning that cause you to study for so long, but rather, how you study. Turn off all electronic devices, including your social media, and remove all unnecessary items away from your desk.
- Perform Self-Quizzes Often – One of the most effective ways to not only boost your study efficiency, but also to refine your study habits, is to quiz yourself. Not only does this solidify information you just learned, but it offers immediate feedback regarding whether your current study methodology is effective or detrimental.
Be Realistic – When creating your schedule, be realistic with the amount of time an assignment or study session may take. There’s nothing as frustrating as scheduling 2 hours for an assignment, when in reality, it takes six. If anything, give yourself more time than necessary and find another BSN student you can study with. This is a powerfully effective way to keep your motivation strong
