Getting into and going to nursing school is such an exciting accomplishment. You have started the beginning of the rest of your life, and the time you spend now will adequately set you up for years to come. So, of course, you want to do everything right to ensure victory. Whether you tend to flourish or struggle in an online setting, here are helpful tips and tricks for succeeding in online nursing school.
Get Connected
A valuable tip for succeeding in online nursing school that no one tells you is to connect with your classmates and professors. When you are online schooling, it is not as easy to reach out, so you will have to make more of an effort—but there is so much potential for opportunity. When you link up with others, you can create online study halls, group chats for emotional support and socialization, and you have the opportunity to know your professors on a more personal level.
Get Experience
With online nursing school, you will learn the bulk of your coursework through a distance teaching platform, but you must earn your clinical hours in person to practice as a nurse. Nonetheless, you can never have too much real-life experience; therefore, you should take additional certifications to better your skills. Consider enrolling yourself in an IV administration training program. Getting an extra accreditation, while not required, will enhance your IV drip skills which are valuable training you will use for years to come, especially since a large bulk of your nursing will involve IV administration.
Get Real
With online schooling, your university is entirely in your bedroom, which anyone would find intimidating. You do not have the physical structure of your school to keep you in check, which may be a struggle as you must take on that responsibility. But being your own is not as daunting as it seems, and there are many options here.
You can schedule your days on the hour or have more of a rough guideline. Nonetheless, scheduling allows you to ensure you are getting enough sleep and leaving time for yourself. Moreover, try to set aside a physical area where you will complete your coursework, and if you can make that space permanent, that’s even better. As you continue your schooling, whenever you sit in that assigned spot, you alert your mind that it is time to work; this helps you establish a better school/life balance.