What to expect in your first year of nursing school
Starting nursing school is the first step toward a rewarding and exciting career, but it’s only natural to be a bit worried about what your nursing program will be like. Understanding just what to expect in your first year of nursing school may help relieve some of those worries. This knowledge also helps you to plan so you can set yourself up for a successful first year of school.
What courses should I expect during my first year of nursing school?
Donna M. Nickitas, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FNAP, FAAN, Dean and Professor of the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden and Editor of Nursing Economic$, explained that your coursework will likely encompass many topics and prepare you for the more advanced courses that you’ll take later on. “Nursing students typically take a combination of foundational courses during their first year, focusing on building a solid base in science, healthcare and general education,” she said.
While the specific coursework will vary depending on your nursing program, Nickitas provided the following general overview of what your coursework might look like:
Core science and foundation courses
Nursing introduction and fundamentals
General education and supportive coursework
Health and wellness
Electives and other requirements (these may vary by program and school)
How to make the most of experiential learning opportunities
According to Nickitas, most four-year nursing programs don’t offer experiential learning—such clinical rotations, labs or simulation—during the first year of nursing school, though labs will be assigned with your science courses. That’s not to say that there aren’t ways to gain experience during the first year of school, which students should consider taking advantage of. “There are opportunities for experiential learning opportunities on campus through the Student Nurses Association Chapters, Student Government Associations and other campus club affiliations,” said Nickitas.
How to manage your time during your first year of nursing school
Time management is critical to your success during nursing school, and getting used to your new schedule while in school can be a challenge. According to Nickitas, most full-time first-year nursing students take 12 to 15 credits per semester.
It’s also possible to work while you’re in nursing school, but you will need to carefully manage your coursework with your career. Some nursing students choose to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which allows them to work in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes. Then they’re able to work while completing the rest of their schooling to become a registered nurse (RN).
Nickitas explained that some programs offer a first-year seminar course to help prepare students for a successful college experience. These courses incorporate study and time-management tips that can help you navigate your degree program. Here are some examples:
- Understand the concepts:
- Understand the context of your course material instead of just memorizing it. Since nursing exams often include critical thinking questions, rather than asking students to simply recall memorized information, you will need to fully understand the concepts and practice applying them to clinical scenarios. This preparation will also help ensure your success in real-world clinical situations when interacting with patients.
- Use NCLEX style questions:
- Use NCLEX-style practice questions early. NCLEX-style questions, which are the type of questions featured on an RN exam, have a particular format. You can use resources like test prep books or online platforms to get familiar with these questions early on, so you’re better prepared for the questions that you will see on exams.
- Organize your notes:
- Summarize your lectures and readings into concise, manageable study guides that you can more easily use as a study tool. You can also use tools like flashcards to quickly review key concepts, such as drug classifications or anatomical terms, as you study for exams
- Attend study groups:
- Study groups can provide a valuable sense of support, and you can learn from the other members of the group. Each member brings their own perspective and understanding, and that can help you all understand and explore the material more thoroughly.
- Practice time management:
- Break study sessions into manageable chunks, such as 50 minutes of study time, and then take short 10-minute breaks. Avoid cramming the night before an exam, and instead, spread your studying across several days to better prepare without feeling overwhelmed.
- Utilize available resources:
- Take advantage of the resources available to you, including tutoring, library materials and your school’s academic success centers. If you have questions about the material, attend your professors’ office hours to get clarification.
- Simulate exam conditions:
- Take timed practice tests to get used to completing a test within the given time. This strategy can help you learn to pace yourself and better manage test anxiety.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
- Nursing school is challenging, and it can become overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to seek help from faculty, peers or academic advisors.
Tips to manage common nursing school challenges
Students often encounter challenges during their first year of nursing school. Being prepared for some of those common challenges can help you navigate them.
Ways to make important social and networking connections
Social connections are important to your success in nursing school. Building relationships with your peers can give you a sense of support and camaraderie. Look for opportunities to engage with other students, such as through on-campus groups and study groups.
Networking, even during your first year of nursing school, can help you build valuable connections that may contribute to your professional success. Build relationships with faculty, as they can provide you with references and potentially connections as you work to find your first job. Attend networking opportunities, including workshops and conferences, to make more connections and broaden your network.
How to prepare for the first year of nursing school
Get the right supplies: Buy supplies—a planner, notecards, notebooks and highlighters—before you begin school. However, wait until you receive the syllabus for each class before buying more specific supplies, such as textbooks. Your syllabus will provide detailed information on the specific books and supplies each class requires. You may be able to find textbooks available online, so start shopping right away, but make sure that you buy the edition that the professor requires.
Choose the right course schedule: Many schools offer varied course schedules and formats. In fact, you can pursue nursing courses online, take courses at night or enroll in hybrid courses. Think about not only what format and schedule works well for your life and your existing commitments, but also about how you learn best. You might find that you learn more easily in a classroom setting with a hands-on approach, so look for a program that offers the course format and schedule that supports that option.
Practice self-care: It’s easy to get swept up into the busy schedule of nursing school, and there will certainly be some long study hours and late nights. But to succeed in school, you need to stay mentally and physically healthy. Find ways to include self-care in your schedule. Eat right and pack healthy snacks during long days on campus. Get in some exercise, which can help reduce stress and take time for some activities you enjoy to help you unwind, whether that’s playing outside with your kids or going for a walk on the weekend.
A successful first year of nursing school
Your first year of nursing school can absolutely be challenging and stressful, but it can also be an exciting and enjoyable time. You’ll meet other students who will become friends during your degree program, and you’ll also start learning the skills that will be invaluable to your career. With some preparation and planning, you can successfully navigate that first year of school and be better prepared for your future nursing career.
