How to Achieve Goals As a Nursing Student

Опубликовал Admin
19-10-2016, 07:40
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Achieving goals as a nursing student is possible with planning, dedication, and lots of hard work. Aligning your goals with those of your program, prioritizing your education, and taking advantage of professional development opportunities can help you achieve your goals as a nursing student.

Setting Goals as a Nursing Student

  1. Identify your individual goals as a nursing student. This can include achieving certain competencies, taking particular courses, completing an internship in a specific field, or earning a particular grade point average. Try making a list of your individual goals.
  2. Identify the learning outcomes of your nursing program. Each nursing program sets learning outcomes, sometimes referred to as goals, that students must achieve. These differ from school to school and can include passing exams, developing qualitative and quantitative skills, completing internships, and participating in professional development activities.
  3. Set your goals. Make a list of both your individual goals as a nursing student as well as the learning outcomes, sometimes referred to as goals, your institution requires its students achieve. Use this list as a framework for developing a pathway for achieving each goal.
    • For example, if your goal is to learn safe therapeutic interventions for patients suffering from arthritis, sign up for the rheumatology practicum.

Succeeding in Nursing School

  1. Prioritize your education. It is important that nursing school is a top priority in your life. Nursing programs are intensive and you will need to prioritize class and study time over non-essential activities.
    • Try making a list of priorities like school, family, friends, exercise, etc. If nursing school isn’t within the top few priorities on your list, you may need to do some rearranging in order to achieve your goals as a nursing student.
  2. Attend all classes. Attending all classes and clinical practicums is a requirement, not an option. Missing class means missing out on valuable information and training required to perform your job as a nurse. Only miss class if you are sick or have an emergency.
  3. Set aside time for studying. You will be required to take exams and perform skills throughout the course of nursing school. It is important you set aside regular time for studying and that studying remain a priority as long as you are a student.
    • Try studying in one hour blocks. Study for the first 50 minutes and then take a 10 minute break before beginning the next study block.
  4. Find a study buddy or study group. Studying with your fellow nursing students can be a great source of support while in nursing school. Try asking a few of your classmates if they’d like to form a study group.
  5. Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Sometimes achieving your goals as a nursing student means going beyond the classroom for new learning and networking opportunities. Completing an internship or attending a conference can help you extend your network and achieve your goals.
    • For example, if you want to work as an emergency room RN and the local hospital announces an internship, apply for it!
    • If you set a goal of learning how to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations, attend a local conference on the subject.

Maintaining Balance while Achieving Your Goals

  1. Make your health a priority. It’s important to make sure that you are getting enough exercise, eating properly, and tending to any preexisting medical conditions while you are in nursing school. Maintaining your health will help your performance in school and avoid burnout.
    • Set aside time on the weekend to prepare healthy snacks and/or meals for the upcoming week.
    • Set aside time for a walk several times a week.
    • Set up an appointment with a mental health professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed. They can help you manage the stress and anxiety that often comes with being a nursing student.
  2. Take time for self-care. Nursing school is tough and it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself while you’re overloaded with homework and life’s responsibilities. Set aside time each week for an activity that recharges you, a practice that helps you relax, or habits that help you maintain your health and energy levels.
    • Soak in a long, hot bath after a long day at school.
    • Make your Saturday morning yoga class a priority.
    • Invest in supportive, comfortable shoes. As a nursing student you will be on your feet for many hours at a time.
  3. Stay connected. It’s important that you maintain connections with family and friends while studying to become a nurse. They will be an important source of support. Spending time with the important people in your life will help you stay focused and ultimately achieve your goals as a nursing student.
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