New nurses have to get comfortable with procedures that are tricky now, but later will be routine. Thomas Dietzel, who attended nursing school at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon, advises students to practice outside class. "Take advantage of open lab opportunities to practice your clinical skills," he says.
If you can afford to be a full-time student without working while you're in school, that may be the best move. Try to take care of yourself and not get too stressed out. Make time to eat healthy foods.
"Don't underestimate the power of a good study group," Dietzel said. If you're struggling with courses, your peers can be a good place to find support. You could also record lectures and listen to them a second time later; or even a third, if necessary.
Your instructors evaluate your presentation, hygiene and judgment as well as your test grades. Dietzel warns against revealing too much about your personal life to instructors. Keep it professional.
Think about what kind of nursing you would like to do. Talk to different people in the field to learn more about your options. You could call a local hospital and ask to shadow a nurse while she works.