Make all arrangements in advance. Nursing programs require students to complete academic credits and earn real-world experience. Students must complete certain coursework requirements before being admitted to higher level courses.
Read the course descriptions closely. Note exactly when each class is offered because some classes may not be held in certain semesters. Map out a plan of completion to make sure you can take the courses you want.
Finalize all fiscal arrangements before you attend school. All grants and loans should be in place before you start attending classes. Some nursing programs may not allow you to register unless you have paid all fees.
Join a student nursing association to gain access to support from your fellow student nurses and from nursing faculty. Some nursing programs have student nursing associations on campus. If you can't find one on your campus, you can join the National Student Nurses Association.
Set long-term goals. Look beyond the horizons of your nursing program. Imagine yourself working as a nurse and earning enough money to support yourself while caring for patients. If you are studying to be a licensed practical nurse, think about what kind of job you want five years after your graduate. If you are attending a registered nursing program, think about getting additional training and licensure after you finish. Focusing on long-term goals will make it easier to cope with any momentary setbacks in your nursing program.
Maintain good health. Eat at least five servings every day of fruits and vegetables. Emphasize whole grains in your diet. Your nursing program likely has a school cafeteria where you can get healthy lunches. Look for low-fat items that have protein to help you concentrate during the day. Many programs also have on-campus gyms. Take advantage of this by exercising in between or after classes at least twice a week.
Join a study group. Study groups allow you to interact with your peers as you learn new material together. A fellow nursing student may understand a certain concept well and can help you understand it better. If you don't have a group on campus, try organizing one by contacting your fellow nursing students and setting up a time to meet each week.
Stay organized. Organization allows you to be on top of the the nursing program's demands. Create individual folders for all your nursing classes. Each folder should contain a list of materials necessary for the class. The folder should also contain a list of assignments and when each one is due. Write a checklist of daily, weekly and semester tasks you must complete and check off each one as you finish it.