10 Nursing School Tips for Success

While there’s no denying that nursing school is demanding, a career as a registered nurse offers a competitive salary, strong job security, and deep personal fulfillment. If you plan to pursue a nursing degree, you’ll need a structured plan for managing your time and completing classwork while avoiding burnout. Whether you're starting a nursing prelicensure program, earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing, or advancing your skills through a master’s degree program, the following nursing school tips can help you navigate your academic journey with confidence. 

Setting academic goals provides you with a clear plan for prioritizing tasks and managing your coursework while preserving a healthy school-life balance. This is especially important for flexible, accelerated, or online programs that require a greater level of independence and self-efficacy than traditional degree programs. Consider developing several SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals to guide your studies. Consider questions such as:  

• How quickly do I want to finish my program? 

• How many courses do I plan to finish per semester?

• How many hours a week do I plan to dedicate to coursework and clinical rotations?  

• Do I have a dedicated, distraction-free space to study for the licensure exam?

• What resources do I have for support?

Defining specific milestones and outlining how you plan to achieve them can motivate you and help you persevere throughout your nursing program. 

Understanding how your brain learns and processes information is vital to your success as a nursing student. If you’re enrolled in an online nursing program, then exploring your learning preferences is even more important since much of your coursework, studying, and exams will be completed independently. Experts have identified three main ways that people learn: auditory, visual, and tactile learning. 

• Auditory learners grasp new concepts and build skills by listening. They benefit the most from lectures, discussions, and verbal instructions, often enjoying study groups, webinars, and talking through complex concepts with others. Some auditory learners use mnemonic devices, songs, or simply reading aloud to reinforce key concepts and improve retention. 

• Visual learners absorb information through sight. They tend to learn best through text, videos, diagrams, charts, and written notes. Many prefer to study in quiet, distraction-free environments rather than in group settings or classrooms. If you’re a visual learner, consider using color-coded notes, drawings, flashcards, infographics, and other visual aids to improve your focus and recall.

• Tactile learners learn by doing. Whether it's practicing skills in a Learning Lab, participating in medical simulations, or providing patient care during clinical rotations, they need hands-on experiences to fully grasp new concepts or skills. Tactile learners should look for nursing programs that provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical settings.  

Everyone learns a little differently, and understanding your unique learning preferences can give you a substantial advantage in school. Consider whether you find it easier to remember information after reading, hearing, or practicing it hands-on. Do you benefit from discussing course material with instructors, academic coaches, tutors, or peers? Are your class notes full of highlights, underlined words, drawings, and diagrams? Are hands-on experiences most impactful to you? If you’re still unsure which learning style you most identify with, take the Learning Style Quiz to gain insights that can guide your approach to studying.

The saying “two heads are better than one” rings especially true in a nursing program. In fact, research indicates that collaborative learning enhances nursing students’ critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making, and self-confidence. Working with others can help keep you motivated and on track with your studies while holding you accountable to your goals. Study groups give you the chance to learn from different perspectives, discuss course content, compare notes, and quiz one another on practice questions. They can also be a vital source of emotional support during stressful times. If you plan to create a study group or join an existing group, consider the following recommendations: 

• Keep the group between three and five people.

• Set clear goals for each session.

• Establish a regular meeting time and location. 

• Commit to attending study sessions regularly.

• Minimize distractions and avoid off-topic conversations during study time.

• Show up prepared with notes, questions, and any resources you need during the session.

• Avoid comparing yourself to your peers, and remember that everyone learns and progresses at varying speeds. 

Earning a nursing degree can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Between the coursework, labs, clinicals, and tests, it might seem like the only way to stay ahead is to study 24/7. However, overstudying can actually do more harm than good, leading to mental exhaustion, reduced concentration, and poor retention. Research shows that rest breaks strengthen memory and recall by giving the brain time to integrate new information. Consider using the Pomodoro Technique or other interval-based time management methods to plan regular breaks where you can mentally and physically step away from studying. Anything from a walk around the block to a phone call with a loved one can give your mind the respite it needs to recharge and refocus. 

Nursing degree programs are already challenging enough, and cramming for exams or completing coursework at the last minute can make it even harder. With so many responsibilities competing for your attention, you’ll need to prioritize tasks and rely on your SMART goals to stay engaged and meet deadlines. Procrastination creates unnecessary stress and pressure while simultaneously undermining your self-esteem and drive. If you’re like most people, you know that procrastination hurts your chances of success, but you still grapple with the tendency to put things off until later. Research about why individuals procrastinate has revealed that procrastination isn't about being lazy. The behavior is more closely tied to emotional dysregulation and perfectionism rather than a lack of self-control. Experts also found that self-criticism only worsens the problem, and students should instead practice self-compassion when they find themselves procrastinating. Additionally, breaking tasks down into manageable chunks, taking breaks, eliminating distractions, and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments can help ward off procrastination and maintain your momentum. 

To effectively manage the demands of a nursing degree program, you’ll want to create a daily schedule and stick with it. Balancing academic responsibilities and personal commitments can be tough, but having a schedule can help you stay organized, avoid last-minute cramming, and improve your academic performance. If you’re unsure how to start, begin by listing fixed commitments, such as professional obligations, family commitments, and any synchronous classes, labs, or clinicals required by your program. Next, block out time for studying and completing asynchronous coursework. To make the most of your schedule, try to maintain consistency from week to week. For example, you may decide that you’ll study from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday or that you’ll review course material from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each weeknight. 

Your schedule should align not only with your responsibilities and commitments but also with your preferences and tendencies. For example, if you know you’re not a morning person, consider scheduling your study time for later in the day. If you get overwhelmed by long study sessions, schedule multiple shorter study sessions instead. Make sure to reserve time for resting, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in non-school activities such as hobbies and personal interests. As your program progresses, you can continuously refine your schedule to ensure it meets your needs and supports your goals. 

Your professors are more than just educators—they can be invaluable partners throughout your academic and professional journeys. By building relationships with faculty, you can gain access to academic support, professional guidance, first-hand knowledge of the nursing industry, and even networking opportunities. Instructors can recommend professional organizations or student clubs to join, connect you with potential mentors, or help facilitate internships or practicum placements. They may also provide letters of recommendation or references that will help you during your job search. Remember, your professors are invested in your success and want to help you be the best nurse you can be. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for support. 

In the midst of a demanding nursing program, taking care of yourself can often fall to the bottom of the to-do list. However, self-care is essential not only to your academic success but also to your physical and mental well-being. Consider the following guidelines:  

• Don't skip meals. It can be tempting to skip a meal or grab fast food when you’re busy, but not eating enough or eating poorly can lead to low energy levels. Eat regular, nutritious meals to keep your mind sharp during your program.

• Limit caffeine. While drinking loads of coffee may seem like a good way to get through the day, too much caffeine can negatively impact your sleep, concentration, and focus. 

• Incorporate exercise: Whether it's an afternoon walk, group fitness class, or simply taking a stretch break while studying, physical activity can reduce stress and strengthen cognitive function.  

• Get adequate sleep: Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but college students often struggle to meet this standard. Prioritize rest by following a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and establishing a calming pre-sleep ritual such as reading or meditation. 

Nursing students sometimes miss out on opportunities or struggle unnecessarily because they’re unaware of the numerous tools and resources available to them. Take some time to explore your university’s student services at the beginning of your program. Investigate academic support options such as tutoring services, where you can receive personalized assistance with challenging subjects, or academic coaching that can help you develop effective study strategies and time management skills. Study groups, cohorts, and other peer support communities are also invaluable resources. Groups like these foster connections that keep you engaged academically and reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, don’t overlook the library services, which often include free access to nursing textbooks and research databases. 

Career development services such as job placement programs, résumé workshops, and interview preparation resources can equip you with the skills and confidence needed to advance your career. Additionally, many colleges and universities provide mental health counseling services and wellness programs designed to support your emotional and psychological needs. 

Sometimes, students forget that help is available to them if they only ask. Students may hesitate to reach out because they worry that their questions will sound “stupid” or that they’ll be judged. Some fear being vulnerable or believe that they should be able to handle everything on their own. However, it's important to realize that asking for help is a sign of strength. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment, struggling with time management, or confused about degree requirements, don’t forget that there is an entire support system of individuals ready and willing to help you. 

The secret to succeeding at nursing school isn’t nonstop studying or perfect grades. It’s about balance. WGU’s nursing degree programs offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to earn a degree while still upholding your personal and professional obligations. Our competency-based approach enables you to complete assessments and pass classes as soon as you show mastery of the course material. This helps many WGU students graduate faster, saving them time and money. Our nursing degrees include asynchronous online coursework as well as in-person Learning Labs and clinical rotations that allow you to practice what you’ve learned in real-world situations. Whether you are just starting a nursing career path or you’re ready to advance to the next level in your career, WGU has a nursing degree program to meet your needs.