How to prepare for nursing school
Here's what you should consider when getting your advanced degree
Are you an experienced nurse looking to enhance your career with an advanced nursing degree and occupation?
Advanced nursing careers such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist offer the chance to deliver specialized care while influencing healthcare policies and taking a leading role within your organization.
These roles require a high level of expertise and training, which is where an advanced nursing degree comes into play. Working toward an online nursing degree may seem daunting, but this article provides helpful tips and recommendations to make this journey more manageable and less stressful.
Preparing to obtain an advanced nursing degree
As you begin your path toward an advanced nursing degree, it's helpful to consider the program duration and how to prepare for other challenges of this process.
To start, consider the significant time commitment associated with pursuing an advanced nursing degree so you can plan accordingly. Here's how long nursing school can take for varying degrees1:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 48 months
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: 18-24 months (plus MSN and BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing: 18 -24 months (plus BSN)
To prepare for the time commitment and challenges of nursing school, it can be beneficial to create a detailed schedule, set aside dedicated study time, and discuss the upcoming changes with family and friends.
Time management is another challenge to account for, as you'll have to balance coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities. Consider using digital planners and organizers to keep on track. Plus, brush up on your effective study skills, such as active listening, efficient note-taking, and thorough research.
Lastly, consider professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and networking with nursing professionals.
Importance of Mentorships and Professional Networking
Mentorships, collaboration, and peer support are essential elements in advanced nursing education. Mentors provide more than just academic support; they also instill confidence, offer guidance, provide a wealth of knowledge from years in the field, and help learners navigate academic and professional hurdles.
Before starting nursing school, students can begin building these relationships by finding potential mentors or joining relevant professional organizations during the preparation phase. Professional networking and peer support can also be beneficial, especially if you are planning to pursue a higher-level degree online.
Connecting with like-minded professionals can open the door for knowledge sharing, collaboration on projects, emotional support, and lifelong connections in the field. Furthermore, connecting with peers can enhance vital soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Before you start online nursing school, you can network with peers in virtual settings. For example, you can join discussion boards, social media groups, online webinars, virtual conferences, and other digital forums. Plus, many online programs offer virtual mentorships and student associations to aid in networking and collaboration.
Cultivating healthy work-life balance for nursing school
During your preparation for nursing school, it's crucial to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-school-life balance to navigate your advanced nursing education successfully.
Establishing healthy habits and routines in advance can make the transition to nursing school smoother. In nursing school, you'll have to juggle coursework, clinicals, and other projects while keeping up with personal responsibilities and professional development. Here are some tips to help you manage stress and anxiety as you gear up for an intensive yet rewarding advanced nursing education2:
- Maintain a routine
- Develop healthy eating habits
- Get quality sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Spend time in nature
- Form a strong support system
- Practice mindfulness
- Use breathing techniques
Considerations for online nursing school
Online nursing school appeals to many students because of the added flexibility, different learning formats, and potentially lower cost.3
To prepare for the unique aspects of online learning, prospective students should familiarize themselves with the technology, set up a dedicated study space, and practice time management skills. Online nursing school offers flexibility that on-campus learning does not, such as the ability to attend class from anywhere with an internet connection, recorded lectures to watch more than once, and simpler scheduling for virtual group work.
Online nursing schools also offers online discussion groups, downloadable learning content, and digital tools that can vary the format to fit your learning style. Lastly, online nursing school can cost less if you aren't paying for room and board or transportation costs.
Integrating Advanced Education into Professional Practice
Working toward an advanced nursing degree is a major decision that requires a significant investment of time and resources, so it's important to align your academic pursuits with your career goals to ensure a worthwhile nursing school experience. So, if you plan to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, you'll want to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing. However, a doctoral nursing degree might be better for you if you prefer to teach at the university level or work in nursing research.
Additionally, leveraging your real-world application and critical thinking skills as a nurse can greatly enhance your learning outcomes in nursing school. For instance, you can relate theoretical concepts to their practical counterparts to deepen your understanding, analyze complex concepts, contribute valuable perspectives, and reflect on previous experiences.
Begin Your Journey Toward an Advanced Nursing Degree
Embarking on a path to an advanced nursing degree can unlock better career opportunities and expand upon your existing nursing skills. If you're ready to transform your career by attending online nursing school, let our enrollment advisors help you start the journey.