Taking a nursing course is hard enough. From having to keep up with study tools and techniques to achieving the perfect life balance, it is inevitable that you will make some mistakes given the pressure and stress that comes with nursing school. Nevertheless, there’s no need for shame and despair when errors occur, as making mistakes is a universal aspect of the learning process.
As a nursing student, you may not possess the extensive experience and expertise required to adeptly navigate the medical landscape, necessitating a learn-as-you-go approach. Familiarizing yourself with prevalent mistakes made by nursing students can provide valuable insights on what to steer clear of. For those currently enrolled in nursing school, here are five common mistakes to avoid for a successful journey.
1. Not Creating a Study Plan
You will hardly get anywhere by waking up and studying whatever you come across that day. You need to have a study plan that clearly shows the time you have available and what you need to study. Typically, nursing students tend to sidestep subjects that pose challenges, opting for those that come more easily to them. While this approach might suffice for other courses, nursing involves the responsibility of handling human life, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of every facet of the curriculum.
Ideally, dedicating a minimum of twenty hours per week to study is recommended. When preparing for an upcoming exam, allocating a week to acquaint yourself with the likely test materials is advisable. If you are taking online nursing courses, you can schedule virtual group discussions with your course mates to get a feel of the traditional learning setting. Group study can help you understand concepts better as you get to learn from your peers.
2. Failing to Prepare Before Lectures
Preparing for a lecture is key to a satisfying session. Most lectures in nursing school can last for up to three hours and the last thing you want is spending three hours of your day going over concepts you have no idea about. Allocate a portion of your evening or morning routine to review the upcoming lecture material. If you encounter challenging concepts, jot down a few questions to seek clarification from the lecturer during or after the class. Familiarizing yourself with the content beforehand will facilitate a better understanding of the lecture, making it easier to grasp the concepts being discussed.
3. Not Admitting Your Mistakes
This is more common among students doing their clinical rounds. A healthcare institution is a busy place where mistakes are bound to happen but what matters is how you respond to them. Maybe you shared patient information with the wrong family member. Or you administered the wrong medication or wrong dose to a patient. Whether you’re a nursing student or a licensed nurse, recognizing and acknowledging mistakes is crucial.
Sharing the situation with your supervisor ensures that you receive guidance on the appropriate course of action. This approach is vital for fostering continuous learning and personal development. While it might lead to a moment of embarrassment or concern about potential consequences, in the worst-case scenario, you might face reprimands or stern words. However, this experience will invariably lead to a better understanding of the correct actions, facilitating improvement in your skills and performance.
4. Not Asking for Help
Nursing students often shy away from asking questions because they are worried about the impact it will have on their image. Maybe you are scared of the perceived hierarchy or you feel ashamed that you don’t know something you should know. Whatever the case, you need to know that you will be dealing with very sensitive cases once you start practicing. Making mistakes could have dire consequences and it will be worse if it is something you could have asked for help on. You can find a mentor who can help guide you through nursing school and even the rest of your career once you get a license.
5. Ignoring Self-Care
Nursing school is challenging. There is a lot of coursework to keep up with and you may end up forgetting about your personal life in the process. Stress, and even depression, eventually creeps in making things even harder than they were. Most nursing students who have made mistakes have pointed out that stress is one of the leading causes.
To prevent this, make sure you find a way to take care of yourself and switch off from your program for some time every day. Have a support system composed of your peers. They can help you work through challenging topics and serve as a sounding board when you feel stressed. Stay organized so nothing gets past you. Create a planner or calendar that includes all your classes, cats, and exams. Invest in your physical health by working out and eating a balanced diet.
Endnote
Nursing school is the one place where you can make mistakes and learn from them without worrying about the severity of the consequences. In such instances, seek out someone to confide in and take lessons from the experience. Each lesson learned serves as a building block for a promising career ahead.
