Online nursing programs require a high degree of accountability and self-motivation. If you struggle with keeping on task, try setting up an account with an accountability partner.
Find a classmate who is also taking your accelerated BSN program, and make a schedule to check in with each other weekly about assignments and exams. Studying with a group can help you retain information and answer questions more quickly.
Get Organized
Whether taking online nursing classes or on campus, setting realistic goals for coursework and studying can help you keep pace with school requirements. It’s also essential to understand how you learn best. For example, creating notecards might make studying more accessible if you are a visual learner.
Nursing students often juggle many responsibilities, including family life and work. Establishing a dedicated study space free of clutter and distractions can prepare you for the academic commitment required by a nursing program.
In addition, registered nurse online programs provide flexibility for those seeking to further their education while maintaining their current commitments.
You will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse, and many schools offer study guides to help you succeed. In addition, the body that administers the test provides a comprehensive handbook with study strategies and tips for success.
Prioritize Your Time
Managing your time and prioritizing tasks can be difficult for students in an online nursing program. With no instructor standing over them, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of assignments and forget to work on the things that matter most.
To prioritize your work, start by making a list of all the tasks you have to complete. Rank the list by importance. This will help you focus on the critical tasks rather than getting caught up in the urgent ones.
It’s also helpful to distinguish between “urgent” and “important.” Urgent tasks are those that will have a significant impact on your goals and objectives. They must be completed shortly and worked on before your deadlines.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
We’ve all experienced a restless night, making us feel irritable and not at our best the next day. However, chronic lack of sleep has serious health consequences and can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Insomnia is the most common problem reported by people who suffer from sleep disturbances. A variety of factors, such as stress, caffeine use, depression, changes in work shifts, and pain from medical problems, can cause it.
Finding a balance between school and life is essential to staying healthy and focused. To do this, you must prioritize your study time and ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some tips and strategies to help you achieve this.
Take Care of Yourself
Nursing school is intense, but it isn’t non-stop studying or perfect grades that make a student successful. It’s a combination of being able to dedicate time to your career pursuits while also caring for yourself and enjoying some hobbies outside of nursing school.
For example, many nurses enjoy reading books or catching up with friends over coffee. These simple self-care activities can significantly affect your feelings during a challenging, accelerated nursing program. Various options for registered nurse online programs, such as William Paterson University, cater to different needs and schedules.
A support system is vital to the success of an online RN to BSN program. Ask a classmate or two to be your accountability partner and check in with them during the week; you’ll be less likely to blow off studying when you know someone else is expecting a text from you.
Make Time for Studying
It would be best to trim your schedule to make time for study. Eliminating distractions such as social media, TV, and gaming will help you focus more effectively during your studying sessions. Try using apps to block distracting websites or limit how long you can spend on them.
Create a regular studying schedule, even if there isn’t an exam looming. Reading before class and attending lectures can reduce your study time for exams by reviewing material regularly. This will also allow you to learn more thoroughly and deeply versus just memorizing.
If staying on task is challenging, pair up with an accountability partner from your class or find a virtual study group. This will keep you motivated and on track to reach your academic goals.