10 Things You Should Know As an Aspiring Nursing School Student

Here are “10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student,”. You should know how to manage time well, how to choose a quality nursing program, what study strategies really work, how to approach clinicals, how to build resilience, how to use evidence-based practice, how to ask for help, how to balance life and school, how to prepare for licensure (such as NCLEX), and what your professional identity entails.

In this article, I will walk through each of these 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student, explaining in practical, down-to-earth ways how you can apply them. The goal is to provide you with a strong foundation, so you can begin your journey prepared, confident, and well-informed.

Things You Should Know As an Aspiring Nursing School Student

1. Understand the Demands of Nursing School & Time Management

One of the first things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is that nursing school demands are steep. You will have theory classes, labs/simulations, clinical rotations, quizzes, exams, care plans, group work, and reading. According to the American Nurses Association, success in nursing school requires that you don’t just memorize facts but truly understand concepts to apply them in real-world care settings.

As a result, time management becomes your lifeline. Let me break this down into practical steps:

• Treat study like a job: Block out specific study hours each day (or many days) and make them non-negotiable. Don’t leave it to “whenever I have time.” Many successful nursing students schedule study blocks just like shifts.

• Use a planner or digital calendar: Mark all due dates, exams, lab times, and clinical assignments. Also, plan buffer time for review, rest, and unexpected delays. Seeing everything in one place helps.

• Prioritize tasks: Not all tasks are equal. Some assignments or exams will count more toward your grade. Identify high-impact tasks (care plans, major exams) and make sure you give them enough time.

• Break things into chunks: Instead of trying to study an entire chapter at once, break it into sections and set small goals (“I’ll read 10 pages, do 5 questions, then rest”).

• Avoid procrastination: The pressure builds quickly in nursing school. Delays magnify stress. It’s better to start early—even if it’s just 30 minutes per day—than cram at the last minute. Many nursing tips resources emphasize that consistent, spaced study beats last-minute cramming.

• Include breaks and self-care time: You cannot sustain intensity 24/7. Build in short breaks, days off, and “recharge” time. This helps prevent burnout, which is common among nursing students in clinical settings.

To sum up: knowing how demanding nursing school is—and planning to manage time—is one of the most essential things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

2. Choosing the Right Nursing Program and Accreditation

Another key point among the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is how to pick a quality nursing program and ensure it is accredited. This choice will deeply affect your education, licensure, and career prospects.

Why accreditation matters

A nursing program’s accreditation is proof that it meets certain standards of quality. In the U.S., accrediting bodies like ACEN (Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing) and CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) evaluate nursing programs.

If your program is not properly accredited:

• You may not be eligible to take the nursing licensing exam (e.g., NCLEX).

• Employers may not recognize your degree.

• Transferring credits to other institutions may be difficult.

So when reviewing nursing school options, always check whether the program is accredited by recognized agencies.

What else to look for in a nursing program

• NCLEX pass rates: Many schools publish the percentage of graduates who pass the licensing exam on the first try. A high pass rate suggests the school prepares students well.

• Clinical affiliation and sites: You want a program that gives you access to good hospitals, clinics, and varied patient populations. The more exposure you get, the better.

• Faculty qualifications: Are the instructors registered nurses with advanced degrees or clinical experience? Do they engage with research or professional practice?

• Support services: Check whether there are tutoring, mentorship, simulation labs with modern equipment, and academic advising.

• Class size and student-faculty ratio: Smaller class sizes often mean more personalized attention and better feedback.

• Curriculum structure and flexibility: Does the program offer night, weekend, or online options? Are some required courses offered regularly?

• Cost and financial aid: Consider tuition, fees, scholarships, and whether the school offers financial aid. Also, check whether your program’s cost is reasonable relative to what similar quality schools charge.

• Reputation and alumni outcomes: Where do graduates of this program end up working? What specialties do they go into? What is the reputation among local hospitals and healthcare settings?

When you combine accreditation status with these other factors, you get a clearer idea of which program will best set you up for success.

Read Also: How Long is Nursing School in the US, UK, and Canada?

Thus, knowing how to choose the right nursing program and ensuring accreditation is a crucial part of those 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

3. Develop Effective Study Strategies and Learning Style Awareness

One of the most practical 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is that how you study matters as much as how much you study. Understanding your learning style and using evidence-based study strategies will make your time more efficient and your learning deeper.

Know your learning style

Many resources (e.g., nursing school tips guides) encourage you to explore your preferred learning modalities, such as the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic).

• If you are a visual learner, use diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and color coding.

• If you are auditory, record lectures (if permitted), explain concepts aloud, or use podcasts and discussions.

• If you are read/write, rewrite notes, make flashcards, and use lists.

• If you are kinesthetic, use hands-on practice, simulations, and physical movement tied to content.

By tailoring your study methods to how your brain works best, you can improve retention and understanding.

Active learning and spaced repetition

Rather than passively reading textbooks, use active learning:

• Summarize concepts in your own words.

• Teach someone else (or pretend to teach).

• Create and answer practice questions (especially NCLEX-style).

• Use case studies and apply theory to “real” patient scenarios.

Pair active learning with spaced repetition: revisit material at intervals (e.g., after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, etc.) rather than cramming. This enhances long-term memory.

Use study groups and peer learning

Study groups can help in several ways:

• Exposes you to different perspectives or explanations.

• Allow members to quiz each other.

• Keep you accountable and motivated.

If your initial group doesn’t work well (e.g., not dependable or off-track), it’s okay to find or form a better one.

Integrate practice questions early and often

Most nursing exams, and the NCLEX, include scenario-based or critical thinking questions rather than purely knowledge recall. Using practice questions early helps you:

• Get used to the format.

• Identify weak content areas.

• Develop test-taking strategies (e.g., elimination, reading the stem carefully).

Aim to do questions regularly—not just right before an exam.

Review after class and daily

Right after a lecture, spend 5–10 minutes reviewing your notes and summarizing new points. This helps cement learning and catch gaps. Many nursing success guides emphasize such “immediate review.”

Use mnemonics, visuals, and concept maps

For dense content (like pharmacology, anatomy, labs), mnemonics or vivid visuals help. Drawing concept maps also helps you see how pieces interrelate rather than isolated facts.

Putting it all together: knowing how to develop effective study strategies aligned with your learning style is one of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

4. Prepare for Clinicals and Hands-On Experience

Another essential among the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is how to approach clinical placements (or hands-on care). Clinicals are where theory meets real patients, and many students find this transition challenging—but also rewarding.

What to expect in clinical rotations

Clinical placements often happen in hospitals, community clinics, or long-term care settings. You’ll:

• Perform assessments under supervision.

• Administer basic care (vitals, hygiene, mobility, etc.).

• Observe and assist nurses with procedures.

• Document patient interactions, care plans, and reports.

• Engage with interprofessional teams (doctors, therapists, etc.).

Because real patients are involved, you will need to be responsible, professional, and cautious.

How to prepare before going to clinicals

• Read ahead: Before your clinical day, review the relevant systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory) and common conditions you might see. This gives you context and helps you ask meaningful questions.

• Know your objectives: Clinical instructors usually have specific objectives for you (e.g., perform lung auscultation, write a shift report). Keep those in mind and aim to meet them.

• Dress appropriately and come with supplies: Ensure your uniform, name badge, watch, stethoscope, pen, and notebook are ready. Appear professional.

• Be on time and punctual: Clinical schedules are tight; being late not only affects your learning but also burdens your instructor or partner.

• Ask questions: Don’t be shy—asking questions is how you learn. But ask smartly: e.g., “Why is this intervention prioritized?” or “Can I watch you do a procedure?”

• Reflect afterward: After your clinical shift, review what you saw, what went well, what surprised you, and what you want to learn more about.

Challenges and coping strategies

Clinical settings can cause stress, uncertainty, and emotional burden. In a qualitative study of nursing students, themes emerged like “navigating uncertainty” and “feeling vulnerable” when doing real patient care.
To handle that:

• Mentorship and support: Seek guidance from instructors, preceptors, or senior students. Having someone you trust to talk through experiences helps.

• Debrief and share: Discuss tricky cases or feelings with peers or mentors. You’ll often find others have had similar struggles.

• Self-care and resilience: Take care of your physical and mental health. You’ll enhance your ability to stay calm under pressure.

• Reflective journaling: Write down your thoughts after each rotation. Over time, you’ll see growth and identify patterns.

Clinical tests more than your knowledge—they test your character, judgment, and composure. That’s why understanding how to prepare and adapt in clinical settings is an indispensable item among the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

5. Build Resilience and Emotional Strength

One of the hardest yet vital pieces in the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is that resilience and emotional strength are as important as academic skill. Nursing school and clinical practice put you under mental, emotional, and sometimes ethical stress. You need to develop coping strategies.

Why resilience matters

Nursing students often report feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, burnout, or overwhelm—especially in clinical settings. Without emotional resilience, it’s easy to get discouraged or mentally exhausted.

Resilience means the capacity to recover, adapt, and grow in response to challenges. It also links to self-care, social support, and positive coping strategies.

How to build resilience in practice

• Self-awareness & reflection: Regularly check how you feel. Acknowledge frustration or stress rather than suppressing it.

• Set healthy boundaries: Know when to say “no” or limit overload. Don’t overcommit beyond what you can manage.

• Use support networks: Friends, family, peers, mentors, or counseling services are not signs of weakness—these are important resources.

• Develop coping strategies: Exercise, deep breathing, mindfulness, hobbies, or journaling help you decompress.

• Learn from failures: Mistakes or misunderstandings are part of learning. Reflect on what went wrong, what you’ll do differently, and then move forward.

• Celebrate small wins: Recognize progress—even if it’s mastering a small procedure or getting positive feedback.

Read Also: Can You Transfer Nursing Schools?

By consciously cultivating resilience, you strengthen your ability to persist through the rigors of nursing school. That is why emotional strength is one of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

6. Embrace Evidence-Based Practice and Research Literacy

To be a truly competent nurse, you must not only perform tasks but also understand why you do them. This is where evidence-based practice (EBP) and research literacy come in—and this is one of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

What is evidence-based practice?

Evidence-based nursing means combining:

1. The best available research evidence.

2. Clinical expertise.

3. Patient preferences and values.

EBP ensures that care is up-to-date, effective, and safe.

Why research literacy matters

As a nursing student, you’ll often be asked to read journal articles, write literature reviews, or critique research. Being able to evaluate a study’s methodology, sample size, biases, and applicability is essential.

How to build your research skills

• Start with credible sources: Use peer-reviewed nursing journals, institutional research guides, and trusted online libraries.

• Read systematically: Begin with abstracts, then methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Always ask: Was the sample adequate? Was it randomized? Are the results statistically and clinically significant?

• Take notes and annotate: Write down strengths, limitations, and ideas for how results might apply to your practice.

• Use research in assignments: Whenever you write care plans or essays, support your rationale with citations from current studies.

• Stay current: Health care changes fast. Follow professional organizations, journals, and guidelines updates.

When you incorporate evidence into your practice, your care is more justifiable and safer. That is a major reason why embracing evidence-based practice and research literacy is one of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

7. Seek Help Early and Use Support Systems

One of the most overlooked but powerful lessons in the 10 Things You Should Know as an Aspiring Nursing School Student is that you do not have to do it alone. Asking for help early and using support systems can prevent crises and improve your learning.

Recognize when you need help

Many students delay seeking help until they are overwhelmed or failing. But early help is more effective. Recognize red flags:

• Falling grades or repeated mistakes

• Mental or emotional fatigue

• Difficulty understanding foundational content

• Feeling isolated or unsupported

Campus and program support resources

Most nursing programs offer:

• Tutoring or academic support centers

• Writing or research labs

• Peer mentors or upperclass nursing students

• Counseling services

• Office hours with instructors

Use these! Meeting your instructor during office hours to clarify concepts can prevent knowledge gaps.

Peer support and study buddies

Forming relationships with classmates not only helps academically but also emotionally. Even a small, dependable study buddy can keep you motivated and sane. Some nursing students advise: “Avoid drama at all costs. Don’t share your grades… One good friend or classmate is all you need.”

Mentors and professional networks

Reach out to practicing nurses, alumni, or faculty to ask for guidance, shadowing, or career tips. These relationships can show you realistic expectations, help you build confidence, and sometimes open doors for internships.

Use online and external resources

Use evidence-based nursing student resources such as NursingCenter and peer-reviewed journals. Also, websites like the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) are considered authoritative.

By actively seeking help and building your support systems, you reduce unnecessary struggle. That is why using supports is one of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

8. Balance Life, Stress, and Self-Care

Among the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is that your personal well-being matters as much as your academic performance. If you neglect self-care, your health and effectiveness will suffer.

Why balance is crucial

Nursing school is intense. Without balance, burnout, fatigue, stress, or mental health issues are likely. In fact, in clinical education studies, students cite psychological distress as a serious challenge.

Practical self-care strategies

• Schedule downtime: Just as you schedule study time, schedule rest, social time, hobbies, and sleep.

• Sleep and nutrition: Aim for consistent, sufficient rest and fuel your body with nutritious meals and snacks. Many nursing students emphasize having healthy snacks during study to maintain focus.

• Physical activity: Even short walks or stretching can help reset your mind.

• Mindfulness and stress relief: Breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, or even listening to music can calm nerves.

• Set realistic expectations: You won’t master everything immediately. Accept that some weeks may be harder.

• Ask for leave when needed: If you’re overwhelmed, talk to mentors or instructors rather than struggling alone.

When you protect your mental and physical health, you improve your ability to learn and care for others. Thus, maintaining balance and self-care is among the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

8. Prepare for Licensure and Exam (NCLEX or Equivalent)

One of the final critical items in 10 Things You Should Know as an aspiring nursing school student is how to prepare for the nursing licensing exam (e.g., NCLEX in the U.S., or relevant licensure in your country). Your success in school must translate into your ability to pass licensure.

Understand the exam format early

Don’t wait until graduation to think about the licensing exam. Many quizzes and assignments will mirror the exam’s style (scenario, multiple-choice, critical thinking). Use those as stepping stones.

Use practice tests consistently

Do full-length practice exams early and regularly. They help you:

• Gauge pacing and stamina

• Identify weak content areas

• Build exam stamina

• Familiarize yourself with question styles

If possible, take at least one or two full practice exams each semester.

Analyze your results

Don’t just see whether you got them right or wrong—examine why. Focus on rationales and patterns (e.g., always missing pharmacology, always picking distractor answers). Tailor your study plan accordingly.

Use test-taking strategies

Learn how to:

• Read the question stem and all answer choices carefully

• Eliminate obviously incorrect options

• Manage time (don’t dwell too long on a question)

• Flag questions to return to

• Avoid changing your initial answer unless you have a good reason

Review high-yield content

Ensure you are well-grounded in core content: pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing care plans, prioritization, and patient safety protocols.

Plan your registration and logistics

Know deadlines and requirements for registering for the exam, meeting eligibility, and setting up test dates. Missing deadlines can delay your nursing career.

By proactively preparing for licensure—and using strategies and practice tests—you significantly increase your chances of success. That’s why exam prep is one of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

9. Develop Professionalism, Ethics, and Identity

As you move through nursing school, one of the deeper lessons within the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is that you’re not just learning tasks — you’re forming your professional identity as a nurse. That includes ethics, accountability, communication, and integrity.

Understand the role and values of nursing

Nursing is a caring profession with distinct values: patient advocacy, respect, compassion, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. These are often codified in codes of ethics for nurses (e.g., by national nursing associations).

Uphold professionalism in all settings

Whether in simulation labs, clinical rotations, or class, you must:

• Be punctual and dependable

• Dress appropriately and maintain hygiene

• Communicate respectfully (with instructors, staff, patients)

• Own mistakes and seek correction

• Display confidentiality and privacy in patient care

Develop communication skills

You’ll need to communicate in many forms:

• With patients: showing empathy, listening, educating

• With healthcare teams: clear, concise, accurate reporting

• With families: conveying updates, comforting, answering questions

Work on active listening, clear documentation, and culturally sensitive communication.

Reflect on your identity and growth

Over time, ask yourself:

• What kind of nurse do I want to become?

• How do my values align with nursing?

• In challenging cases, what principles guide me?

• How will I continue to grow and learn after school?

Read Also: Can You Work as a Nurse While in Medical School in the UK?

When you consciously shape your professional identity, you transition from a student into a caregiver. Thus, cultivating professionalism and ethics is part of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

10. Stay Current and Embrace Lifelong Learning

One more of the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student is that nursing is never “finished.” Medicine evolves, technology changes, and new guidelines emerge. You must maintain lifelong learning from the start.

Why continuous learning matters

Best practices, medications, devices, protocols, and evidence change frequently. A nurse who stops learning becomes outdated. Also, many specialties require continuing education credits or certifications.

How to stay current

• Subscribe to credible journals and newsletters: Use evidence-based journals, organization publications, and academic sources. NursingCenter, Lippincott, and others provide curated resources.

• Join professional associations: Local nursing organizations provide updates, conferences, and networking.

• Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences: Participate in continuing learning opportunities. Even in school, attend seminars, guest lectures, and workshops.

• Follow guidelines, protocols, and standards: Be aware of updates to standards (e.g., infection control, patient safety) and integrate them into your practice.

• Engage in quality improvement or research projects: If possible, get involved in small projects to keep your critical thinking and inquiry alive.

By beginning your career with the mindset of a lifelong learner, you avoid stagnation and stay relevant. That is why ongoing learning is built into the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student.

Conclusion

So, if someone asks you what the 10 things you should know as an aspiring nursing school student are, here’s a summary:

1. Understand the demands of nursing school & master time management

2. Choose an accredited, high-quality nursing program

3. Develop effective study strategies and know your learning style

4. Prepare for clinicals and hands-on experience

5. Build resilience and emotional strength

6. Embrace evidence-based practice and research literacy

7. Seek help early and use support systems

8. Balance life, stress, and self-care

9. Prepare proactively for licensure/exam

10. Develop professionalism, ethics, identity, and commit to lifelong learning

Each of those is a pillar of success in nursing education and practice. By internalizing these, you give yourself a strong head start.