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Back to School Guide for Nursing Students

It’s that time of the year again. Summer is coming to a close, the leaves are turning, and you are beginning to spend your money on books instead of bathing suits. Whether you can’t wait to get back to the daily grind of studying and late nights, or you wish summer would last another three months, you need to be ready for that first day of class. Make the most out of the first semester with our helpful Back to School Guide.

Get in the Right Mind-Set

Whether you spent the summer lounging on the beach, volunteering for the Red Cross, or waiting tables at your local diner, you probably didn’t spend a whole lot of time thinking about classes, books, and term papers. Now is the time to get back into “school mode.” Here are four ways to start thinking like a student again:

1. Read Up on the Latest Nursing News. To start thinking like a nursing student again, reacquaint yourself with the most up-to-date nursing news. Did you hear about the nurse who is battling cancer while remaining at her job? What do you think about the fact that doctors can refuse abortions? Should the government be able to limit contraceptive information?

You peers and professors alike will be impressed with your knowledge of the latest nursing news, and keeping up with the times will help create a pattern that will turn you into a better nurse in the end.

2. Cut Out the Trashy T.V. You spent the summer watching re-runs of “Grey’s Anatomy”, but that doesn’t exactly have anything to do with being a student. Turn off the TV, or substitute your usual two hours of “I Love New York” for an hour of “Hopkins,” the new mini-series on Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Turning off the boob tube will leave more time for studying, office hours, of volunteer work – all of which will benefit you more than finding out who gets kicked off the latest reality show.

3. Meet Your Professors. Many professors hold office hours even before classes begin. Make the extra effort to introduce yourself, ask questions, and show your interest in the class. Your professor will remember you, and you will be taking the first step toward acquiring the all-so-important reference.

4. Start a Study Group. Never underestimate the power of networking! Post a flyer or send an email about starting a study group before the class has started. A study group can not only help your through the class, it will also guarantee that you have familiar faces on the first day.