10 Tips on How to Prepare for Nursing School

If you have decided nursing school is in your future, this is an exciting time! Amid your anticipation, how can you ensure you are ready for school? Knowing how to prepare for nursing school can help you begin on the right foot.

At Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), we have a distinguished history of educating nursing students for leadership and lives of service, with a reputation for excellence in health care. In 2022, we launched our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programming, continuing this legacy and offering students the opportunity to develop clinical judgment and core skills in a state-of-the-art facility in Lynnwood, just north of Seattle.

During our 16-month accelerated nursing program, you will complete 68 credit hours over four full-time semesters. While starting the program is an exciting time, the coursework can be rigorous. These ten tips can help you organize, prepare, and inform you of the most important things to know before nursing school.

1. Write Down Your “Why”

Before embarking on the path of becoming a nurse, reflect on what you hope to gain from a nursing career.

Consider what aspects of nursing resonate with you. What brought you to this career? Maybe a nurse made a big difference in your life, or you have a passion for helping children. Whatever your reason, it's personal to you. Many people are drawn to nursing for common reasons, but your own unique story can help you stay focused as you take on the challenges of nursing school.

At PLU, caring goes beyond kindness and consideration. We produce nurses who boldly commit to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice, ensuring that the impact you make as a nurse extends far beyond individual care.

Knowing your "why" will keep you motivated throughout the journey. When you're facing a tough exam or a long study session, remembering why you chose nursing can help push you forward. Plus, having a clear sense of purpose will make writing your admission essay easier and more powerful.

2. What to Expect and Things to Know Before Starting Nursing School

Nursing school at PLU will educate you to become a competent nurse, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed for success. While you don’t need prior nursing experience before starting the program, a few key things can set you up for success. For example, understanding how your nursing school is structured and knowing what to expect from the coursework will help you prepare for the journey ahead.

In PLU’s ABSN program, you will work through the following components:

• Online coursework: The coursework delves into important nursing concepts—from pathophysiology to health assessments to managing chronic health conditions.
• Skills and simulation labs: During these onsite labs, you will develop foundational nursing skills, navigate patient care scenarios, and learn evidence-based decision-making skills.
• Clinical rotations: You will be placed in nearby health care facilities to work shifts under the close supervision of your instructors and experienced nurses. You will practice providing direct patient care across various nursing specialties, including mental health and critical care.

PLU instructors will support you as you become familiar with nursing concepts. Our thorough curriculum covers everything from health policies to psychiatric mental health and beyond.

3. Complete Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

An accelerated BSN program can save time if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits. Many ABSN programs have prerequisite and admissions requirements to complete before enrollment to ensure students have the base knowledge necessary to succeed. Before starting at PLU, you must fulfill several admissions requirements, including prerequisite courses.

Here is a list of the admission requirements for PLU’s ABSN program:

• A minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits OR a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
• Completed prerequisites with a minimum grade of B- in each:
  • Intro to microbiology with lab
  • Human anatomy & physiology I and II with lab
  • Chemistry of life with lab
  • Development across the lifespan
  • Introductory statistics
  • Nutrition in health care
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Our admissions representatives will assist you with creating a plan for completing any requirements before beginning school. The ABSN program has three start dates each year, so you can begin soon after finishing your prerequisites.

4. Build a Strong Support System

Nursing school is a challenge. Having the support of those closest to you will make all the difference. We recommend sitting down with your partner, family, and closest friends to explain why you are pursuing a nursing career. Let them know that you will need to focus on studying during the 16 months of the ABSN program and ask if they are willing to help you.

How loved ones help can look different for everyone, from bringing a meal to sending you an encouraging message to helping care for your children. Most importantly, having people to talk with and open up to will be essential to maintaining your mental health during nursing school.

5. Plan Your Relocation

If you are relocating to another city to attend nursing school, such as PLU’s ABSN program near Seattle, preparing for your move ahead of time is essential. Even though part of the ABSN program is completed online, you must live within a commutable distance of the Lynnwood learning facility to attend required in-person nursing labs, clinical rotations, and exams.

If possible, visit the area before moving so you can find housing, get acclimated to the city, and visit the ABSN learning facility in person.

Here are a few things to consider when relocating for nursing school:

• Find an apartment or home near the ABSN facility.
• Ensure you have reliable transportation to the ABSN facility and clinical rotations.
• Plan how and when you will move your belongings to the city.
• Arrive with a few days to settle in and unpack before the ABSN program begins.
• If you have children, figure out the details for school or childcare.

For PLU students, Seattle’s Link light rail stops within easy distance of our satellite ABSN learning facility.

6. Organize Your Finances

Nursing school is an investment in time and financial resources, and making a financial plan before you begin the ABSN program is vital. Our program is a full-time commitment; we do not recommend that students work during it because you will be busy with your studies. Therefore, finding other ways of financing your education is ideal. It is also helpful to make a budget, as this helps you know what to expect.

For more information about paying for nursing school, check out our curriculum page or contact an admissions representative for a more thorough breakdown of our program costs.

7. Prepare Mentally and Physically for Nursing School

Maintaining good lifestyle habits will be essential for your wellness throughout nursing school. The key to habits is consistency. Therefore, starting before heading to school will make it easier to continue once you begin.

Here are a few of the habits to consider implementing as a way of preparing for nursing school:

• Consistent sleep schedule, aiming for seven to eight hours per night
• Healthy eating habits, focusing on foods with a mix of healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbs
• Daily time outdoors for fresh air and sunshine

Following these tips can help, but you may also need to check in with your primary healthcare provider, especially if you have any chronic health conditions like diabetes that require ongoing management. Make a plan to stay on top of your health as you learn to look after the health of others. Additionally, be sure to get any vaccinations you need as part of your preparation.

8. Strengthen Your Time Management Skills

One of the most important things to know before nursing school is how to practice good time management. Time management involves balancing your time well and using your time wisely. Create a weekly schedule with plenty of time to complete your assignments and study for classes and the NCLEX – RN Exam — once you’re nearing graduation.

While working on assignments and studying, do your best to avoid procrastination. Eliminate as many distractions as possible, such as by silencing your phone, blocking social media sites from your browser, and asking your household members not to disturb you until your study period ends.

9. Connecting to Peers

One of the most valuable strategies for preparing for nursing school is reaching out to your future classmates. As your start date nears, you will discover who else is in your cohort. It is worth taking the time to get to know them before the busy nursing curriculum begins. As you embark on this challenging yet rewarding journey, these people will be by your side, so forging good relationships from the start will be valuable.

10. Schedule Wellness Appointments

Always remember that your health and wellness are the top priorities. Only when you are mentally, emotionally, and physically well will you be able to make a positive impact as a nurse. So, before you get busy with school, take time now to see your healthcare provider, get your dental cleaning, consult your optometrist, and visit your therapist. Being proactive about your health will take a weight off your shoulders when school begins and ensure you are in tip-top shape as you embark on this new educational path.

Learn More About Nursing School at PLU

Are you ready to begin the path to becoming a nurse? At PLU, our accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree in as few as 16 months. Our goal is to develop confident nurses who embrace people as they are and are committed to making a positive difference.

Contact an admissions representative to learn more about whether the ABSN program is the right fit for you. Now is the time to make your nursing career a reality.