Self-care for nursing students is as essential as academics. Implementing self-care practices into your routine improves your mental well-being and ability to focus on your studies. Habits such as a healthy sleep schedule and routine study breaks are self-care tips that can help you succeed in nursing school.
Nursing school is an exciting time, but it also presents challenges. Nursing students participate in a rigorous education that prepares them for a nursing career, which requires balancing coursework, simulation labs and clinical learning experiences. Achieving success demands considerable focus, which means self-care is often low on the list of priorities. However, self-care for nursing students can be just as important as studying when it comes to effectively learning material and preparing for your future career. Implementing healthy self-care habits into your routine improves your mental well-being and decreases the risk of burnout.
Pacific Lutheran University is dedicated to facilitating your success as a nursing student. While enrolled in our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you will complete a comprehensive education and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months. Upon graduation, you can confidently take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Success in nursing school requires maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being. As a student in PLU’s ABSN program, you have support resources but must still establish personal self-care habits. Below are seven tips for self-care for nursing students you can practice throughout your educational journey.
Are you preparing to begin your nursing education? Learn what to expect in your first semester of nursing school.
1. Establish Meaningful Relationships with Fellow Students
Taking the time to forge meaningful relationships with fellow students in the ABSN program is critical to improving self-care habits in nursing school. While these connections may not directly improve your physical health, they can significantly impact your mental well-being.
You will be surrounded by students in a similar situation, all working toward earning their BSN and starting a nursing career. This shared experience can serve as a strong foundation for long-lasting friendships that will support you throughout your program and career.
Create study groups with classmates and get together regularly. Study groups are a great way to focus on your studies while building friendships. Nursing simulation labs are another opportunity to learn how to work as a team and get to know your peers.
Planning small get-togethers after completing significant projects or exams can help you unwind and strengthen friendships. These essential connections are a cornerstone of self-care in nursing school.
2. Get Enough Sleep
As a nursing student, it can be challenging to get adequate sleep; however, sleep is essential to self-care in nursing school. A full night’s rest can reduce stress and improve your mood and focus, which in turn benefits your studies.
Consistency is key, so establishing a nighttime routine early in nursing school is vital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Ensure your bedroom is comfortable, quiet and dark when it’s time to sleep.
- As bedtime approaches, avoid electronics. If necessary, remove TVs, computers and phones from your bedroom.
- Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals immediately before bedtime.
- Exercise during the day. Any physical activity you can fit into your schedule will help you fall asleep at night.
3. Maintain Healthy Eating Habits
Healthy eating habits will give your body fuel throughout the day so you have the energy to focus on coursework, simulation labs and clinical learning experiences. Good nutrition prevents illness, heart disease and diabetes. As you study how to help people lead healthier lives, you must do the same for yourself.
Choosing healthy snacks during the day—such as pairing a protein with a carbohydrate, like carrots and hummus or crackers and peanut butter—will sustain you longer between meals. Meal prepping during your free time will make cooking healthy meals more manageable when juggling a busy schedule.
Prepare balanced meals with protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. The CDC also recommends eating foods that are reliable sources of fiber, as fiber makes you feel full longer and maintains digestive health. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
4. Check in with Family and Friends
A robust support system helps you overcome the challenges of nursing school by alleviating stress and providing new perspectives. Remember to take the time to reach out to friends or family during nursing school, especially when you’re feeling pressure.
Regular check-ins are critical to self-care for nursing students. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your nursing school responsibilities, but regularly touching base with your support system outside of nursing school can remind you of why you chose this path in the first place. Friends and family can put problems into perspective or create a plan to address challenges, reigniting your drive to excel in nursing school.
5. Take Regular Study Breaks
Nursing school requires a significant amount of studying. You must consistently study for exams and the NCLEX-RN, review notes before and after classes and labs and prepare for clinical learning experiences.
While scheduling study sessions throughout your week is necessary, taking breaks is just as important. Set aside an hour each day to dedicate to a hobby or activity you enjoy, such as reading, art, physical activity or watching TV. You could also use this time to meet with friends and loved ones or play with your children (if you have them).
Carefully review your weekly assignments and responsibilities to schedule an extended break time for an activity that may take more than an hour to complete, such as a long hike. You must be flexible when planning breaks—you might not always have enough free time to dedicate to a specific hobby.
However, don’t skip planned breaks. While your studies come first, prioritize activities that improve your mental well-being during your free time. Study breaks relieve stress and prepare you for the next day.
6. Treat Yourself
Completing a nursing school curriculum requires focus and determination, but don’t neglect the small things that bring you joy. It’s essential to treat yourself to something nice.
Reward yourself after completing projects, passing an exam or simply completing another week of courses. It doesn’t have to be something large or expensive—finding a treat within your financial means is easy. Anything from a specialty coffee to a new item of clothing can boost your morale. Keep your school priorities and finances in mind as you treat yourself. Purchasing something that can be time-consuming—like a video game—may get in the way of your studies, and overextending your finances can cause unnecessary stress.
Find a happy medium and treat yourself now and then. While it may seem trivial, small rewards are an essential aspect of self-care for nursing students.
7. Connect with Student Support Professionals
Contact a faculty member to address your concerns if you ever feel overwhelmed or need academic advice. At PLU, our faculty is dedicated to assisting ABSN program students in succeeding. Enrolling in our hybrid program means you have access to our talented faculty, who can provide advice and develop a plan for success.
Students who aren’t in person for simulation labs or clinicals also have access to our online learning specialists, who can walk you through technical issues that may arise while using the learning management system. You don’t have to go through nursing school alone. Knowing when to seek assistance is essential to maintaining mental wellness in school and self-care in nursing.
Nursing school can be challenging, but earning a BSN is worth it. Read more to learn why a BSN degree is important in nursing.
Earn Your BSN with Pacific Lutheran University
Practicing self-care throughout nursing school improves your ability to focus, keep up with your courses and achieve academic success. If you are ready to enroll in nursing school and have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, then PLU’s ABSN program may be right for you.
Our ABSN program offers hybrid learning with asynchronous online learning and an on-campus option with face-to-face course instruction. This includes clinical learning experiences, skills labs and nursing simulations. Clinical rotations and simulation labs will be completed on-site.
As a student in PLU’s ABSN program, you will be supported from the moment you start the admissions process through graduation. Our enrollment advisors are available to discuss eligibility and course delivery methods to determine if the ABSN program is right for you.
Contact an admissions representative today to start working toward earning a BSN.