The New Year is the perfect time to set goals for the year ahead. As a nursing student, some of your resolutions may be focused on advancing your studies and your career. To boost your chances of being successful, choose resolutions that are attainable and will motivate you to keep going. Here are five to consider:
- Improve Your Study Habits
If you stressed yourself out last year by procrastinating on projects and put off studying until the last minute, make a plan to do better in the future. Consider joining or even starting a study group. The accountability and support you can gain from your peers are invaluable. Also, carve out a set time to review your notes so you don’t have to cram for an exam. Studying in smaller bursts can help boost retention and comprehension. And, if you’re struggling with a section or concept, don’t be shy about seeking help. - Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
If you will be graduating this year, get ready to enter the job market by updating your resume to reflect your current skill set and education. You can also start writing a cover letter to include when you apply for jobs online. If you need help, be sure to contact your campus’s career services department for tips. - Find a Mentor
A good mentor will help you navigate the next steps of your career and provide advice so you can avoid unnecessary mistakes. Your mentor could be a favorite instructor, a student who is ahead of you in the program, or someone you met during your student nursing clinical experiences. You might even consider becoming a mentor yourself and mentoring a new student. When you give back, you also receive by expanding your network and seeing the industry from a fresh perspective. - Grow Your Network
Set up your LinkedIn profile and start networking. Connect with your instructors, fellow students, and the people you meet, while you gain experience in your clinicals. And as you’re building your network, you can also ask for letters of recommendation from your teachers and mentors, as well as ask for permission from people you may want to use as references. - Work Smarter
Make the most of every learning experience. Even if you are in a rotation that may not be the perfect fit, make a point to learn processes and procedures that can help you in the future. And when you are working as a student nurse, work smarter rather than harder. Learn from your preceptor the things you can do at the beginning of your shift that help you be a better nurse and provide your patients with your full attention. Doing unnecessary work can cause stress—and nobody needs that!
If you’re not yet a nursing student, Fortis can put you on the path by providing you with a great education. Click here for more information on our nursing programs or call us today at (855) 436-7847 and speak to one of our career counselors.