Working in healthcare can be equally rewarding and challenging, especially if it’s as illustrious as the US healthcare sector. In 2021, this sector was about $800 billion; following current trends, this number is only expected to grow. Numerous factors make this industry thrive, and the nursing body is one of them. Qualified and experienced nurses are the cornerstone of the American healthcare sector.
Still, to achieve this status and continue being imperative to the hospital you’re currently employed in, you need to pursue an advanced degree. However, this is not easy to do, and as a budding nurse, you must know what’s in store for you as you prepare to embark on this incredible feat.
To help you out, we have curated a list to make this journey easy. So here’s what you need to know as you steadily work your way to an advanced degree:
Find A Program That Fits Your Needs
Being a full-time nursing student while putting in the hours at work is not easy. It can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your degree and focus on work too. This is why you must look for a program that allows you to balance your education without jeopardizing your job. Fortunately, numerous online degrees can help you as a professional nurse. By choosing the best rn program online, you can ensure you get the skills and clinical knowledge necessary to succeed as a nurse.
Most online programs are incredibly robust; they allow you to study in a self-paced manner and make it easy for you to create a balanced and convenient schedule. Above all, most online degrees are far more affordable than traditional nursing schools, so you can save money and enjoy quality education.
Do Beyond The Bare Minimum
As a nursing student, you may feel tempted to stick to textbooks and online lectures to supplement your learning. While these two factors are a good starting point as you pursue your degree, try going the extra mile to flourish as a nurse. You should look into online nursing communities like those on Reddit, where you can have open discussions about your degree and get guidance on what resources you should use, along with a general idea of what theory and clinical knowledge you need before you graduate.
Additionally, there are NCLEX review books that you can utilize and further build your concepts. This allows you to stay well informed and updated about the strides the healthcare sector is making that are both relevant and crucial to you as a nurse.
Likewise, if your hospital is looking for volunteering nurses or needs staff to assist in high-profile cases, don’t hesitate to participate. The experiences you gain as a nurse can also provide you with a massive learning curve. You gain the upper hand over other nursing students when you allow yourself to do more than expected.
Be Smart With Your Study Habits
Studying doesn’t need to be hard work. You don’t need eight hours of continuous reading to ace your exams. As a nursing student, you will have a copious syllabus to cover. It means cramming overnight is out of option. At the same time, don’t try to waste your energy on keeping long study sessions that don’t benefit you in any way. Instead, start by figuring out what kind of learner you are.
Everyone learns differently; some students prefer audio techniques while others need visual cues, therefore, try various studying strategies and find out what method allows you to pick up the information right away. You can also space out your learning and create mind maps and flowcharts as you explore new material.
If you feel you can’t study alone and do better with a company, you should join virtual nursing study groups and cruise through your degree with your peers.
Look For A Mentor
Nursing mentors are an asset. These certified experts can help you navigate through your degree and assist you whenever you feel overwhelmed. Senior nurses have a good idea about nursing specializations and working with patients without the supervision of a senior physician. So, as an RN, find a mentor and talk to them about your degree.
Don’t forget to bring up your coursework, ask questions on what clinics you should work in, and how you can use your time to improve your work. Some nursing experts can also help you draft a research paper, peer review it and connect with your resources that can make your entry stand out. This, in turn, benefits your position as a nurse and also looks great on your resume.
Don’t Give Up
Pursuing an advanced degree can be challenging. Sometimes you may feel like giving up and find yourself stressed by the work you must do. This is all part of the journey, and you shouldn’t let a few bad days make you quit. Therefore, anytime you feel defeated, learn to pick yourself up and continue to power through. It will help if you become more proactive with your coursework.
Like any advanced degree, nursing requires resilience and stamina. Unless you’re willing to put in the work, it will be hard for you to succeed. There will be moments when you need to step outside your comfort zone to move further in your career. For this reason, it will help if you work on your interpersonal skills too. The bottom line is to continue practicing, asking questions, and motivating yourself to try.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing an advanced degree in nursing can help you become more qualified and experienced as a nurse, which is vital for your career’s growth. But before you can get here, you must understand the amount of work that goes into obtaining any advanced degree in learning.
Whether you’re looking to specialize or progress from your position as an RN, always go for degree programs that factor in your work and allow you to study at your pace. And no matter what obstacles you face and how tedious the degree may seem, don’t give up and continue working harder for a successful career.
