How to Prepare for Nursing School: Essential Tips and Advice

Starting nursing school is like training for a marathon — success relies on careful preparation, steady pacing, and the right tools to cross the finish line confidently.

This guide is your roadmap to how to prepare for nursing school. From building a solid plan to mastering essential skills, you’ll have all the information you need to hit the ground running and take on this exciting journey with confidence.

Starting Strong in Nursing School

Preparation is the foundation for building confidence and achieving success in nursing school.

By understanding the things to know before starting nursing school and laying the groundwork now, you’ll feel ready to tackle the academic challenges, manage stress, and embrace all the hands-on learning ahead.

This guide covers:

• Academic prep (What to study before nursing school)
• Mental prep (How to manage stress and expectations)
• The tools and resources that will make your life easier

How Hard Is It to Get Into Nursing School?

Nursing school is competitive for a reason.

It takes hard work, dedication, and a passion for helping others.

Here are a few tips to increase your chances:

• Maintain a strong GPA: Your grades in prerequisite courses matter.

• Gain healthcare experience: Volunteering or working in a healthcare setting can strengthen your application.

• Prepare for entrance exams: Familiarize yourself with tests like the Assessment Technologies Institute’s Test of Essential Academic Skills.

Pro tip: Don’t let the competitiveness intimidate you. Admissions committees look for well-rounded applicants, so focus on building a solid application and show them your passion for nursing.

Academic Preparation: What to Study Before Nursing School

Your first day of nursing school can feel overwhelming, but early preparation can make all the difference.

Recommended Pre-Studies

Before you start nursing school, brush up on foundational subjects like:

• Anatomy and physiology: Get to know the human body’s systems.

• Basic chemistry: Understand atomic structure, bonding, and chemical reactions.

• Basic pharmacology: Learn common medications and their effects.

These are the basics you’ll build on once classes begin.

Pro tip: Use online resources or textbooks to review these subjects before you start nursing school.

Free Resources to Kickstart Your Studies

Check out SimpleNursing’s free resources, like our Nursing School Survival Guide and tips for surviving your first year.

These resources are perfect for building confidence before the semester even starts.

Pro tip: When searching for online resources, use reputable websites, such as SimpleNursing, professional nursing organizations, or educational platforms. Bookmark your favorite sites for quick access to study guides, video tutorials, and practice questions you can trust.

Setting a Study Routine Early

Consistency is the key to surviving nursing school.

Start practicing good study habits now by creating a simple routine. Commit to a few hours per week to review materials, practice skills, or take mock quizzes.

Starting early will make staying on top of assignments much easier later on.

Pro tip: Create a dedicated study space now. Whether it’s a quiet corner at home or your favorite coffee shop, having a go-to spot for focused learning will help you build a productive routine before nursing school starts.

Mental Prep: Managing Stress and Expectations

Nursing school isn’t just academically demanding.

It’s emotionally challenging, too. Preparing mentally can make your journey easier.

Understanding the Demands of Nursing School

Nursing school will test you — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Clinicals, exams, and hours of studying will push your limits. Knowing this beforehand helps you manage your expectations.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times!

Just acknowledge the challenge and commit to taking it one day at a time.

Stress-Management Tips for Future Nurses

Stress is inevitable, but managing it is a skill worth mastering.

Try these tips:

• Exercise regularly: Moving more can boost energy levels and mood.

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises or meditation are excellent for staying calm and focused.

• Stay organized: Use planners and digital tools to keep track of assignments and due dates.

• Take breaks: Remember to take breaks during study sessions and give yourself time to rest.

• Journal: Track your progress in nursing school and reflect on successes.

• Break up big tasks: Instead of trying to do everything at once, break big projects into bite-sized chunks.

Pro tip: Find what works for you! Everyone handles stress differently, so experiment with different techniques to find the ones that help you the most.

Building a Support Network

Nursing school isn’t a solo mission.

Surround yourself with a solid support team of friends, family, and peers. Study groups can help with exam prep, and don’t hesitate to lean on your professors or advisors for guidance when you need to.

Pro tip: Join online nursing forums or social media groups to connect with fellow nursing students. These communities can offer valuable advice, encouragement, and even study resources to help you stay motivated and supported throughout your journey.

Tools You’ll Need to Succeed in Nursing School

Every future nurse needs the right tools.

Equip yourself with these essentials.

Reliable Study Guides and Textbooks

Invest in textbooks that cover the fundamentals, like pharmacology and pathophysiology.

Pair these with study guides like flashcards or practice quizzes that make reviewing material fun.

Pro tip: Before purchasing, check with upper-level students or online forums to find out which textbooks and guides are helpful. You might even score some affordable secondhand copies or discover highly recommended supplemental resources.

Technology Essentials

In today’s tech-driven world, having the right gadgets and apps can make navigating nursing school smoother and more efficient.

Equip yourself with:

• A reliable laptop or tablet for studying and attending virtual classes.
• Apps like SimpleNursing for quick, on-the-go study sessions.
• Note-taking tools such as OneNote or Evernote.

Pro tip: Back up all your notes and assignments using cloud storage tools like Google Drive or Dropbox. This ensures you never lose critical work and can access your materials from any device, anywhere.

SimpleNursing: The Ultimate Nursing School Companion

Want to make nursing school easier?

From test prep to quick reviews, SimpleNursing has everything you need to succeed.

With over 1,000 videos and practice questions covering a variety of nursing topics, we help you study smarter, not harder.

Why stress when you can simplify?

Sign up for SimpleNursing today.