COMPETITION

Everyone always talks about how it is a competition in their cohort. How they compete to see who can get the best grades and who's the smartest and they tear each other apart. I just think about Mean girls and all the girls and guys turning into lions and attacking each other (Love that movie!!)  but.... my cohort is different and has been exceptionally AMAZING. Instead of fighting against each other, we help each other with everything. Don't get me wrong, there is always a  little bit of friendly competition, but if something happens, we all stick together. And the more you work together and have study groups, the better grades you will get in the end. You form a friendship that will last far beyond nursing school and is way better than getting the only "A" in the class!

WIN-WIN for everyone!! 

Become a Leader before you even leave Nursing School

National Student Nurses Association

If you are not a part of it or your school doesn't have a local organization, still get in contact with a member and join. Go to NSNA.org It will be one of the BEST things you do!! 

Let me tell you why this organization is so amazing!

1) You get to go to conferences you can raise money and travel all over. I live in a very small community and we were able to raise enough funds to pay for almost the WHOLE trip!!! and it was a BLAST! They have events besides nursing student sessions and you get to explore the city you stay in! I would definitely recommend going to at least one conference!

2) You connect with other students going through the same things as you

3) You have the opportunity to meet professionals like the CEO of the NLN or other influential nursing leader! They help you write your resumes, give you contacts for hospitals and give you advice about anything you have questions about.

4) You have the opportunity to build your nursing leadership experiences without stepping onto a hospital unit. You are able to lead, direct, and influence things that happen. Absolutely AMAZING!

5) Although you pay a membership, you get all of the above AND you get discounts on nursing books, hotels, scrubs, school supplies, etc. WHO DOESN'T LOVE FREE THINGS!?

1st THINGS 1st

Top 5 Tips when you start nursing school:

1) GET A PLANNER- you WILL use it! nursing school is crazy (no matter which school you attend) I literally write everything in it from assignments and tests to clinicals and work to hanging out with my husband and my friends! Then Cross everything off as you go!

2) Organize your Binders- either have all classes in one or keep a separate binder for each class. Whatever you do, USE tabs! They are life savers when you are in a hurry (ALL THE TIME). If you don't have  enough tabs, use sticky notes.

3) Become best friends with your advisor- They will always be there to help you! If you don't have a good relationship with your advisor, GET A NEW ONE! They are going to be your go-to for everything from study tips to a shoulder to cry on to your graduation necessities. Not to mention if you don't have any family or close friend they are an awesome option for pinning!

4) Remember to take time for yourself NO MATTER WHAT!!! I never had time for anything other than studying, but you HAVE to or you will go crazy. Plus its better to be active. Taking that time to go workout, go bowling with your friends or even make dinner. If you don't your body will drag and so will your grades.

5) SAVE EVERYTHING! There are so many times I wish I could have looked back at old tests, old papers (since topics are similar) or to use info from previous classes--Especially Theorists! Trust me, you will be happy that you did!!!

Introduction

HEY everyone, 

    I am currently a senior in the nursing, BSN program in Michigan at LSSU. I absolutely love what I am doing, but getting to this point has not been all that easy! There are so many things I wish I would have known from the beginning of school. This blog is for any BSN, ADN, LPN, Pre-nursing students who could use some tips to get through the madness!