A solid plan for academic success is essential if you are currently taking nursing classes online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Review your syllabi and course schedule to establish realistic timelines for coursework and studying.
It is essential to know how you learn best so that you can take advantage of resources that may help with coursework and exams. For example, online schools often have study groups where you can meet with classmates to review course material.
Set Goals and Priorities
Online learning offers the flexibility to study how, where, and when it works for your schedule. However, too much studying can result in burnout and fatigue.
Working from home forces you to develop the self-discipline needed as a nurse. You need to establish your priorities and create a schedule that allows you to study a few hours daily. Work toward the larger objectives by starting with the more manageable ones.
Get a Second Pair of Eyes
Nursing school is hard work. It requires constant study and a willingness to learn. Help from others can be a great way to stay motivated and keep up with your studies.
Get a second pair of eyes in your nursing education online program at William Paterson University by finding a peer or mentor to study with you. It will make it easier to grasp complex concepts and give you a fresh perspective
Create a Study Environment at Home
While studying in your bed, on the couch, or even at a coffee shop may seem tempting, you will be more productive if you create a dedicated study space at home. This will physically represent your commitment to your studies and can motivate you when you feel discouraged.
Find a place that’s quiet and free of distractions. Decorate it with pictures and quotes that inspire you to work hard.
Find Accountability Partners
Finding an accountability partner helps keep students motivated and on track to meet their goals. This could include submitting scholarship applications, attending interviews, or finishing nursing programs.
Reach out to your friends or colleagues to see if anyone would be willing to be your accountability partner. You may be surprised by how many people are eager to help! This also allows you to build relationships with potential future coworkers.
.Take Advantage of Online Tutoring Services
Online learning can be a different experience than learning in person. Many students are accustomed to being around their peers and professors daily.
However, online nursing courses can allow you to study where and when it works best for you. Take advantage of this flexibility and use online tutoring services to help you stay on top of your work.
Get Engaged with Your Instructors
Online nursing instructors can be an excellent resource for students. They will usually have information in the course syllabus on how and when they can be reached, and interacting with them can help clarify assignments.
Some students learn best by reading and listening to lectures, while others need hands-on learning experiences like virtual simulations. Online education also allows for flexibility to fit the needs of each student.
Take Advantage of Study Groups
Online nursing students come from all over the country. Offering study group opportunities is an excellent way to connect with classmates and build connections that may last a lifetime.
Please encourage your students to evaluate their learning styles and determine the best study methods. Visual learners can benefit from color-coded outlines, kinesthetic learners can use flashcards, and auditory learners can study with audiovisual tools like video content and podcasts.
Create a Social Network
Nursing school online doesn’t have to be a lonely experience. It would help if you tried to build a social network of other nurses in the same program.
This will be invaluable when discussing assignments or seeking help with complex concepts. Additionally, you can use these connections to find a job when you finish your degree.
Stay on Track with Your Schedule
While you’ll still receive instructor support and guidance during the online portion of your program, you will have more flexibility to work through e-learning assignments on your own. Making a calendar that includes noting repetitive chores and crossing them off as finished will help you stay on task.
Many nursing students also succeed in taking practice exams and creating study sheets for important classes or assessments.
Take Care of Yourself
Online nursing school is an excellent option for working nurses who want to complete their education while still earning a paycheck. However, it’s important to remember that online learning requires dedication and focus.
Establish a daily routine and try not to get distracted by anything other than studying. Set academic goals and reward yourself when you meet them. And don’t forget to take breaks.