Continued education has become necessary for all professionals today, and nurses aren’t an exception to this requirement. We can observe how NACNEP emphasizes the significance of nurses obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree. But, to get one step ahead and succeed professionally, getting a master degree is equally important. Promotions become possible for nurses who don’t cease honing their knowledge after just getting a bachelor’s but continue studying to receive a master degree. 

So, how can nursing students bolster their academic progress in 2022? We have discussed some tactics to help nurses start their journey to a master degree easily. Follow our below-mentioned suggestions while pursuing a degree:

1. Establish academic goals:

What do you intend to achieve from your studies? You must establish clear-cut objectives before pursuing a master degree to determine what you wish to acquire from this education. Now, some RNs want to attain certain skills while others look forward to learning what is new in the nursing field. Figuring out proper milestones can make your academic progress much easier as you have your goals in mind while pursuing this qualification. 

2. Choose your specialization:

Secondly, choose your specialization and determine what sort of patients you will tend to as a nurse. For instance, some nurses choose a master’s in adult gerontology to assist in primary care for adults. An MSN AGNP prepares them to give cutting-edge treatment to adult and elderly patients in various high-stakes environments. 

Some other specializations they can choose from include Family Nurse Practioner, Travel Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, and more. 

3. Refrain from cramming:

Cramming doesn’t help you retain more information because you’re just processing lots of data. So, nursing students should avoid cramming before their examinations. Don’t get sleep-deprived due to intense studying because an exhausted mind cannot write well the next day. 

You have to practice all the concepts and apply critical thinking skills. Critical thinking will make you a better nurse, so don’t rely on memorization techniques since they don’t work.

4. Create your schedule:

We realize that most of our readers are full-time or part-time nurses with a heavy workload. Creating a schedule can help you pursue your MSN effectively without issues with your work situation. Give yourself frequent breaks while pursuing your studies to rejuvenate, as constant studying isn’t productive. 

Identify the subjects requiring more concentration and prioritize your lessons. Most importantly, stick to this schedule. Don’t deviate from it while you’re studying.

5. Prepare for classes:

Prepare for your lessons before the teacher discusses them in the classroom. You should research all topics on the internet, watch informative videos, and learn the basics to understand them better. A nurse can skim relevant articles found on Google on these topics. 

Moreover, learn the jargon you’re going to be introduced to by your professor and discuss difficult subjects with your classmates. Your chances of becoming an excellent healthcare practitioner rely on your interest in these subjects.

6. Focus on self-care:

It’s estimated that just over 13% of nurses today have a master degree or doctorate. A nurse can hope to attain leadership positions by honing her academic expertise. But focusing on self-care is a must for successfully starting your educational journey. Here are some tips for you:

  • Eat healthily 
  • Sleep for 7-8 hours
  • Get plenty of exercises
  • Drink lots of water or juices
  • Don’t consume too much coffee

7. Know your teacher:

When nurses start their master’s, they should focus on leveraging mentorship opportunities. Create strong bonds with your professors so they can help you with your studies during the semester. Learn that these nursing school connections can help you later too. Consider your professors your biggest partners in nursing school, as they can advance your career after you have graduated. A nurse can get the following advantages by being on good terms with a professor while learning:

  • Hinting at future internship opportunities
  • Suggestions on which nursing organizations to join
  • Penning down letters of recommendation in the future

8. Join study groups:

Communicate with your classmates and join/create study groups to help with your studies. These study groups keep everyone accountable, motivate students, and provide them with some academic assistance when needed. 

Clarify your lessons, solidify course materials, and enhance your know-how by retaining more information via these study groups. But keep these groups small (3-4 people seem enough). Today, nursing students can also join virtual study groups to learn more about this subject.

Conclusion:

Let’s review the suggestions we’ve mentioned above. First, nurses should focus on choosing a specialization. Knowing what specialty you’ll attain after finishing your master degree is important. Second, establish your academic objectives to understand what career you wish to pursue in the future. 

Third, make your study schedule, join some study groups, and leverage digital resources to learn more about nursing tips. Fourth, we suggest you refrain from cramming lessons days before your exams because it’s counterproductive. 

Finally, build a good relationship with your teachers and successfully utilize this mentorship opportunity to attain a master degree.