New Nursing Students’ Toolkit: What You’ll Need to Succeed in Nursing School

Back-to-school supplies aren't just for grade school kids — for nursing students, it is especially important that you show up on your first day with the right tools to succeed. Read on to find out what supplies you may need for nursing school, and get some advice from seasoned nurses on managing stress as a new nursing student.

Must-Have Supplies for Nursing School

Nursing students must be organized to manage the physical and mental stress associated with clinicals and academics. Nurses recommend the following supplies for nursing school to help you stay on track and perform at your best.

Supplies for Clinicals and Labs

Nursing students are often expected to provide their own supplies for clinicals and labs. In addition to educational supplies, there are a few items nurses recommend to help you manage the long, busy days.

Tips for Managing Stress in Nursing School

Nursing school is tremendously demanding, especially during clinicals. If you're balancing school and work, even part time, your time and energy may be spread even thinner. There are some techniques and supplies for nursing school that can help you manage stress and support physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Rogers-Marsh recommends journaling to help manage stress and retain information during classes and clinicals. "Journaling will help you to de-stress, as well as remember and process events that occur during nursing school."

Dorman points out the importance of peer support. "Study groups helped me pass my nursing classes," she says. "I was not a great test-taker, and there was a point at which I was not passing. Study groups are a great way to network and make connections while in nursing school."

Take care of your body to take care of your mind. "Eat healthy. Feeding your brain with a well-balanced diet is important," Rogers-Marsh urges. "Squeeze in some exercise time to decrease your stress." Your body and mind also need sleep, says Kriebel-Gasparro. "It is imperative to get enough sleep. This seems simplistic, but studies show this is a must to do well in school."

Finally, Rogers-Marsh advises students to manage their time wisely. "Every minute counts. Listen to lectures while commuting, cooking dinner or doing household chores. Read and reread your texts and notes whenever you have free time."

Peace of mind is crucial to success. Dorman points out, "If you genuinely want to do something, do it. Do not let anyone tell you that you can't. Forge your own path."

Related Resources

• Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels
• Applying to Nursing School
• Returning to School
• 10 Ways High School Students Can Prepare for Nursing Careers

Meet Our Contributors

Teresa Rogers-Marsh

MSN, RN

Teresa Rogers-Marsh has been a registered nurse (RN) for over 25 years, specializing in critical and long-term care. She currently serves as the in-service education coordinator for the County of San Diego and director of staff development at Edgemoor Hospital. Rogers-Marsh is a Ph.D. in nursing student at Walden University, where she also received her MSN in nursing education.

Advice to Nursing Students:

"Manage your time. Every minute counts. Listen to lectures while commuting, cooking dinner, or doing household chores. Read and reread your texts and notes whenever you have free time. Get help from family for chores, such as cooking and laundry, and remind them that this is an investment for their future as well as yours."

Sabena Dorman

BSN, RN

Sabena Dorman is a student in Walden University's MSN adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program. She boasts over 15 years of experience in nursing and currently works as a travel nurse in a New York City trauma intensive care unit.

Advice to Nursing Students:

"If you genuinely want to do something, do it. Do not let anyone tell you that you can't. Forge your own path. There were so many times that I listened to others about my career choices and made decisions that I knew were not for me. Not everyone is going to agree with how you go about doing things, and that is OK. You must do what is best for you."

Ann Kriebel-Gasparro

DNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC

Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, a faculty member in Walden University's master of science in nursing program, holds more than 26 years of nursing experience. She is dual-credentialed as a family and gerontological nurse practitioner. In her clinical practice, Dr. Kriebel-Gasparro provides in-home healthcare for elderly patients. Dr. Kriebel-Gasparro is a current member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association and previously served on the Rare Disease Advisory Council for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Health.

Advice to Nursing Students:

"I wish I had been much more organized when I was in school. Having been somewhat of a procrastinator, I made things more difficult for myself. Through the years, I have learned to stay on top of assignments and work ahead, so as not to have to play catch up. Working ahead actually relieves a lot of stress rather than being late with assignments."

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