10 Things You Should Do in Your Last Year of Nursing School

The right timing can help you pass the NCLEX-RN. You want to give yourself a break to refresh mentally and physically, but not so long that you might forget anything. Sadarananda suggests, “Do not delay in taking the NCLEX. Rest for two weeks and then start studying for two or three weeks with the goal of you taking it no later than a month and a half after graduation.”

Sadarananda also recommends saving “all your medical/surgical/adult health notes to use for studying for the NCLEX, to help you remember everything.”

During your schooling, you have likely gotten at least a glimpse at most major types of employers and careers. However, you may find the right career for you is off the beaten path. Talk to career counselors, look at Facebook or LinkedIn nursing groups, or explore your school’s alumni networks to see what recent graduates are doing. School alumni, especially, may well be open to sharing information and experiences, and even helping you network.

Avichal states, “There are many pathways one can take with a nursing degree. Be open and shadow various different specialties. You never know what may surprise you.”

The ideal job consists of the right role, environment, and culture, one that positions you for your next career move. The more you know about different types of hospitals and settings, the better you can decide what kind of organization and role will suit you.

Sadarananda advises, “Think about which unit/type of nursing would benefit you the most. Critical care nurses are limited in their scope. Medical surgical nurses receive a great foundation that can be utilized in many different facets down the road.”

Be diligent in checking out individual employers. Talk to alumni and teachers, use websites like Glassdoor.com, and network with as many people as you can to get a sense of the culture and how the organization supports its nurses.

Shadowing lets you explore different types of roles, settings, and cultures. The more you sample, the better choices you can make. If you can, shadow even roles and employers you do not immediately feel drawn toward, since shadowing can either confirm your impression or open new opportunities you hadn’t considered.

“Take those shadow experiences seriously. Really observe how the team interacts and how challenges on the unit are handled, and talk to as many staff members as possible. Look beyond the surfaces of what people say. This will allow you to determine where you can really find yourself being happy,” Cioka states.

Working as a CNA or student nurse can provide professional experience, build your network, and give you a valuable reference from your supervisor or colleagues.

Sadarananda recommends this because “you will come out stronger when it comes to simple patient care (bathing, toileting, communicating with patients, feeling comfortable in hospital settings).”

Cioka cautions, “Even as a student nurse or CNA, you are an employee. Your actions and behaviors as a student nurse or CNA frame your professional persona and leader perceptions.”

If you pace yourself and make a good impression, this experience can be invaluable.

Even though the job market for nurses remains strong, the best jobs are still highly competitive. To stand out from other candidates, Avichai advises creating a portfolio that can stand out even more than a resume, stating, “My personal portfolio includes pictures of community service involvement, nominations by patients, and samples of educational PowerPoints, flyers, and projects I spearheaded and created.”

A portfolio that shows your dedication, leadership potential, and results you have contributed to for patients can set you apart. Be selective about what you include and make sure it is relevant to the role and organization, customizing it the same way you would a resume.

Research the employer first and have questions ready. Most career centers offer mock interviews and will give you honest feedback. If they don’t, perform mock interviews with peers or others in your network and videotape yourself, so you can review later. If you get nervous, consider learning relaxation techniques.

Cioka offers a valuable reminder: “Remember, most managers just want to have a conversation. Be honest, be you, and try not to be nervous.”

Keep in mind that the goal is to find the right match, not just to get an offer.

Never be afraid to ask questions in class. If you are confused, you are very unlikely to be the only one. Even if you are, it is better to ask questions now and be sure you understand, rather than have the wrong answer on an exam or in a real situation with a patient.

This pertains to more than just the classroom setting. Asking questions shows that you are interested and engaged and have prepared for your shadowing experience or interview. Make sure, though, that the questions you ask are not already answered on the website or in any preparatory materials you have received.

The final year of nursing school can be overwhelming. You have classes and examinations, you are planning for the NCLEX-RN, researching jobs and employers, attending fieldwork, and shadowing or gaining work experience. Pace your studies so you do not have to cram at the last minute, and do not skimp on sleep, healthy eating, or exercise. While these may seem like they take time, they fuel you, so you can use your time efficiently.

Cioka advises, “Make sure that you have a stable work-life balance. If you are working as a student nurse, do not overextend yourself. You do not want to burn out and/or jeopardize your ability to be hired as an RN in the future.”

Everybody progresses at their own pace and brings their own experience and background to nursing school. Looking at others’ successes, especially if filtered through their social media personas, can be like watching their highlight reel and comparing it to your blooper reel. Remember that you never have the full picture of somebody else’s situation and struggles.

Cioka advises, “Comparing yourself to others can make you criticize yourself unfairly. Make your own path — you may surprise yourself at the end of your journey.”

If you do find yourself in psychological distress, make sure that you take advantage of your school’s counseling and mental health resources.