Nursing School Survival Guide – Online Edition

This content was produced in partnership with Archer Education.

Beginning your nursing education in this enormously digitized world comes with many challenges and positives. The demand for flexible learning options has never been higher and aspiring nurses like you find themselves in the best learning institutions, such as an Indiana online school for nursing, going through virtual classrooms and learning all about the complicated aspects of healing from their homes. So, in this survival guide, specially created for online nursing students, you’re going to get all the information you need to become successful in the world of online nursing education.

Setting Up Your Study Space

Creating your study space – a corner where you’ll be as effective as possible - is the cornerstone of success for all online nursing students. Here are some useful guidelines you should consider if you’d like to be more concentrated and productive:

Designing Your Dedicated Zone

Begin by choosing a dedicated area for your studies. Whether it's a cozy corner of the bedroom or a comfy chair in your living room, make sure it’s a space where you’ll have minimal distractions. Consider the ergonomics of the area to ensure comfort during those lengthy study sessions.

Personalization Equals Inspiration

Injecting a touch of personalization into your study space can transform it from dull to motivating. Add elements that inspire you. For example, this could be a vision board of your nursing goals, plants for a breath of fresh air, or maybe even a favorite quote to keep you motivated during especially difficult moments.

Devices and Accessories

Equip your space with the right digital tools. Ensure your computer or laptop is in optimal condition, with a reliable internet connection, so that it won’t stop in the middle of a lecture or while you’re doing something important. It’s also a good idea to invest in quality headphones for lectures and discussions.

Lighting and Ambiance

Proper lighting can significantly affect focus and energy levels. During the day, make sure your study space gets a lot of natural light, and in the evenings, try to have as many adjustable lighting options as possible. A well-lit and comfortable ambiance can contribute to a positive and conducive study environment.

Organization and Storage

Effective organization is the best way to maintain order in your study space. So, consider using shelves, drawers or digital tools to keep all your study materials organized. A clean space without clutter can boost productivity and reduce stress.

Conquering the Virtual Classroom

The virtual classroom is your source of learning and interaction. Conquering it in every sense of the word will help you become a better professional later on, when you complete your studies.

Engagement Strategies

Active engagement is very important, especially when you’re not physically present. So, with that in mind, try to discover some strategies that will help you stay involved in virtual lectures. You need to participate in discussions and utilize different online tools for better collaboration. Simply speaking, learn how to make your virtual presence felt.

Navigating Online Platforms

Online education relies almost completely on digital platforms. This is exactly why you should get acquainted with the tools and platforms you’ll use in your online nursing program. From video conferencing to file sharing, having a thorough understanding of these platforms will make your virtual classroom experience far, far easier.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Online learning comes with its set of challenges. For example, you could experience one (or all) of these problems:

• Internet disruptions
• Technical glitches
• Time zone differences

This is nothing to get worried about because it happens all the time and it happens to everyone. Just make sure to immediately contact the support team and your lecturer to let them know why you’re not able to attend the online lecture.

Maximizing Learning Resources

The virtual classroom is a portal to endless learning resources. So, make the most of all those online libraries, databases, and multimedia materials when you study. Each and every one of them will help you enhance your understanding of nursing concepts.

Building Digital Relationships

Don’t forget to forge connections with professors and peers. Even though you’re not physically there, you should try to socialize as much as possible. Try to participate in virtual office hours and build a strong online network that extends beyond the virtual classroom.

Final Thoughts

So, as a final piece of advice, remember that your digital study space and mastery over the virtual classroom are the best tools to help you gain the knowledge to build your career upon. Embrace the challenges and leverage the opportunities and you’ll excel in online nursing in every way.