4 answers
Krystal
Student
Arlington, Texas
1
Question
Updated
602 views
What are the biggest challenges nursing students face, and what skills should I start building now? #Spring26
I am currently a high school senior in an early college program, working toward both my high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. I plan to pursue a career in nursing and eventually become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I have some experience in healthcare as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) and have volunteered in my community. I'm interested in learning what study habits, time management skills, and personal qualities nurses face to help them succeed in a nursing program.
Login to comment
4 answers
Lewis Rincon Castano
Data Analyst
7
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Lewis’s Answer
Hi Krystal,
I don’t have experience in the nursing field, but I’d like to congratulate you on the early steps you’re taking in your career. As another good starting point, I recommend visiting the colleges you’re interested in and requesting this information from their program advisors. Additionally, I think investing in soft skills such as public speaking and teamwork can also help you work toward this goal.
I don’t have experience in the nursing field, but I’d like to congratulate you on the early steps you’re taking in your career. As another good starting point, I recommend visiting the colleges you’re interested in and requesting this information from their program advisors. Additionally, I think investing in soft skills such as public speaking and teamwork can also help you work toward this goal.
Katrina Gido (CPA, CIA, MBA)
11
Answers
Updated
Katrina’s Answer
Nursing school is tough because the workload is heavy, the pace is fast, and you have to juggle classes, clinicals, and exams all at once. The best things to build now are solid study habits, good time management, and the ability to stay calm, communicate well, and bounce back when things get stressful. Since you already have CNA and volunteer experience, you’ve got a good head start—just keep sharpening your skills and learning how to think like a nurse.
chandrika divi
consulting
1
Answer
Redwood City, California
Updated
chandrika’s Answer
This is a great question, and you are definitely on the right track as you highlighted some important aspects! Nursing requires key skills for success. Nurses are central to patient care, managing and coordinating treatments. To excel, focus on these important skills:
1. Triage and prioritize tasks to handle what's most critical.
2. Develop strong time management abilities.
3. Enhance communication skills for clear interactions.
4. Improve problem-solving skills for effective solutions.
5. Practice explaining complex information simply.
Additionally, seek leadership opportunities in school and internships. Look for opportunities to collaborate with a team on project work. This experience will help you lead teams and work with other departments in patient care.
1. Triage and prioritize tasks to handle what's most critical.
2. Develop strong time management abilities.
3. Enhance communication skills for clear interactions.
4. Improve problem-solving skills for effective solutions.
5. Practice explaining complex information simply.
Additionally, seek leadership opportunities in school and internships. Look for opportunities to collaborate with a team on project work. This experience will help you lead teams and work with other departments in patient care.
Nikole Williams
Project Analyst
12
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nikole’s Answer
You're doing an incredible job! Balancing high school as a senior in an early college program while working toward both your diploma and an Associate of Arts degree shows just how motivated and focused you are about your future. Your experience as a CNA and your volunteer work in the community are fantastic, too, because they help you develop clinical skills and compassion early on.
From my experience in the medical field, I know nursing school requires strong study habits, good time management, and perseverance. Staying organized with a planner or calendar and breaking big assignments into smaller tasks can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Reviewing information regularly instead of cramming at the last minute is also beneficial, as nursing programs move fast and build on previous knowledge.
Apart from academic skills, personal qualities like patience, responsibility, compassion, communication, and staying calm under pressure are key to success in nursing. Challenges will arise, but they are simply part of the learning process. Keep asking questions, be open to feedback, and remember why you chose this path. You're already laying a strong foundation, and I truly believe you have what it takes to excel in a nursing program and become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
From my experience in the medical field, I know nursing school requires strong study habits, good time management, and perseverance. Staying organized with a planner or calendar and breaking big assignments into smaller tasks can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Reviewing information regularly instead of cramming at the last minute is also beneficial, as nursing programs move fast and build on previous knowledge.
Apart from academic skills, personal qualities like patience, responsibility, compassion, communication, and staying calm under pressure are key to success in nursing. Challenges will arise, but they are simply part of the learning process. Keep asking questions, be open to feedback, and remember why you chose this path. You're already laying a strong foundation, and I truly believe you have what it takes to excel in a nursing program and become a pediatric nurse practitioner.