Surviving Nursing School: Top 10 Hacks for Thriving in Tough Courses

Surviving nursing school is no easy journey. From cramming for exams at 2 a.m. to trying to figure out where to start with the sheer amount of material you have to learn can have you questioning why you picked nursing school in the first place

It’s an experience that can feel isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting. Yet, every nurse has been where you are now—questioning their choices, doubting their abilities, and even wondering if they’ll make it to graduation.

The truth is, nursing school is hard, it involves learning a lot of information, and it requires a lot of personal growth! Because we have been exactly where you are now—balancing endless studying, long clinical hours, and life outside of school—we know how tough it can be.

To help you survive (and thrive!) in nursing school, we interviewed instructors from Archer Review for Nursing School to find out the most essential things you can do to set yourself up for success.

These actionable tips are tailored to help you manage stress, ace your exams with confidence, and get you to graduation…or at least get you to bed at a reasonable time!

Let’s dive into these essential hacks for surviving nursing school!

1. Create a Study Schedule and Plan Ahead

Time management is key! If you’re balancing multiple commitments, create a weekly schedule that blocks out dedicated time for things like studying, relaxation, and even meals.

“Regardless of if you are single, have a spouse, or children, if you work full time or part time, scheduling time for your studying and for free time is essential to prevent burnout and keep you on track.”
-Jennifer B., Maternal & Reproductive Instructor

2. Embrace Active Learning Techniques

Active learning strategies strengthen your critical thinking skills and empower you to apply your knowledge with confidence.

“Active learning in nursing school helps you go beyond memorization, pushing you to think critically and apply your knowledge to real client care scenarios.”
-Rachel T., Nursing School 101 Instructor

3. Master Time Management and Eliminate Distractions

Studying efficiently is just as important as studying hard. Choose a distraction-free area, gather all your materials, and stick to the plan.

“Time management includes making sure you manage your distractions as well. Plan this time out and make sure you choose a study area with the least amount of distractions. If you have your phone, put it on ‘do not disturb.’ Have all the items you will need to study ready and available.”
-Jennifer B., Maternal and Reproductive Instructor

4. Apply the 80/20 Rule to Prioritize

Focus on the top 20% of material that will yield 80% of your exam success. Identify high-yield concepts and prioritize them in your study plan.

“By prioritizing high-yield concepts, you can streamline your preparation, build confidence, and increase your chances of success on the NCLEX. Emphasizing efficiency in your study plan not only maximizes learning but also helps you manage your time effectively, ensuring you're well-prepared for the exam ahead. Utilizing Archer Review resources like cheat sheets can help you master the key content that is most likely to show up on your exams.”
-Elizabeth D., Maternal & Reproductive Instructor

5. Do Practice Questions Regularly

Answering NCLEX practice questions helps you apply your knowledge and build test-taking confidence. Understand the why behind the correct answer and also the why behind the incorrect options! Going the extra mile and trying to write some of your own questions will make sure you know the material and haven’t just memorized answers!

“Write questions for your study partners! By thinking through plausible answer choices and crafting your own rationale, you’ll learn SO much from each question. Write 10 questions for your study buddy, and you will learn way more than just 20 things!”
-Rachel D., Adult Medical/Surgical Instructor

6. Incorporate Real-World Clinical Knowledge into Studying

Whenever possible, connect real-life clinical experiences to your studies. It not only helps retention but also prepares you for real client care scenarios.

“The more you connect what you’re learning with what you’ll do on the floor, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel for both exams and practice!”
-Morgan T., Pediatrics Instructor

7. Find Your Nursing School Study Buddy

Nursing school study buddies can make all the difference, especially if they learn in a similar way. Bounce ideas off each other, practice questions, and talk through rationales.

 “There’s nothing like finding your nursing study buddy! When I was in nursing school, my best friend and I both LOVED flashcards! Using flashcards was a great way for us to quiz each other back and forth and then talk out the rationales. Studying was made easier by the fact our brains both learned in that similar way!”
-Annie C., Fundamentals Instructor

8. Ask for Help Early

Struggling with complex topics like dosage calculations? Don’t wait—reach out to an instructor or a tutor before it snowballs into a bigger challenge.

“Asking for help early with math-heavy topics like dosage calculations ensures you don’t fall behind, especially since concepts build on each other. Address challenges right away to prevent confusion from piling up!”
-Brandon C., Dosage Calculation and Medication Administration Instructor

9. Take Breaks and Prioritize Yourself

Remember, self-care matters too! Take regular breaks to recharge and refresh your mind.

“Take the day of the test off! No more cramming! Listen to music, eat a nutritious meal, do some yoga or deep breathing. Trust yourself that you know the information and can recall it when it’s test time!”
-Lauren B., Nursing School Graphic Designer

10.  Break Content into Bite-Sized Pieces

Avoid cramming entire topics at once. Instead, tackle challenging topics one piece at a time.

“Don’t overwhelm yourself with an entire topic all at once! If you’re struggling with a concept, break it down into individual pieces and master each part before moving on. Archer for Nursing School’s mini-lectures are a great way to focus on specific concepts!”
-Rebecca C., Adult ICU Instructor

Bonus Tip for Surviving Nursing School: Archer for Nursing School

We know that sometimes you just need a little extra support to thrive in nursing school. Some subjects take longer to master, and others are not as intuitive for you as they may be for your classmates!

As you navigate the challenges of nursing school, Archer for Nursing School is here to be that companion for you! With 20 comprehensive courses, Archer offers everything you need to succeed in nursing school.

Access over 1,000 mini-lectures featuring medical illustrations to break down key concepts AND over 5,100 practice questions to test your knowledge. Plus, hundreds of cheat sheets that summarize the must-know information for your nursing school exams.

Ready to make nursing school a little easier? Archer is here to help you every step of the way!