Navigating Nursing School With Your Nursing Tutor (Help and Support for Nursing Students): Recent Episodes
Nicole Whitworth
I’m Nurse Nicole, the founder of Your Nursing Tutor and the VIP Tutoring Membership. Nursing School shouldn’t be torture…you can study less, and live more! Learn how with weekly episodes filled with actionable study tips, lots of encouragement, and hope that you CAN reach your nursing dreams.
Join us as we chat with Justine Bailey, a seasoned nurse educator and entrepreneur, to uncover practical strategies for marketing yourself as a nursing student. Whether you're just starting nursing school OR gearing up for graduation, this episode is packed with invaluable advice on professionalism, choosing specialties, and building lasting relationships within the nursing community.We'll explore the significance of early preparation for your ideal nursing career, how to approach the vast possibilities within nursing specialties, and why mastering soft skills could be your ticket to a fulfilling nursing career. Every interaction and decision contributes to your professional image, and this is how you can make the most of your nursing school experience to secure the job of your dreams.Don't miss out on these expert insights that could shape your future in nursing! Tune in now to start building a strong professional foundation that will support your career for years to come.
Connect withour special guest, Nurse Justine:
Website: www.itsjustlikethat.ca (She has a sale on resume templates in May/June 2024!)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juslikethatig/
Want to know the most important information about Heart Failure for your next nursing exam? Join Nicole, a professional nursing tutor with over 15-years experience, as she simplifies your studying using the Silver Bullet Study System. By the end of this episode, you'll finally understand BOTH left-sided AND right-sided heart failure in a way that makes total sense and you will NEVER forget.
I'm a professional nursing tutor, and I want you to make more mistakes in Nursing School. Why? Join Nicole, your guide with over 15 years of experience as a nursing tutor, to learn why (and how!) to get your mistakes out of the way during your studying time, so that you can get better grades on your nursing exams.
We'll break down the stigma around academic perfection and redefine what success in nursing school really looks like. You'll discover why making mistakes now is crucial for your exams and future clinical practice, and how this approach can ease your journey through nursing education.
Embrace your mistakes, manage frustration constructively, and focus on the real goals of your education. Whether you're a pre-nursing student or knee-deep in your studies, this episode is a must-listen to shift how you perceive and tackle the inevitable hurdles of nursing school.
Remember, making mistakes is not just part of learning—it's essential to becoming a competent, compassionate nurse!
Feel free to share this episode with fellow students or anyone who might benefit from a fresh perspective on education and personal development in nursing. Thank you for listening, and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this!
Need tips for tackling Nursing School with ADHD? Here's an overview of my top strategies for succeeding as a nursing student with that creative ADHD brain of yours.
Whether you're seeking ways to utilize learning accommodations effectively, adopt the best study strategies that will work fo ryou, or understand how to stay motivated, you'll get actionable advice to help you thrive in nursing school.
Here's the link for the book I mention in this episode: "Untapped Brilliance: How to Reach Your Full Potential as an Adult with ADHD" by Jacqueline Sinfield
Are you wondering why nursing school feels like a whole new world compared to your previous studies? You're not alone! Let's shed some light on the challenges that nursing students face, especially when it comes to those exams. It's not just you; there's a method to the nursing school exam madness, and it's called Bloom's Taxonomy. Learn more about how this framework changes the game for nursing students and get practical advice on how to adapt your study habits accordingly.This isn't about rote memorization; it's about becoming an independent, critical thinker who's ready to take on the challenges of the nursing world. The path may be challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, you're more than capable of conquering it.
Today, I'm bringing you an exclusive interview with Justine Bailey, a seasoned nurse, educator, and mentor from Ontario, Canada. She's here to share all the "behind-the-scenes" things that your nursing professors are NOT going to tell you about nursing school!!From shared struggles between students and educators, to the imposter syndrome lurking behind the confident façades of your instructors, this episode promises a no-holds-barred exploration of the realities of nursing education.Professor Justine doesn't just highlight the challenges; she offers a treasure trove of advice on navigating the complexities of nursing school. Discover the importance of empathy and communication in bridging the gap between students and educators, and why understanding the human side of nursing instructors can change your entire educational experience.She's also offering an amazing FREE nursing student mentorship sessions for our listeners, and you can grab yours here: https://calendly.com/juslikethat/careercoachingfreeexploratorycall (don't wait, they won't be available forever!!)And connect with Professor Justine at her website: https://www.itsjuslikethat.ca/
Are dosage calculations the bane of your nursing school existence? Fear not! We've got your back with a tip designed to demystify this daunting subject and transform it into one of your strongest skills.Forget about memorizing endless formulas and knowing how to plug numbers in—use the "buddy system," instead! It's a simple yet effective math concept that will change the way you approach plugging in numbers.I'm also revealing my top three memorization techniques that promise to make retaining conversion factors and unit relationships a breeze, without the drudgery of rote learning. From grouping conversion factors to leveraging the power of whole numbers and flashcards, these strategies are guaranteed to enhance your study sessions and boost your calculation skills.Whether you're a pre-nursing student just starting your journey or a current nursing student looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with actionable advice, relatable examples, and a dash of humor to make learning fun.
Say goodbye to the overwhelm of memorizing drugs. This podcast episode introduces the prototype method, a streamlined approach to learning medications effectively and efficiently. Learn how focusing on prototype medications can drastically cut study time while deepening your understanding. Join us for a transformative look at mastering nursing pharmacology, where learning smarter, not harder, is the key to success.
Ever feel like Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) just went in one ear and out the other? You're not alone. A&P is the cornerstone of nursing school, yet so many students breeze through it without grasping its critical importance. Join us as we unveil the five essential study tips (plus a bonus just for current nursing students!) to revolutionize your approach to A&P. From smart memorization strategies to understanding the 'why' behind the 'what', we'll show you how to make your study sessions count, ensuring A&P knowledge sticks with you long into your nursing career. Don't let A&P be your stumbling block—turn it into your stepping stone to nursing success.
Ever wonder how some classmates breeze through exams with minimal effort? 🤔 They claim it's all about reading the textbook or just listening in class, but when you try, it's a struggle. This podcast episode breaks down why passive learning methods—like flashcards and highlighting—don't cut it in nursing school and what you should be doing instead. Say goodbye to endless NCLEX questions and hello to strategies that actually work.
Balancing finances and education can be tough in Nursing school. That's why this episode talks about the reasons why I don't offer free tutoring. From personal experiences to the undervalued essence of commitment and value, discover why investing in your education extends beyond the price tag. It's a candid exploration of finding balance, understanding the true worth of guidance, and how alternative solutions can still make tutoring accessible for every nursing student striving for success.
Tackling the Endocrine unit in nursing school can feel like navigating a maze of symptoms and hormones. Many students struggle with the complexity, often mixing up disorders as exams approach. Yet, what if there was a strategy to transform this daunting subject into one of the most manageable parts of your studies? In this episode, we unlock the secret to mastering the Endocrine system: a single, powerful chart that holds the key to simplifying the entire unit.
Self-care for nursing students is more than a luxury; it's a necessity. With the stress of nursing school amplified by the aftermath of COVID-19, finding ways to manage burnout and maintain well-being is crucial. This episode cuts to the heart of the matter, discussing realistic expectations, the importance of becoming an independent learner, and the need to embrace flexibility. It's about navigating the challenges of nursing school with practical strategies for self-care, aiming to keep your health and sanity in check as you journey through your studies. Tune in for actionable advice and supportive insights to make your nursing education journey a bit easier.
Are you torn between using traditional flashcards and digital tools like Quizlet for your nursing studies? In today’s episode, I dive into this common dilemma. Discover why neither option might be the best and learn about a more effective alternative.
In this enlightening discussion, we explore:
- The pros and cons of using flashcards and Quizlet for nursing school studies.
- The limitations of rote memorization and why it may not be the best approach in nursing education.
- How to transition from passive to active learning strategies for more effective study habits.
This episode is not just about choosing study tools; it's about transforming your approach to learning in nursing school. Whether you’re a fan of old-school flashcards or prefer digital solutions like Quizlet, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your educational journey.
Are you wondering if it's too late to start your nursing journey? In this must-listen episode, we'll debunk the myth of an 'ideal age' for nursing school. Discover why your age is an asset, not a barrier, in pursuing your nursing dreams.
I'll share real-life experiences and practical tips for thriving in nursing school, regardless of when you start. This episode isn't just about age; it's a call to embrace your unique journey with confidence and balance. Learn how to overcome imposter syndrome and make your nursing education a fulfilling experience.
Tune in for an empowering session that assures you – you're not behind, you're exactly where you need to be. Your time to shine in nursing is now, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's redefine success in nursing school together!
👩⚕️ Ready to be inspired? Press play and join our community of motivated nursing students who are changing the profession, one episode at a time!
Feeling overwhelmed with dosage calculations in nursing school? Tune into this episode of 'Navigating Nursing School with Your Nursing Tutor' where Nicole, an experienced RN and professional tutor, shares a low-stress practice plan to conquer those calculations. Whether you're battling math anxiety or just procrastination, this episode is your key to mastering dosage calculations. Nicole brings over 15 years of tutoring experience to the table, ensuring that her insights and strategies are both practical and effective. Stay tuned till the end for a special gift that will further aid your journey. Get ready to transform your approach to dosage calculations and confidently ace your exams with Nicole's expert guidance!
Are you curious about the true impact of critical thinking in your nursing education? In this latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the vital role that critical thinking plays in shaping your journey through nursing school.
We'll explore how critical thinking is not just a skill to be tested, but a crucial element in developing your clinical judgment and decision-making abilities. Discover how our approach, particularly through the Silver Bullet Study System, aligns perfectly with nurturing this essential skill.
This episode is more than just a discussion; it's packed with practical advice and strategies to enhance your learning experience. You'll gain insights into how to apply your existing skills more effectively to nursing content, making your study sessions more intuitive and less overwhelming.
Struggling with the 'boring' yet vital concepts of oncotic and hydrostatic pressure in nursing school? Join Nicole from Your Nursing Tutor as she demystifies these crucial topics in the latest podcast episode. Perfect for both new and advanced nursing students, this podcast is a deep dive into the world of fluids and electrolytes, linking them with homeostasis for a comprehensive understanding. Whether you're juggling adult responsibilities or just starting out, this episode is tailored to make complex concepts approachable and relevant. Don't miss out on these insights to enhance your studies efficiently!
Unravel 4 crucial yet underestimated topics in nursing school: osmosis, diffusion, oncotic pressure, and hydrostatic pressure. Learn how understanding these concepts is vital for predicting disease symptoms and simplifying complex studies. This episode is a must-listen for nursing students aiming to build a strong knowledge foundation and excel in their fluid and electrolyte studies.
Join Nicole, an experienced BSN RN and nursing tutor, as she unveils the often-overlooked secret of mastering nursing school: understanding homeostasis. In this episode of 'Navigating Nursing School with Your Nursing Tutor,' Nicole dives into why this fundamental concept is crucial for grasping every disease process you'll encounter. Learn how breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms can transform your study approach and improve your ability to predict symptoms and nursing care. Perfect for nursing students who are looking for practical, real-world insights to excel in their studies.
Today I'm excited to welcome Shakira Thomas, a BSN RN and certified critical care registered nurse. If you plan to become a nurse sometime, and have wondered if ICU might be the right specialty for you, or if you're simply curious to learn more about the nursing role in an ICU setting, then you'll love this episode. Nurse Shakira shares her wisdom on what characteristics a future ICU nurse should have, and what you can be doing right now as a nursing or pre-nursing student to increase your chances of getting an ICU position immediately as a new grad nurse.
Viridiana graduated nursing school and expected she would do just fine on her NCLEX…only she didn’t. She failed not once, but twice, and almost gave up on ever becoming a nurse. Luckily, she had a few very supportive people around her who encouraged her to try one more time! That’s when she found the NCLEX Coaching Program through Your Nursing Tutor. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Viridiana so that you can learn what she went through on her nursing journey, discover how she overcame TWO NCLEX failures to finally become an RN, and what her new future looks like during this next phase of her nursing journey! We're so proud of her, and we can't wait for her to share her story with you!
Shownotes and links can be found at: https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode78/
Enjoy today's episode!
Learn how a real nursing student increased her Fundamentals HESI score from 774, a failing score all the way up to a rockstar score of 1070 in a single week! Silviaana has tons of previous healthcare experience, but that experience seemed to be interfering with her ability to correctly answer the exam questions. When we met for this Tutoring Quickstart, she had already failed HESI 2 times…one more failed HESI, and she would have been kicked out of her program. In today’s episode, you’ll hear the strategies she used to successfully transform her HESI score and keep her moving forward on her nursing journey.
Shownotes and links can be found at: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode77
Enjoy today’s episode!
Have you failed NCLEX? Are you afraid of failing NCLEX? Today I’m introducing you to Dr Lakicia Foster, a nursing professor who also specializes in helping students finally pass the NCLEX. Whether you failed NCLEX 10-years ago, or only last month, there ARE things you can do to still become a nurse. No matter what you’re situation is, I know you’re going to hear a lot of valuable and useful nuggets of wisdom today.
(Shownotes and links can be found at: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode76)
Enjoy today’s episode!
There are 3 things I recommend that EVERY student should do before starting your core nursing classes. Are you a pre-nursing student who is starting this summer or fall? Then you still have time to do these things! Are you a current nursing student wondering if you checked these important topics off your “to do” list? It’s not too late to find out in today’s podcast episode!
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutorcom/episode75
Want to learn the #1 quality I look for that tells me if a student will ultimately be successful in nursing school? Have you ever wondered if ATI and HESI are actually harder than the NCLEX? Or maybe you’ve got kids, and are second guessing all your life choices as you face a potential mental breakdown? I’ll help you out in today’s episode!
Did you know you can find me on TikTok? Find the link to join on the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode74
In today’s Tutoring Consult, you’ll learn how to overcome extreme test anxiety BEFORE it becomes a barrier to your nursing school success, the importance of busting through your math avoidance to master Dosage Calculations, and how to prevent that depressing cycle of studying harder and harder and harder…even though it never makes a difference. And it’s all in the context of a real life nursing student, so you can learn from her experiences!
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode73
In today’s episode, I’m going to tell you why I DON’T want to help you get straight A’s in nursing school…and I’ll explain 3 good reasons why I don’t think YOU should try to get straight A’s, either.
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode72
You study hard, take notes, listen to lecture…then STILL fail exams or get borderline grades. What’s the disconnect? Why is it so hard? How can you better understand what those NCLEX-style questions are really asking you?
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode71
Is it FAIR for nursing schools to use exit exams? How should you study muscles for A&P? What’s the best way to study microbiology when you HAAAATE it? We’ll answer these questions in today’s episode!
Did you know I have a free Facebook Group where you can connect with other nursing students AND get some help from me? It’s called “Nursing Students in Nursing School”! Find the link to join on the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode70
What should you do when you are 100% sure that your instructor is WRONG about their rationale for a test question, but just won’t admit to it? I’ll tell you exactly what steps to take in today’s episode (we’re also going to dissect an NCLEX-style question to figure out how to get the correct answer!)
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode69
Need easy ideas for how to network with other nurses while in nursing school? Hoping to get into a highly competitive specialty as a new grad? Here are 4 tips that you can (and should!) be doing while in nursing school to make it even easier to get the nursing job of your dreams…even as a brand new grad.
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode68
How should you prepare for an accelerated nursing program? Any tips for improving general math skills? What are the BEST sources for A&P review? How should you use the study guides your instructor provides to get the best grades?
Did you know that I have a free Facebook Group you can join to connect with other nursing students AND get some help from me? It’s called “Nursing Students in Nursing School”, and today I’m answering one of the student questions I received there. And make sure to join the free Facebook Group for yourself, you can find the link at www.YourNursingTutor.com
For notes and links visit htttps://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode67
Do you HAVE TO “do your time” in med-surg before applying to a specialty area of nursing? What should you put on your resume when applying to your very first nursing job? Will it matter if you got a “C” in any of your nursing classes? In today’s interview with Nurse Practitioner Amanda Guarniere of The Resume Rx, you’ll learn some essential tips not only for making it through an intense nursing program, but also for how to land the nursing job of your dreams once you graduate.
For show notes and links from the episode, visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode66
Previous healthcare experience…does it HELP or HURT you in nursing school? How should you study Pathophysiology when it's all so overwhelming? What are some tips for answering SATA type questions? Listen to hear my answer!
Did you know that I have a free Facebook Group you can join to connect with other nursing students AND get some help from me? It’s called “Nursing Students in Nursing School”, and today I’m answering one of the student questions I received there. And make sure to join the free Facebook Group for yourself, you can find the link at www.YourNursingTutor.com
For show notes and links, visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode65
Interactive Biology YouTube star (and fantastic teacher!), Leslie Samuel, joins us today to share his best tips for how to memorize A&P, how to overcome Imposter Syndrome during nursing school, and what to do if you’ve discovered that you need to go back and review A&P after you’ve already started your nursing classes.
For show notes and links from the episode visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episdoe64
Did you know that I have a free Facebook Group you can join to connect with other nursing students AND get some help from me? It’s called “Nursing Students in Nursing School”, and today I’m answering one of the student questions I received there. Melissa asked, “I am 43 years old, and I feel like I'm treated like a child! Most of the time they tell me what I'm doing wrong, but not how to fix it. Can you please help me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.”
Listen to hear my answer! And make sure to join the free Facebook Group for yourself, you can find the link at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode63
If you’ve been doing “okay” in nursing school, then suddenly you get to Med-Surg and find it to be much harder (or want to avoid having that experience!), then this is the episode for you! In this tutoring consult, we’ll talk about the REAL reason that Med-Surg feels so much harder for many nursing students, and what you can do to make it easier so you can get better grades.
For show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode62
In today’s Tutoring Consult, you’ll learn what to do when you’re told you need to “think like a nurse”, but aren’t told HOW to learn to do that! We’ll also discuss one of the BIGGEST nursing school myths that even your professors believe, and what the truth behind it is.
For the show notes and links visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode61
Steph Kamataris of @ShiftChange.RN on Instagram joins us to share her best Time Management tips for nursing school, advice for how to land your dream nursing job as a new grad, AND the study strategies that personally got her through nursing school.
For show notes and links, visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode60
Listen in on a tutoring consult to learn how to deal with beginning-of-semester overwhelm, the best way to study for fundamentals, health assessment, and pharmacology…and how adult learners can turn your life experience into a significant ADVANTAGE when it comes to critical thinking skills.
For show notes and links to the resources I mention, visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode59
If you’re pre-nursing, there are lots of things you can be do to prepare to start strong in nursing school. On this episode, you can listen in to a real Tutoring Consult with one of my pre-nursing VIP Tutoring Members. You’ll hear how we developed a personalized plan of action to help her feel confident and prepared to begin her first nursing semester, and cover things like mastering dosage calculations, the best ways to study, and even how to calm those beginning of school jitters that everyone feels, especially when it’s been a while since you’ve been in school.
For the transcript and links to the resources I mentions, visit https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode58
Do you ever worry about what it would be like to pass nursing school…only to fail nclex (multiple times!), and lose a job because of it? But then to finally get the kind of tutoring support that spurs you onto success? Today I’m interviewing a former tutoring student, Jenn Volp, who experienced exactly that! You’ll get to hear what it was like for her while she was going through that hard situation, and what she finally did that helped her to pass NCLEX and go on to become a successful nurse for the past 5+ years.
For show notes and links I mention, go to https://www.yournursingtutor.com/episode57
In this episode, I'm laying out exactly HOW I help so many nursing students reduce the overwhelm and get through nursing school confidently and calmly.
This 4-step study system mimics the way that experienced nurses think...which means that when YOU study this way, you're training your brain to critically think so that you will get better test scores.
For a transcript of the episode and the links I mentions, go to www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode56
Hey there! This is Nurse Nicole, founder of Your Nursing Tutor and the VIP Tutoring Membership. Today, I’m doing something a little bit different on the podcast that I think you’re going to love...I’m going to let you be a “fly on the wall” for a recent Tutoring Consult that I did for one of my VIP Tutoring Members, Amber!
Amber’s nursing journey has taken her longer than she originally hoped, with several unexpected twists and turns. One of those “twists and turns” included not one, but TWO previous failures with Dosage Calculations. These failures resulted in a 10-year pause from nursing school while she worked as an LPN instead, even though her ultimate goal was to become a registered nurse.
But there’s good news, of course!! Because today she’ll be sharing how she was able to transform her Dosage Calculations weaknesses into strengths, even surprising her instructor by achieving 100% on all her Dosage Calculations after becoming a VIP Tutoring Member for only a month.
You’ll also get a peek into how Amber manages nursing school while also balancing a full-time job AND taking care of her family and teenage boys. Plus, she’ll be sharing her honest thoughts and feelings about the final grade she earned in her LPN to RN bridge class.
As always, if you’d like to read the transcript for today’s episode, or find ANY of the links that I mention, you can always go to my website at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode55 to get that information.
Enjoy today’s episode!
Hey there! This is Nurse Nicole, founder of Your Nursing Tutor and the VIP Tutoring Membership. Today, I’m resharing one of the 4 most popular podcast episodes of 2021, just in case you missed it. In today’s short episode, I’ll be offering you some words of encouragement that I hope will carry you through any rough patches you might experience on your nursing journey.
So if you’re in a situation where you’re starting to wonder if you can do this nursing school thing after all, maybe you’ve gotten some bad news about your last test grade, or maybe you failed your semester. Maybe you just received word that you were not accepted to yet another nursing school, or maybe you’re facing a job loss because you failed your NCLEX...whatever it is, I hope that today’s episode will give you a new perspective to keep pursuing your dream of becoming a nurse.
As always, if you’d like to read the transcript for today’s episode, or find any of the links that I mention, you can always go to my website at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode54 to get that information.
Enjoy today’s episode!
Hey there! This is Nurse Nicole, founder of Your Nursing Tutor and the VIP Tutoring Membership. Today, I’m resharing one of the 4 most popular podcast episodes of 2021, just in case you missed it. In today’s episode, I’ll be telling you the 3 reasons why otherwise passionate, motivated students who aspire to become nurses...will FAIL.
And I’ll be dispelling the myths that nursing students fail because they’re lazy, or not smart enough, or just not “cut out” to be a nurse...none of those are actually the most common causes that I see for nursing students failing.
And the good news is that the REAL reasons are things that you can take control of and do something about! So you can have hope that it IS possible to improve your grades if you’re already in a situation where you’re failing, or even to make sure that you never have to be in that situation in the first place.
As always, if you’d like to read the transcript for today’s episode, or find any of the links that I mention, you can always go to my website at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode53 to get that information.
Enjoy today’s episode!
Hey there! This is Nurse Nicole, founder of Your Nursing Tutor and the VIP Tutoring Membership. Today, I’m resharing one of the 4 most popular podcast episodes of 2021, just in case you missed it. Today’s episode is all about the ONE thing you can do in nursing school that will prevent you from becoming a nurse every single time...no matter how badly you want to become one.
Plus, I’ll be sharing a story of a former tutoring student I once worked with, or should I say, tried to work with, who did this exact thing that I’ll be warning you about today. You’re going to find out what she did that prevented her from reaching her dream of becoming a nurse, and you’re also going to find out what ended up happening to her as a result.
As always, if you’d like to read the transcript for today’s episode, or find any of the links that I mention, you can always go to my website at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode52 to get that information.
Enjoy today’s episode!
Hey there! This is Nurse Nicole, founder of Your Nursing Tutor and the VIP Tutoring Membership, and today I’m resharing one of the 4 most popular podcast episodes of 2021, just in case you haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet. Today’s episode is my answer to the commonly asked question, “How can you memorize everything you need to in nursing school when there’s so much information?”
I’ll be giving you my most helpful tips for how to reduce your overwhelm and make your memorization in nursing school a lot more manageable, by telling you the difference between information you NEED to memorize, versus information that you really need to find a different way to remember. And of course, I’ll be giving suggestions for alternative ways to study, too!
I’ll also be sharing my hard and fast rule for the ONLY situation where you should be making flashcards...and I’m going to clue you in right now, that I’m not going to be saying drug cards.
Also, if you’ve ever wondered why it is that you can usually narrow down your answer choices to 2 options...but then always pick the wrong answer, I’ll be giving you the explanation for that, too. As well as how you can to FIX that problem, of course!
And as always, if you’d like to read the transcript for today’s episode, or find any of the links that I mention, you can always go to my website at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode51 to get that information.
Enjoy today’s episode!
Do you really need individual tutoring in order to be successful in nursing school? Or can a more affordable group tutoring option help you?
Today, you’ll find out whether group tutoring is worth it to help you through nursing school, or if you should shell out the BIG bucks to get private tutoring, instead.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode50
Today I'm going to answer a student question one of my VIP tutoring members recently asked me...and it’s definitely the most important question that YOU should be asking yourself during nursing school, too!
Not only will you discover what this very important question is, AND why it’s the key to your nursing school success, but you’ll also find out how the answer to this question explains why you’re not doing as well as you want to on your exams, no matter how much you study. So what’s this mysterious question?
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode49
I wanted to get on today to share with you something that is going on in my life right now. And it is the common cold.
It's not COVID. I got tested, I'm fine. Okay, it's just a real legitimate cold, those do still happen. So I didn't write out notes for this, because it was just something I kind of spontaneously was thinking about. But I wanted to show you how even something like the common cold can help you study for nursing school.
And it's also a perfect example of why the way that you study for nursing school is SO important to making nursing school easier, and for making sure that things like how you do on tests, and how easy or hard tests are, makes a difference.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode48
I think it’s important for experienced nurses who seem so competent to share stories about when they messed up or did something embarrassing...that way you can feel more confident as a student nursing when you do something silly while still learning.
After all, nobody starts out as an expert nurse 💜
In that spirit, I want to tell you about a time that I made myself look kinda like a fool in front of a doctor during my OB clinical rotation.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode47
If becoming a nurse is really their dream, then why are there so many nursing students struggling and even failing in nursing school? Why don’t students seek help earlier, before they’re in a “do or die” type academic situation where they’re at risk of failing a class?
On today’s episode, we’ll be talking about the HUGE problem in nursing school where a large number of seemingly committed nursing students continue to struggle to the point of failure.
Whether you’re currently in this situation yourself, or if you’re still working on pre-reqs but starting to wonder if you should be worried for your future, by the end of our time together today, you’re going to understand the top 4 reasons why nursing students don’t get the help they need in a timely manner.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode46
Today, I’m going to share with you why mid-Fall is NOT my favorite time of year as a professional nursing tutor. We’ll also be talking about the HESI Specialty Exams, which you might be facing in a month or two during finals. I’ll let you know how they’re different from the Entrance and Exit HESI Exams, how hard they are, and what you can be doing right now to prepare for them.
Today is the third in a 3-part series about HESI Exams, where I’ll clear up a lot of misunderstandings, as well as answer the most commonly asked questions about them. We already talked about the HESI A2 Admissions exam and the HESI Exit Exam in our last 2 episodes. So today, we’re going to be talking about all of the different Specialty HESI Exams, and what they’re like.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode45
What is the HESI Exam for nursing school? Is the HESI exit exam harder than the NCLEX? What’s the best way to study for it? And what should you do next if you FAIL it?
Today is the second in a 3-part series about HESI Exams to clear up a lot of misunderstandings about them, as well as answer the most common questions that I see asked. Even if you never have to take a HESI exam in your life, it’s still really important for you to learn a little bit about it because you never know when you’ll have an opportunity to mentor someone else on their nursing journey in the future...and that student might have to deal with HESI! So you’ll want to be able to point them in the right direction, instead of accidentally continuing to spread all the common myths, so that you can actually DO help them.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode44
What is the HESI Exam for nursing school? Is it the same thing as the ATI? How can you prepare for it, and what should you do if you FAIL it?
Today, I'm starting a series that will help you feel more confident and prepared for the many different standardized exams that you're likely to see in nursing school. And while I'll mostly be focusing on HESI during this series, you can be sure that you'll be able to pull out useful information that will help you understand ANY nursing school exam, standardized test, and even NCLEX!
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode43
Today you’ll learn how one Nurse transformed from struggling student who felt “completely overwhelmed”, to independent and “flying on her own” as a successful nurse entrepreneur who now makes over 6 figures. She also happens to have been my very first nursing student that I tutored way back in the day when I was hired as my school’s only official peer tutor. Want to hear more about this inspiring story?
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode42
Do you feel like all of the hard work you do to study is going to waste because you continue to get bad grades in nursing school? Or maybe math is standing in your way of becoming a nurse? Or perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of medications covered on your next Pharmacology exam, and you’re desperately searching for the best flashcard brand or other study tool that will save you? In today’s episode, I’ll be solving ALL THREE of those problems for you!
Welcome to Episode 41 of Navigating Nursing School with Your Nursing Tutor. Today, I’ll be sharing my 3 most popular, FREE resources that are available to make nursing school easier for you. No tricks or “bait and switches”, these are absolutely the kind of resources that are going to make you feel less overwhelmed, and NOT more overwhelmed. And each one will help you to solve a common problem that you’ll see in nursing school.
For a trascript of today's episode and links to the resources I mention, visit the show notes page at www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode41
I firmly believe that you should 🤩 feel excited🤩 whenever you see a Dosage Calculation on your exam, because it means FREE POINTS...
...but only if you know how to confidently and correctly answer them, every time.
Oh...and math anxiety is NOT an excuse to get them wrong, either, at least not after you listen to today's episode!
Welcome to Episode 40 of Navigating Nursing School with Your Nursing Tutor. Today, you’ll be hearing from Dr. Brad Wojcik, an experienced pharmacist and author of the book, “Dosage Calculations for Nursing Students”. Dr. Brad is joining us today to offer his THREE best tips to make Dosage Calculations easier so that you’re basically get GUARANTEED points all your Dosage Calculation exam questions correct.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode40
Setting your patients quickly at ease is an essential skill for male nurses, but female nurses will benefit from mastering this tip as well! Listen now:
Today, you’ll be hearing from Senior Nursing Student Devon Taylor, who is rejoining us today with another valuable contribution to this Expert Tips for New Nursing Students Series. His first tip was in episode 32, answering the question of whether you should work during nursing school.
But in THIS episode, he will be sharing a special tip for all the aspiring male nurses out there, about how you can create quicker connections with your patients AND help them feel less anxious working with a male nurse. Even if you’re a female student, I promise that this tip is well worth listening to, and you will get some good guidance from it as well.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode39
It doesn't pay to live dangerously in nursing school. Listen to learn how to avoid one of the biggest pitfalls.
Today, you’ll be hearing from Nurse Ashley who has over 5 years experience as a BSN Nurse on a Med-surg and telemetry floor, and is the co-founder of the “Nursing Meme Only Page” Facebook Group, which has over 11,000 members. She will be telling you the most dangerous thing you can do as a new nursing student...and what you can do to avoid it.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page:www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode38
It doesn't have to be that way. There IS a way to handle them without losing your cool. Listen and find out how!
Today, you’ll be hearing from Nurse Keith Rischer, a nursing education innovator AND founder of KeithRN.com, who will share how to effectively deal with disrespectful nursing colleagues so that you don’t end up feeling constantly angry. And remember, you are still a nursing colleague even when you are a student, so this will be a super helpful tip you can use to deal with any difficult people you encounter in nursing school!
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page:www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode37
Have you ever encountered a nurse bully? Then you need to listen to this one!
Today, you’ll be hearing from Nursing Professor Kimberly Probus, who will tell you exactly what steps to take when dealing with a nurse bully, which is unfortunately something you’re probably going to face at some point in your nursing career, possibly even while you’re still in nursing school. She’ll also share what you need to be proactively doing now to PREPARE for a possible bullying situation in the future.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode36
No matter where you are in your nursing journey or in life in general, this is some good advice!
Today, you’ll be hearing from Nurse Linda Bright, who is sharing her number 1 tip for new nursing students. Linda has a perspective that I know a lot of you will appreciate, because she was 50 years young when she decided to start nursing school as a second career, after working as a public school teacher for 28 years. So if you’ve been wondering whether you’re “too old” for nursing school, I know you’ll want to hear what Nurse Linda has to say.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode35
Having trouble staying motivated? Feeling a bit burned out? Listen to this good advice on how to get through the toughest days.
Today, you’ll be hearing from Nurse Chelsey Rodgers, a Critical Care nurse and founder of Tribe RN, who is joining me to share her genius method for staying motivated and preventing burn out, even when nursing school gets so tough that you’re ready to quit. And I’ll tell you, this is something that you’ll find useful during that first, difficult year as a new nurse, and even throughout your entire nursing career, as well.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode34
Do you have an ideal nursing job that you are hoping to get? Then you definitely need to listen to this one!
You’ll be hearing from Nurse Jenny Finnell, a CRNA with over 7 years of experience AND the founder of the CRNA School Prep Academy.
Jenny is joining me today to share the number one thing you should do as a new nursing student that will make it easier to get the nursing job of your dreams later on…even if you’re not quite sure what that dream is yet.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode33
Today we are talking about the question I get asked ALL the time - should you work while in nursing school?
You’ll be hearing from Student Nurse Devon Taylor, who is in his last semester of nursing school and preparing to launch a podcast called “Memoirs of a Murse” (A “murse” is a male nurse, if you didn’t know that already).
Devon is offering his advice about a question I get asked ALL the time by new and prospective nursing students...should you work while in nursing school? He’ll give you his definitive answer, plus his rationale, along with some bonus advice for how to make yourself look good to all the other nurses, nursing faculty, and various healthcare personnel you’ll be working with throughout nursing school.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode32
Today, you’ll be hearing from Nurse Denetra Hampton, founder of the Nursing Education and Study Center.
Denetra will be on the show to reveal where you will find some of the most important information in your textbook...even though most nursing students will completely overlook this.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode31
Today, I want to help you continue living your life even during nursing school, while still maximizing your useful study time.
On today’s episode, I have guest Nurse Esther Beyderman, the author of “Nursing Audio NCLEX-RN Review Series”.
Nurse Esther will be telling you her absolute best hack for how to maximize your study time...especially when you spend a lot of time “on-the-go” while commuting, driving kids to soccer practice, washing dishes, walking dogs, or other “real life” activities.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode30
Today, I want to help you feel more confident while in nursing school.
On today’s episode, Nurse Laura of Nurse It Like You Mean It will be joining me.
Nurse Laura is going to share her best strategy for self-evaluating HOW you’re doing in nursing school, and particularly in clinicals, so that you don’t have to suffer with a lack of confidence.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode29
Today, I want to help you with your time management while in nursing school.
Today you’ll be hearing from Nurse Erica Rodriguez, a new grad Labor & Delivery nurse and the founder of “Nursing Student Support Group” on Facebook, which has over THIRTY thousand members.
Nurse Erica will be sharing her number 1 habit that you should be doing NOW, as a new student, to keep your overwhelm to a minimum, AND make it a lot easier to transition from nursing student to “real life nurse” later on after graduation.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode28
Today, I want to help you feel more confident AND make it easier to advocate for your patients while you’re still a nursing student.
On today’s episode, Nurse Janine Kelbach, a veteran Labor & Delivery nurse and owner of Savvy Nurse Writer, is sharing the BIGGEST secret that helped her succeed in nursing school, even with the additional challenge of having a baby during nursing school.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode27
Are you looking for tips to start nursing school strong? Want to know all the “shortcuts” to help with time management, getting all your reading done, and maybe even make nursing school easier?
In this episode, I’m going to share one of my BEST tips to save time, avoid overwhelm, and maximize your chances of success in nursing school...
My name is Nicole Whitworth, BSN RN and I’m a professional nursing tutor with over 12+ years experience helping nursing students learn how to study in a way that teaches you to think like a nurse WHILE you’re still in nursing school, so that you can spend less time studying, get better grades, and feel confident when you take NCLEX and start your first nursing job.
In this series, you’re going to learn things like how to feel less scared and more confident as a nursing student, tricks for maximizing your “hands-free” study time while on-the-go, effective ways to deal with passive aggressive bullying from other nurses, and even things you should be doing now to prepare to land your dream job after graduation. So make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss a thing.
All links and resources I mention in this episode can be found on the show notes page: www.YourNursingTutor.com/episode26
Have you failed something in nursing school? Maybe you've failed to get accepted to a school, maybe you failed a dosage calculation, maybe you failed a class, maybe you even failed out of the whole program.
Or maybe you graduated, but and have failed NCLEX once, twice, maybe even three times.
Whatever it is, I've got a message for you today: you are not a failure.
Why do so many nursing students fail? Laziness, lack of resources, just “not cut out” for nursing?
Obviously, people go into nursing school because it's their dream...nobody goes to nursing school just for fun. Okay?
So if students like you are so passionate about becoming a nurse and are willing to work hard, then why do so many nursing students still fail?
There are 2 major reasons why this happens…
Back when I was still doing private tutoring (before I had a more affordable Tutoring Membership option), I charged $75 an hour...which not all nursing students can afford.
But I specialize in helping students who have literally tried everything else, and still can’t pass. They feel anxious, depressed, desperate, and have often exhausted all options through their school.
They don’t know where else to turn.
That’s how I met M.
Are you kind of hoping that you can avoid dosage calculations until graduation, then just kind of rely on Pyxis (an automated medication dispenser) once you're a nurse?
I've got some news for you...it is WORTH IT to overcome your math anxiety because you ARE capable of mastering dosage calculations.
It often happens after a bad exam grade, the professor rolling her eyes at you, or making a foolish mistake in clinicals….
How can you know FOR SURE that you have what it takes to be an excellent nurse...or if you’re just wasting time (and money) in nursing school?
Here’s the 3 areas you need to self-assess...
The first thing most people think about is scholarships, grants and loans. Those are helpful...but there are FOUR other major “strategies” that can make a big difference in nursing school affordability.
I want to tell you about a very meaningful gift that some of the very first Nursing Students that I tutored gave me...
I think it’s important for experienced nurses who seem so competent to share stories about when they messed up or did something embarrassing...that way you can feel more confident as a student nursing when you do something silly while still learning.
After all, nobody starts out as an expert nurse 💜
In that spirit, I want to tell you about a time that I made myself look kinda like a fool in front of a doctor during my OB clinical rotation.
Paying for car insurance kind of sucks...until you have an accident and need it.
But what about the kind of car insurance that covers the unexpected emergencies AND helps with oil changes and general car maintenance?
What if you could get that kind of insurance policy for nursing school? 🙏
I want to tell you about an embarrassing thing I did when I was working as a brand new operating room nurse. And it really had nothing to do with the operating room. It was just embarrassing.
If you’ve ever been pregnant, I’m sure you can relate to this: all of a sudden, everybody feels the need to tell you about their own pregnancy-related horror story.
Recently I talked with a pre-nursing student who thought all the nursing programs in her area pretty much sounded the same...and wanted to know what questions to ask to find out which was really best.
Here are 4 questions you should research before deciding on a nursing program...
In my early days of starting Your Nursing Tutor, I worked with a student who was in a very scary situation...
I am a professional nursing tutor...and I failed my very first official nursing school quiz.
I'm going to tell you the ONE thing you can do that will completely ruin your chance of becoming a successful nurse.
Have you ever heard the phrase “you got to spend money to make money”? Do you think that's true in nursing school?
It absolutely is! But there’s more than just tuition to think about.
I want to talk to you about how nursing school can be a lot like falling off a bike, and not in a good way. (Is there a good way?!?)
Question: Will sodium levels be increased or decreased in a hypovolemic patient?
I recently saw someone ask this in a Facebook Group and all she got were wrong answers, so I thought I would clear things up.
I am going to share with you something I did, or rather didn't do, during my clinical assessment that caused me to fail.
And it's kind of embarrassing.
In this video I am going to answer for you one of the most common questions I get about nursing school, which is, how do you memorize everything in nursing school?
If you're wondering what the best backpack for nursing school is, you are in the right place, because I am going to tell you.
#afflinks
Jansport Rolling Backpack: https://amzn.to/3iRy01B
Targus Rolling Backpack: https://amzn.to/3xFZ08H
Are you feeling a little bit down today about your nursing school experience? Are you starting to wonder if you maybe aren't even cut out for nursing school? Or are you starting to wonder if becoming a nurse will never happen for you? If so, I have a message for you today.
This, what I'm about to tell you, is hands down the most disgusting and embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me. And it happened in my first year as a new nurse.
Today I want to tell you about a time in nursing school when I did not handle things the right way when I had a big disagreement with one of my professors.