10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Nursing School: From a Registered Nurse to Future Nurses

Hey there, future nurses! So, you're thinking about starting nursing school, or maybe you've already jumped in and are feeling a little overwhelmed. Trust me, I’ve been there. Nursing school is a unique experience—one that’s challenging, rewarding, exhausting, and exhilarating, often all in the same day. 

If I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice, these are the ten things I wish I knew before I started my journey. Hopefully, these insights help you navigate your path a little more smoothly. 

1. It’s Intense—And I Mean Really Intense 

Let’s start with the obvious: nursing school is no walk in the park. It’s more like a marathon that you’re sprinting the entire time. The coursework is demanding, and the amount of information you need to absorb feels like drinking from a fire hose. 

From anatomy and pharmacology to clinical skills and care plans, you’re going to be learning a lot, very quickly. Be prepared to study hard, stay organized, and prioritize your time because the pace can be overwhelming. 

2. The Emotional Toll is Real 

I expected the physical and mental challenges, but I didn’t fully grasp the emotional weight that comes with nursing school. You’re dealing with real people and real situations that are sometimes heartbreaking. Patients don’t always get better, and things don’t always go as planned. It’s important to process these emotions and not bottle them up. 

Talk to your peers, find mentors, and allow yourself to feel. This isn’t just about grades; it’s about learning to care for others while also caring for yourself. 

3. It’s a Big Financial Commitment 

Let’s be real—nursing school isn’t cheap. Tuition, books, scrubs, stethoscopes, and various fees add up quickly. I wish someone had told me to budget not just for the big-ticket items but also for all the little things that come up along the way. Financial stress can add another layer of anxiety 

to an already intense experience, so it’s worth planning ahead, exploring scholarships, and considering all your options to minimize the financial burden. 

4. Your Support System Matters More Than You Think 

You’re going to need a solid support system—people who understand when you’re stressed out, exhausted, or just need a good cry. This could be family, friends, classmates, or mentors.

Nursing school isn’t something you should try to get through alone. Lean on those who encourage you and distance yourself from negativity. Having people who can lift you up when you’re feeling down makes all the difference. 

5. Clinical Experience is Where the Real Learning Happens 

While you’ll spend a lot of time in the classroom, the clinical experience is where everything starts to click. It’s one thing to read about a procedure and another to actually perform it. You’ll learn how to communicate with patients, work with a healthcare team, and think on your feet. Embrace clinicals as a chance to apply what you’ve learned, make mistakes (because you will), and grow from them. These experiences are invaluable. 

6. Time Management is Key 

If you’ve never had to manage your time effectively before, you’re about to learn—fast. Nursing school is all about juggling multiple priorities. There will be days when you have classes, clinicals, study groups, and assignments due all at once. The best thing you can do is develop a system that works for you, whether that’s using a planner, setting reminders, or breaking tasks into manageable chunks. Procrastination is not your friend here. 

7. Don’t Forget About Self-Care 

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but I can’t stress it enough: take care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to eat right, exercise, or even sleep. Burnout is a real risk, and it happens more quickly than you’d think. Whether it’s taking a walk, meditating, hanging out with friends, or simply getting enough rest, make self-care a priority. You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

8. Networking Helps More Than You Might Expect 

I didn’t realize how important networking would be until I was knee-deep in it. Getting to know your professors, peers, and clinical instructors can open doors to future job opportunities and mentorship. Join nursing associations, attend conferences, and don’t be afraid to put yourself 

out there. Networking isn’t just about landing a job; it’s about building relationships that will support you throughout your career. 

9. Expect the Unexpected 

No two days are ever the same in nursing, and the same goes for nursing school. Just when you think you have everything figured out, something changes—whether it’s a pop quiz, a new clinical assignment, or an unexpected patient scenario. Flexibility is key. Be prepared to adapt and learn on the fly because healthcare is an unpredictable field, and that’s part of what makes it so exciting.

10. Resilience is Required 

Last but certainly not least, resilience is the name of the game. Nursing school will test you in ways you’ve never imagined, and there will be times when you want to quit. But remember why you started in the first place. Dig deep and keep pushing forward, because the reward on the other side is worth it. You’ll come out stronger, more compassionate, and more capable than you ever thought possible. 

Final Thoughts 

Nursing school is a wild ride, full of highs and lows. It’s tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re willing to put in the work, lean on your support system, and take care of yourself, you’ll make it through. Remember, every nurse who’s come before you has faced the same challenges, and we’re all rooting for you. Good luck, future nurses—you’ve got this!