Organization is crucial in nursing school, and especially in an ABSN program, as the curriculum is accelerated. Organization tips for nursing students include using digital tools like scheduling and note-taking apps, getting a clinical bag with multiple compartments, and keeping all course and exam prep materials organized in folders.
Nursing school can be a challenging experience, and it’s essential to stay organized. Following organization tips for nursing students can help you stay on top of your deadlines and other responsibilities. Because no single system works for everyone, experiment with different tools, techniques, and habits to find an approach you can maintain.
At Marian University, you’ll have all the support you need to succeed during our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. You can graduate in as few as 16 months, take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, and join the nursing workforce much faster than through a traditional BSN program.
Before enrolling in nursing school, learn what to expect and how an organizational system could support your success. Then, explore some organization material tips for nursing students. Be sure to explore nursing school support resources throughout your time in the program.
The Importance of Nursing School Organization for Success
Following organization tips for nursing students is crucial because nursing school is fast-paced. This is particularly true of an accelerated nursing program, such as Marian University’s ABSN. Assignments and other responsibilities can accumulate quickly, but a reliable organizational system can help you monitor priorities, prepare for upcoming work, and avoid falling behind.
Good organization may also reduce stress by making your workload more manageable. It supports time management because you spend less time searching for notes, supplies, or assignment details. You can also rely on these organizational skills throughout your nursing career.
Learn how to pay for nursing school.
Digital Organization Tools for Nursing Students
There are plenty of digital organization tools you can use as a nursing student. For example, you can use a calendar or day planner app instead of, or in addition to, a physical planner. Enter new commitments promptly, set reminders before deadlines, and review the calendar daily.
Other digital organization tools include note-taking apps, productivity apps, and time management apps. While working on assignments, you might use a bibliography management program. Consistently using a small set of tools can help you form positive habits and succeed.
Effective Note-Taking and Study Organization Strategies
When considering organization material tips for nursing students, it’s important not to overlook your notes. Notes can quickly become disorganized, particularly when you are trying to keep pace with a lecture. Online-based coursework can support careful note-taking because you may be able to pause or revisit recorded material while reviewing key concepts.
Choose a note-taking technique that works well for you and adhere to it consistently. Many students prefer the outline method, in which you list main topics and add details in neatly organized bulleted lists.
It’s also important to stay organized during your study sessions. Instead of placing all of the materials on your desk, take out just what you need in the moment. Then, return items to their proper folders and take out the next study guide or document.
Time Management Tips for Busy Nursing Students
Time management and organization tips for nursing students go hand in hand. Start by recording deadlines, labs, exams, in-hospital clinical education schedules, and other in-person learning requirements in a planner or scheduling app. Add personal commitments as well, then reserve specific blocks of time for studying, meals, travel, sleep, and other necessities. Reviewing the upcoming week can help you identify schedule conflicts before they become problems.
Additional time management tips include:
- Avoid multitasking, as it’s counterproductive.
- Avoid procrastination by using the Pomodoro method.
- Make the best use of the time you have by avoiding distractions during study sessions.
- Use “dead time,” such as by listening to a nursing video tutorial while washing dishes or reviewing notes while waiting for a lab to start.
Organization Strategies for Online Coursework
Online-based coursework offers flexibility, but it also requires self-discipline. Although you can access coursework from different locations, a dedicated, distraction-free study area can make it easier to establish a routine. Keep that physical space organized and stock it with the supplies you regularly need so you can begin working without unnecessary delays.
Organization tips for nursing students also include organizing your digital workspace. If you have digital course materials saved to your computer rather than to the learning portal, keep them in well-organized, clearly labeled folders. Similarly, keep your notes organized with a consistent file-naming convention.
Staying Organized During Clinical Rotations
Organization is key during in-hospital clinical education. You’ll need a clinical bag with enough compartments to keep your stethoscope and other nursing supplies well-organized. It’s important to know where everything is to reduce time spent looking for needed items.
You may want to dedicate an expandable file folder to each practice area to keep your materials well-organized. A foldable clipboard is also helpful, as you can carry it in your pocket and take it out to jot down notes while at the bedside.
It’s also helpful to have a small pocket notebook to carry around with you during clinical shifts. Write down questions as they arise. You can refer to your notebook when consulting your instructor or preceptor.
Learn more about what you can expect during clinical rotations in nursing school.
Exam Preparation Organization Tips for Nursing Students
Preparing for nursing school exams starts with marking the test dates on your calendar well in advance so you can begin preparing early. Be sure to keep your printed or digital syllabus in an easy-to-find location. You can refer to it while preparing for the exam.
Keep completed exams, practice questions, and instructor feedback in a separate folder when program policies allow you to retain them. Review the material before the next exam to identify concepts or question types you find difficult, then devote more study time to those areas.
Common Organization Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common organization mistakes in nursing school is not using an organizational system right from the start. You can expect to receive lots of handouts and other course materials right away. Getting organized from day one is easier than trying to organize everything after it’s already a chaotic mess.
Other common organization mistakes to avoid include:
- Failing to update your calendar each time you receive a new deadline or when a new commitment arises
- Procrastinating
- Saving all digital materials to just one folder for nursing school, instead of using subfolders to organize each class
- Using inconsistent digital file naming conventions
How ABSN Programs Support Student Organization
In Marian’s ABSN program, you’ll benefit from a highly structured academic experience. Upon enrollment, you’ll know exactly what is expected of you, which enables you to plan accordingly.
As a Marian ABSN student, you’ll complete online coursework and be expected to engage in about 25–35 hours of home study each week. You’ll also have multiple skills and simulation labs at the ABSN program site where you are enrolled. You’ll visit your program site two to three times per week to take proctored tests, and you’ll complete other program activities five to seven days per week.
You’ll also work multiple clinical shifts each week, ranging from eight to 12 hours in length. All in all, you’ll complete over 700 hours of clinical rotations throughout the ABSN program’s four 16-week semesters.
Although the pace is rapid, the program’s structure can help you plan your weekly schedule in advance. Throughout nursing school, you’ll also be able to work one-on-one with Marian University’s Academic Success Coaches. Your coach can help you overcome any challenge, such as problems related to time management, stress management, and study habits and techniques.
Get Started Today at Marian University
When you’re ready to fast-track your career into nursing, the admissions advisors at Marian University are here to help. Our admissions advisors provide personalized guidance at every step of the admissions process, helping you put together a plan for meeting the requirements and applying. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months.
Marian University offers ABSN program start dates in January, May, and August. Students also receive a values-based education at a faith-based university that emphasizes the dignity of the individual and holistic nursing care. Faculty and other program resources provide personalized support throughout the accelerated curriculum.
Request information and connect with an admissions advisor today to get started.