How to build a support network in nursing school
Nursing students often find themselves stretched thin as they balance demanding coursework, clinical rotations and personal responsibilities. The pressure to excel academically while managing other aspects of life can feel overwhelming. That’s why a strong support network during nursing school is a must-have.
Support networks serve as a lifeline during nursing school. Whether leaning on classmates for study sessions, seeking guidance from academic advisers or turning to family and friends for emotional support, having the right people in your corner can make a big difference.
By utilizing practical strategies for building and maintaining a support network during nursing school, you can thrive on your path toward a gratifying career.
The importance of support networks
Nursing students with robust support systems experience lower stress levels, improved academic performance and a greater sense of belonging. This positive impact is particularly evident during the rigorous transition into higher education and throughout clinical placements.
For example, research shows that peer mentoring and supportive relationships enhance student engagement and satisfaction by promoting a sense of belonging that reduces stress and improves well-being. Another study found a statistically significant inverse relationship between belonging and perceived stress among nursing students in clinical placements. These findings indicate that students who feel a stronger sense of belonging may experience lower stress levels, potentially leading to improved academic performance.
“My first year of nursing school felt like I was learning an entirely new language,” said Shannon Parker, RN, BSN, SANE-A, FNE, a forensic nurse based in Cincinnati, Ohio. “A strong support network is essential to the nursing student’s success, which can look like many different things.”
Get to know your cohort
Your peers in nursing school are your future colleagues, collaborators and a critical part of your support network. Building connections with them is one of the most valuable steps you can take during nursing school.
“I had a very tight-knit class during my associate degree in nursing (ADN), and often we would pray before big tests, cheer each other’s successes and offer comfort if one of us fell short,” Parker said. “Sometimes, your classmates can make difficult moments feel more like a small hurdle instead of a complete roadblock. I have seen many of my ADN classmates go on to do some fantastic things in the nursing field, and it has been exciting to watch everyone grow.”
Attend cohort events
Engaging in cohort events is an excellent way to break the ice and start building meaningful relationships with peers. Gatherings like orientation, campus mixers or informal meetups create opportunities to connect in new ways.
“It was nice to know that other people are experiencing similar stressors and struggles and can offer meaningful support to each other,” Parker said. Shared experiences with classmates provided encouragement and community to help Parker thrive in school.
Form study groups
Study groups with peers are a powerful tool for collaboration and shared learning. You can tackle challenging material together and reinforce each other’s understanding.
“During my ADN, we often had small breaks between classes where classmates could go to lunch together or meet somewhere quiet to study,” Parker said. “Working lunches were typical and helpful. We would also create flashcards on Quizlet that could be shared with each other to help prepare for quizzes and tests.”
Parker also noted that group texts or connecting with peers on social media helped exchange thoughts, ideas and encouragement. Challenges became more manageable when everyone worked toward a common goal, and achievements felt even more rewarding.
Utilize your academic advisers
Academic advisers offer the guidance and support students need to stay on track via course planning and addressing unexpected hurdles. They’re also a valuable connection to resources like tutoring, financial aid and career planning.
“Having high-quality teachers at schools who are available for appointments outside of classroom time and academic advisors available to discuss concerns and plan future classes with is essential and a tool I utilized throughout my time in school,” Parker said.
Schedule regular check-ins with your adviser. Use these meetings to review your progress, discuss concerns and plan ahead. When you build a strong relationship with your adviser and faculty, you nurture a trusted group of allies that can help you navigate nursing school and achieve your goals.
Join clubs and professional organizations
Getting involved in clubs and professional organizations is another way to build connections and expand your knowledge as you work toward a nursing degree.
Participate in school clubs
Groups like the National Student Nurses Association and Future Nurses Club can provide a welcoming community of like-minded peers. These organizations often host events, study sessions and workshops encouraging collaboration. You can meet new people and cultivate lasting friendships by participating.
Beyond networking, clubs also offer leadership opportunities that allow you to stand out when applying for jobs or further education. They may also connect you with faculty members and alums who can serve as mentors.
Gain membership to professional organizations
Many professional associations offer memberships for students, often at a discount. Here are a few to consider joining, though there are many more associations affiliated with even more nursing specialties:
Professional associations keep you informed about advancements in nursing practice and connect you with those in your field. Attending conferences or participating in networking events hosted by these organizations may open doors to scholarships and career opportunities.
Prioritize self-care
In the whirlwind of coursework, clinicals and personal responsibilities, carving out time for self-care can feel impossible, but it’s crucial. Taking care of yourself allows you to manage stress and perform at your best (both academically and personally) while in nursing school. However, prioritizing self-care may not come easy at first. It takes practice.
“Self-care was a skill I developed late in my time as a student, and honing these skills earlier on would have helped me manage stress better and ensure that I could perform at my best consistently,” Parker said. “I do a pretty good job prioritizing self-care at this point in my life, and I am currently completing my degree to become a primary mental health nurse practitioner. I have learned that taking the time to care for me makes everything work much better.”
Make time for yourself
Incorporate practices like regular exercise, engaging in hobbies and maintaining a balanced diet to recharge and stay healthy. “I run about five out of seven days a week, typically in the mornings, and that helps me start each day feeling fresh,” Parker said. “It helps me be a better mom, wife, student, friend and nurse. I also prioritize my health by taking vitamins and getting a proper amount of quality sleep.”
Simple practices like spending time outdoors, journaling or setting aside moments for quiet reflection can profoundly impact your mental well-being. “Sometimes, I check myself mentally when I feel irritated or want to complain and remind myself how hard I worked to get to where I am now and that I am blessed to have this opportunity. Gratitude helps a lot,” Parker said.
Lean on loved ones
Your support network at home is just as critical as the connections you build at school. Family members, partners or close friends can provide the encouragement and logistical help you need to navigate the ups and downs of nursing school.
“I was a single mother for the majority of my ADN program, and I don’t think I could have gotten through it if it weren’t for my mom helping me with the kids sometimes so that I could study or not stress about unexpected schedule changes,” Parker said. “I was married while completing my Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), which made a world of a difference, having a supportive partner who was always there to encourage me and help with the kids.”
Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs to those around you. Loved ones often want to support you but may not know how. By leaning on them when needed, you can lighten your load and stay focused on your goals while maintaining meaningful relationships during this demanding chapter of your life.
Seek mental health support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support from a counselor or therapist. Nursing school is challenging, and proactively addressing signs of burnout can prevent long-term stress.
“For nursing students struggling to make time for self-care, I would tell them that they will be forced to do so later if they don’t prioritize it now,” Parker said. “You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you are filling it so you can continue to pour out to others.”
Final thoughts
Building a strong support network is one of the most important steps you can take to succeed in nursing school. Having a community of people to lean on when things get tough can make all the difference.
Take care of yourself, and don’t wait to invest in building connections with those around you. Your future self (and the future patients you serve) will thank you.
