Reaching the end of East Ohio College’s (EOC) Nursing program is no small feat. At the end nursing school, everything comes together: knowledge, clinical skills, critical thinking, and endurance. It’s also where students reflect on what truly helped them. We asked two nursing students, Nina Fabozzi and Lindsey McLaughlin, to share their best advice and favorite parts of their journey, and their insights offer a realistic, encouraging look at what it takes to finish strong.
Continue reading this blog to learn their biggest takeaways.
Stay Organized and Disciplined
For students balancing work and nursing school, time management becomes essential, not optional. Nina emphasized the importance of using a calendar: “Use a monthly calendar and fill it out religiously.” With packed schedules full of assignments, clinicals, exams, and work shifts, it’s easy to let something slip through the cracks. She shared, “If you are working full time and going to school full time, the schedule will be hectic and packed full and you do not want to miss a due date or clinical/work shift.” Writing everything down and planning ahead can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and staying in control.
Along with organization comes the need for strong study habits. Lindsey kept it simple but powerful: “Study a lot.” Nursing school requires repetition, consistency, and focus. But she also offered an important reminder, “Don’t overthink everything.”
Study with Intention
While studying is critical, how you study matters just as much. Nina encouraged students to go beyond surface-level learning. “Read the physical book and don’t just reoly on PowerPoints or ATI,” she advised. Digging deeper into the content helps build a stronger foundation. She recommended flashcards and investing in supplemental resources like Level Up RN, “Her videos are so helpful with he nitty gritty things like endocrine and pharmacology.”
Test anxiety and second-guessing can trip students up, especially during high-stakes exams where the pressure to perform well feels overwhelming. Even students who have studied thoroughly may find themselves doubting their instincts or rushing through questions. To help combat this, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of slowing down and being intentional with each question. She suggests, “Re-read test questions and look for key words,” as a simple yet highly effective strategy.
Lean on Others for Support
Even with the best resources, one thing is clear: you can’t do nursing school alone. Both students emphasized the importance of connection and support. Nina suggested, “Form a study group, nobody can do this alone.” Studying with others allows you to see different perspectives, fill in knowledge gaps, and stay motivated during difficult stretches. It also creates accountability. When others are counting on you, it’s easier to stay on track.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Nina made it clear, “Ask any questions that pops into your head. There is no such thing as a stupid question.” Whether you’re unsure about a concept, a skill, or a test question, speaking up is one of the best ways to learn. Instructors are there to support students and ensure no one falls behind. Having mentors who are invested in your success can make a significant difference, especially during the final stretch of the program.
Make Time for Self-Care
It’s important to take care of yourself. Nursing school can feel all-consuming, but Lindsey offered a reminder that often gets overlooked: “Give yourself a break.” Rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Taking time to recharge can improve focus, reduce stress, and ultimately make you more effective when you return to studying.
Favorite Moments of Nursing School
When asked about her favorite part of the program, Nina didn’t hesitate: “The friendships I built with a few of my classmates.” Nursing school brings people together in a unique way. Long study sessions, stressful exams, and shared clinical experiences create bonds that go beyond the classroom. These friendships become a source of encouragement, understanding, and even relief during the toughest moments.
Lindsey shared that her favoriate part of nursing school was “my preceptorship and clinicals.” It’s where everything she learned finally came to life. These hands-on opportunities allow students to get real-world nursing experience, apply their knowledge, and build confidence in real patient care settings. It’s often during these moments that students realize just how far they’ve come.
Ready to Start Nursing School?
The advice from these students is clear: stay organized, study with intention, ask questions, and lean on your support system. Use every resource available to you, from textbooks to videos to classmates and instructors. And most importantly, don’t lose sight of why you started. At the end of it all, through the long nights, the stress, and the challenges, you’re not just finishing a program. You’re becoming a nurse*.
If you’re ready to begin nursing school, request information today to connect with an admissions team member and learn more about everything East Ohio College has to offer!
*Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required to become a Registered Nurse.
Certifying entities are indpendent and not affiliated with or connected to East Ohio College in any manner.