As a new cohort of BScN students begins their first week of classes at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, second-year BScN students and members of the Nursing Undergraduate Society (NUS), Amanda Ha and Samantha Rapson are excited to announce the launch of the NUS Survival Guide for first-year nursing students with tips and tricks to help them navigate the program.
The guide is intended to provide practical and useful information ranging from where to get less expensive and (better fitting) postman blue scrubs, to important resources that prioritize mental health and wellness.
The accelerated two-year BScN program at Bloomberg Nursing is both exhilarating and challenging, say Rapson and Ha, especially for students who may have been out of school for a few years. Their motivation for creating this guide, is to share knowledge that they wish they had known when they were first entering the program, and they hope that it will prove very useful to the incoming class.
“A lot of students are excited that they get to start clinical placements right away, and it is wonderful and new, but it can also be a big adjustment to learn how to balance your time and your life, and ultimately avoid burnout,” says Ha. “A lot of the students at Bloomberg Nursing are academically inclined, we want to do well and do it all, but there is a limit, and we wanted to share why it is important to also prioritize yourself.”
Rapson shares that one of her most useful tips included in the guide is how to manage the intensity of the clinical schedule, by having something to look forward to at the end of a rotation.
“I always had a treat in my mind that allowed me to reward myself for getting through the clinical days, such as iced coffee with lunch, or dinner out with friends,” says Rapson. “It helps to remind yourself that you should be intentional with your wellness.”
Ha adds that an entire page of the guide is dedicated to advice and encouragement from current second years, which she says helps to add to a sense of community among the BScN student group.
“I like this page the most because the information is genuine and authentic. This added support, from the class of second years is saying it is okay to feel tired and that yes, this program is tough, but it is okay and important to ask questions of your Clinical Instructors and peers,” says Ha.
Both Ha and Rapson say that reaching out early and often is integral to being happy and successful in the program. Whether it is a peer, a faculty member, or clinical instructor, they share that there is always someone willing to listen and to help.
They are also hopeful that the guide will encourage first-year students to get involved in student life, whether through NUS or in intramurals which are offered U of T wide. Rapson says these athletic outlets have helped her not only keep on top of her mental health but also meet new people, and stay connected.
“We hope this survival guide becomes a one-stop shop resource for students inviting them to explore what Bloomberg Nursing and U of T has to offer on campus, while helping them have the best experience in nursing school possible,” says Rapson
Find the full survival guide at @uoftnus on Instagram in their highlights section.