Is nursing school hard? How to succeed in an online program

For many aspiring nurses, the road to earning a degree can feel daunting. The intensity of nursing school, the time commitment, and balancing life’s many responsibilities can create anxiety, especially for those considering an RN-BSN program. On top of that, the shift to online learning may raise questions about whether a digital nursing school experience can offer the same quality of education as traditional, in-person classes.

If you’re asking yourself, “Can I really do this?”—you’re not alone. Many prospective nursing students wonder the same thing. But the reality is that online RN-BSN programs are designed with your success in mind, providing flexibility without compromising the academic standards expected of nursing school.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what you can expect in nursing school, how it compares to other degrees, the advantages of an online format, and actionable tips for succeeding in an online RN-BSN program. You’ll feel confident about taking the next step toward your nursing career.

Understanding the challenges of nursing school

Nursing school is demanding. From mastering anatomy and pharmacology to clinical decision-making, the coursework is designed to prepare you for the critical responsibilities you’ll face on the job. As a nursing student you can expect a mix of lectures, hands-on labs, clinical rotations, and assessments that test your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

Lectures

One of the challenges of nursing schools is the intensity of the coursework. While attending lectures is part of every college experience, nursing school includes many challenging courses that cover complicated concepts and require you to have a firm grasp of complex subjects like chemistry, biology, and anatomy while tackling subjects like pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment, often simultaneously. You must retain and apply the information from these lectures to real-world situations. On top of the lectures, you must also retain information from their textbooks, which are usually quite large and full of complex subjects.¹

Clinical rotations

Clinical experience is an important part of the nursing education. Clinicals rotations have more practical, hands-on requirements, which can increase the time commitment and emotional demands. During your clinical experience, you may encounter a wide range of patient needs across different areas of medicine that require you to create treatment plans. You must attend rotations several days a week, and the shifts can range from four to 12 hours.² The number of clinical hours varies by program and state, but the average BSN program requires around 600 hours.³ Clinical schedules are not always the same, so the shift times and patient assignments can vary, and the areas where you’re training can change. Varying shifts and commute times can be a challenge, especially if you have family or work responsibilities outside of school. You must be able to adapt to these changes and to do well during rotations.¹

Balancing schedules

Another challenge that many nursing students face is juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether you’re a working registered nurse entering a nursing program, a parent raising children, or someone with other personal commitments, the workload can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that many students have successfully managed these demands by developing strong time-management skills and building a support network to get through the long hours. Try to set aside time outside of school or work hours to invest in self-care.

Advantages of online nursing programs

One of the most significant advantages of online RN-BSN programs is flexibility. They give you the ability to customize your learning schedule. Online programs allow you to study at your own pace, whether that means dedicating a few hours each evening or spending weekends catching up on coursework. This flexibility of an online nursing program is invaluable for a nursing student balancing work, family, and school.⁴

In addition, online nursing programs offer greater accessibility. No matter where you live, you can enroll in top-tier programs without relocating or commuting long hours to campus. This can be particularly helpful for students in rural areas or those with limited access to in-person programs. Online programs make it easier to balance work schedules with academics, letting you access your program before or after work or even during a lunch break.⁴

Online nursing schools also typically provide an array of digital resources—interactive simulations, video lectures, and virtual study groups—to enhance learning. Virtual clinical simulations use state-of-the-art technology to replicate real-life patient care scenarios. These simulations allow students to practice their clinical skills in a controlled environment, building confidence before stepping into actual health care settings.⁴ Moreover, the accessibility of online libraries, research databases, and tutoring services means you have all the tools you need to succeed at your fingertips.

5 tips to succeed in your online nursing program

Succeeding in an online nursing program requires a careful approach to learning and time management. While the flexibility of online education offers significant advantages, it also demands discipline, focus, and the ability to adapt to a digital learning environment. These tips will help you stay organized, motivated, and on track as you work toward your nursing degree.

Manage your time effectively

Time management is crucial in any educational setting, but it’s especially important in an online nursing program where you have some control over your own pace. Nursing school is challenging. You have to find time for studying, clinicals, lectures, and outside responsibilities. To help manage your time, create a weekly schedule that breaks down tasks into manageable chunks. Set specific study hours and stick to them.⁵ This will help to avoid cramming sessions and keep you on track without sacrificing your other responsibilities.

Create a dedicated study space

Good study habits are crucial for any student. A quiet, organized workspace can make all the difference. Having a dedicated workspace prepares your brain to study.⁶ Find a spot in your home free from distractions and designate it as your study area. Keep it stocked with everything you need—textbooks, a notebook, a laptop, and a reliable internet connection—so that you’re ready to go whenever it’s time to hit the books. Keep it organized so you aren’t wasting valuable study time trying to find what you need, A clean, organized workspace also makes it easier to focus on your work.⁷

Utilize online resources

Take full advantage of the online resources available to you. Many programs offer digital textbooks, discussion boards, and access to academic journals.⁴ Don’t hesitate to use these tools to deepen your understanding of the course material and participate actively in discussions with your peers and instructors. Also, don’t be afraid to seek resources outside of your online courses. There are multiple mobile apps that cater to nursing students and new nurses. Epocrates is an app that offers information on drug dosage and disease treatment. Gahart’s IV Medications Handbook is an app that provides information on more than 400 intravenous drugs.⁸ Utilize these tools to help you succeed.

Seek support

Just because you’re learning online doesn’t mean you’re learning alone. Reach out to your professors when you need support or clarification. They are there to help you, so don’t wait until the last minute to get help. They can walk you through your assignments or exams and provide you with additional resources that might help you in the areas you are struggling with.⁵ You can also seek support from the other students. Additionally, being in an online nursing school program shouldn't hinder your ability to connect with other students. Technology like Zoom has made it easier for people across the world to connect with each other. Use these resources to create a virtual study group and lean on your fellow nursing students for support. Study groups can help quiz you for exams, teach you new ways to approach material, clarify challenging topics, and be there when you need some encouragement.⁵

Set realistic goals

To not feel overwhelmed, break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Whether it’s completing a module, passing an exam, or finishing a project, having smaller, realistic goals will help keep you motivated and on track. Once you have written down your goals, make sure you have a plan as to how you will achieve those goals. Having a plan to follow will make the process much more achievable.⁵ Reward yourself for meeting these milestones to keep your spirits high throughout the program.

Achieve your nursing goals with OCU’s online RN-BSN program

Don't let concerns about a difficult nursing school experience hold you back from a meaningful nursing career. Oklahoma City University’s online RN-BSN program is designed to give you the flexibility and support you need to succeed, no matter your circumstances. Oklahoma City University’s (OCU) Kramer School of Nursing has three fully online nursing programs and part-time and full-time options, allowing you to fit your education around the rest of your personal life. As a nursing student at OCU, you'll find a wealth of online resources along with personalized support from expert faculty. Nursing school requires commitment and focus but OCU faculty are deeply committed to helping you succeed.

Oklahoma City University’s online RN-BSN program curriculum covers topics like ethical and legal nursing care, critical thinking for problem solving and making effective clinical judgments, promoting holistic health for patients of all ages and cultures, and so much more. The program will provide you with a strong set of skills to help you excel in your career.

Ready to take the next step toward earning your nursing degree? Schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today for more information about how this program can help establish a strong foundation for your nursing practice and help you reach your career goals.