Nursing school essentials: What every BSN student needs to know

With a large population both aging and retiring from the workforce, there's an increasing need for skilled nurses who can handle the complexities of modern medicine. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is crucial for those who want to stand out and provide high-quality patient care. Research shows that hospitals with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses experience lower patient mortality rates and better overall outcomes.¹ This degree shows mastery of advanced clinical skills, leadership, and specialized knowledge that are all vital in today’s health care landscape.

Not only does the health care industry benefit from those with BSNs, but there are also personal benefits that come with the degree. Holding a BSN opens doors to higher salaries, improved employment rates, more advancement opportunities, and more areas to practice nursing.¹ While a BSN program can be challenging, the rewards in the end can be worth the extra effort to solidify your knowledge on nursing concepts and sharpen the skills you've built in your registered nurse (RN) program and work experience.

In this blog post, we'll cover the nursing school essentials–but we're not talking about nursing school supplies like a nursing bag, badge clip or lanyard. We’ll explore the nursing student essentials like choosing the right nursing program, how to succeed in nursing school, an overview of the BSN curriculum, and how technology is transforming the nursing school experience. You’ll understand what makes a nursing program stand out and how you can leverage your education to advance your career.

Choosing the right nursing school

Not all nursing schools are created equal, so it’s important to consider key factors influencing your education and future career. An accredited nursing school is non-negotiable. Attending an accredited school assures you as a nursing student that you’ll receive a quality education that meets national standards and qualifies you to sit for licensure exams. Accreditation is also essential if you ever plan to pursue further education, as it ensures that your credits will transfer seamlessly to graduate programs.

Another factor to consider is the reputation of the nursing school. If applicable, look for schools with high pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Even though you don't need to retake the NCLEX to earn your BSN, it's a good indicator of a school's quality. You can also look at the credentials of the instructors and faculty to determine the potential of a nursing school. A nursing school faculty that boasts resumes of advanced degrees like MSNs, PhDs, and DNPs are going to have the robust experience and knowledge to really help nursing students excel academically and professionally.³

Looking for a nursing school program that can fit into your busy schedule? The availability of online nursing school classes is becoming increasingly important for many nursing students, especially for those balancing work, family, or other commitments, and for those looking for more affordable options. Many reputable nursing programs now offer hybrid or fully online RN-BSN tracks that provide flexibility without sacrificing the ability to access a reputable nursing school.³

Nursing school essentials

While an RN-BSN program doesn't quite come with a nursing school supplies list, we have many recommendations for ways to help nursing students prepare to continue their educational journey.

Essential supplies for nursing students: Time management and self-care

To succeed in nursing school, you'll need more than just good grades and clinical supplies. Success in nursing school requires the right mindset and a solid set of personal skills. The workload can be intense, but it's a crucial part of the nursing journey and you'll become a stronger nurse and person for it.

Time management and organizational skills are essential. From managing clinical rotations to preparing for exams, balancing academic demands with personal life can feel overwhelming. Consider using planners or digital calendars to plan out each week. Additionally, while the nursing school curriculum covers a wide range of subject matter from human anatomy to pharmacology, many nursing students find it easier to retain information while working because they're able to apply new knowledge immediately to their current job. Have a planned approach to note-taking and keep your notes well organized for easy use as reference materials.

Scheduling specific times for studying, working, clinical rotations, and self-care will help you stay organized and stay focused. Planning out your time will help to avoid cramming for exams or other assignments.⁴ Setting aside time for study sessions each week will allow you to deeply absorb the information little-by-little.

Navigating the RN-BSN curriculum

Nursing programs are designed to balance theory with hands-on clinical experience. From anatomy and pharmacology to ethics and patient care, as a nursing student in an RN-BSN program, you'll dive deep into the fundamentals of health care.

Students in a nursing program will enroll in a variety of courses including biology, chemistry, pharmacology, psychology, and physiology. The RN-BSN curriculum is designed to build on your existing nursing knowledge while introducing you to advanced concepts in health care.⁵ You’ll take courses in areas like community health nursing, nursing leadership, ethics, and clinical theory.⁶ One of the core goals of an RN-BSN program is to prepare nurses for leadership roles, whether that’s managing a team of nurses, improving patient care practices, or even stepping into influencing policy.⁵

When it comes to preparing for exams and assessments, it’s essential to develop a study plan for all of your courses. Some helpful study methods include breaking down the material into main topics for easier focus, utilizing practice questions and exams, and quizzing yourself with flashcards. Taking breaks and using different study methods are crucial to keeping your brain awake to absorb the information. Also, take advantage of the people around you. Ask your instructors for help before it’s too late, and work with other students to create study groups. Study groups can be beneficial, as discussing course content with peers can reinforce understanding.⁷ This also allows you to see if you can teach the material. If you can teach it, you’ve mastered it–a crucial part of test-taking preparation.

Utilizing technology in nursing education

Technology has revolutionized nursing school, providing students with powerful tools that enhance learning. From simulation labs that recreate real-life medical scenarios to mobile apps that help students stay organized, technology is an essential component of modern nursing programs.

Online learning platforms and tools

Many online nursing school programs use online learning management systems like Canvas or Blackboard, where you’ll access lectures, assignments, articles, and other resources. These online platforms also contain discussion forums that will help you grasp the material and build relationships with your peers and instructors, which can be invaluable when you need support or clarification. This technology allows for remote learning, which provides more flexibility to students who have jobs, families, and other responsibilities outside of school.⁸

Many nursing programs incorporate learning platforms like ATI Nursing Education or Shadow Health, which offer detailed case studies and interactive lessons. Shadow Health provides simulations with life-like, diverse patients with real conditions. The simulations test students’ communication and judgment skills.⁹ ATI is a learning platform with modules and exams that cover all the necessary information a future nurse will need. It also provides multiple resources to help students prepare for the NCLEX exam.¹⁰

Some online nursing programs have virtual simulations that mimic real-world clinical scenarios. These are valuable tools for nursing students as they are designed to provide hands-on nursing school learning experiences like collecting patient assessments and patient histories in a virtual setting. This way you can practice and apply your knowledge in a safe, controlled environment even without immediate faculty oversight.⁸ For example, in a virtual simulation, a patient might exhibit symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling. You would need to ask them the right questions and select the right tests to diagnose and treat them appropriately.

Nursing software and apps

Technology is a critical component in both nursing school and in the health care industry. Electronic medical records, medical equipment, and telehealth services are a few examples of technology that both nurses and nursing students are likely to use every day.⁸ Knowing how to use these effectively is crucial as a patient’s life could depend on it. New technology and standards are constantly changing, so keeping up with nursing software and apps is critical. For example, apps like Epocrates provide quick access to drug information, disease updates, and medical news, allowing nurses to make informed decisions in real-time.¹¹ As a nursing school student yourself, familiarize yourself with these tools early, as they will be a key part of your professional practice.

You've got the nursing school essentials, now it's time to take your nursing career to the next level

The journey to earning a BSN is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Pursuing a BSN means you’ll be well-prepared for your career in nursing. Now is the perfect time to take the next step and start looking into your options for nursing school.

Oklahoma City University’s online RN-BSN program offers the resources, flexibility, and support you need to achieve your goals. As an accredited online program, you can count on OCU for a supportive, quality nursing school experience, online from wherever you're located. Hone your clinical practice skills and critical thinking for clinical decision-making. Meet other nursing school students to build a network of academic and professional support, and connect with nursing school faculty who share your interests and can help you make gains in the field. For more information about admissions, the curriculum, or program requirements, contact an admissions outreach advisor today.