Four Ways to Become a Standout Nursing Student

Four Ways to Be a Standout Nursing Student
Growing demand for nurses makes it easy to believe that succeeding in nursing school and then landing a job is as simple as showing up with a pulse.
Talk about a misdiagnosis.
Yes, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees the need for nearly 600,000 new nurses by 2018, but employers and patients still want standout nursing students. Here’s how you can become one of them and move to the head of your class.
Use Your Teachers’ Tough Feedback to Improve
In nursing, the stakes are high, so your instructors’ and clinical supervisors’ constructive criticism is often blunt. But it might help you save a future patient’s life.
“Your sociology professor never tells you your bedside manner stinks or your penmanship is sloppy,” says Nancy Saks, RN, DNSc, chair of the nursing department at National University in California. “Nursing instructors give this type of feedback. A great nursing student receives it and improves.”
Learn More Than What’s Required
Standout nursing students master the profession’s basic skills and actively push to learn more, says Jane Gould, president and CEO of Visiting Nurse Regional Health Care System, which employs home-health nurses throughout the New York City area.
“This student often goes beyond course requirements in their readings, raising questions, seeking to learn from their own and others’ experience, and applying new learning in their clinical experiences,” Gould says.
A great student “takes nursing education and makes it part of their life,” explains Kathryn Tart, EdD, MSN, RN, associate professor of nursing at the Houston campus of Texas Woman’s University.
Gloria Donnelly, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University, describes one such student: Felicia Sode.
While doing clinical work at a local hospital, Sode received rave reviews from the staff. “She was not shy about asking questions when she needed to check with a more-experienced nurse,” Donnelly says. “If she finished her work sooner than expected, she asked if there was more she could do or if she could be assigned to assist another nurse. She pitched in with the scutwork and took every advantage to converse with the staff about clinical issues and about their own careers.”
The result: Sode “raised the bar for everyone,” Donnelly says, and received two job offers months before her June 2006 graduation.
Demonstrate Responsibility and Accountability
“I have found that nursing students have a problem talking with and/or approaching a professor when they’re not doing well in a class, and, moreover, the student often doesn’t take accountability for their performance,” says Beth Kaskel, ND, RN, director of Ohio Northern University’s nursing program. Nursing students must show initiative — just as nurses should when patients’ lives are at stake.
Kaskel recently asked three students for their current grades in chemistry. None of them knew or had even asked. “A professional-practice nurse cannot behave this way,” she says.
Show You Care
The nursing student who thrives in school and at work is the one “who not only provides the appropriate care but also invests in the patient,” says Cathy Antonacci, PhD, RN, an assistant professor of nursing at Utica College in New York.
“This student is truly interested in how the patient is and wants to know what more he or she can do to promote comfort or a sense of well-being for the patient and their family,” she says.
.
Honor HealthCare Heroes – National IV Nurse Day
INS celebrates IV Nurse Day each year on January 25th, to recognize the decades of continuing education, advocacy, and professional development that have driven the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Enroll Now in our Phlebotomy Tech Program
Have you been dreaming about a career working in healthcare? Sumner College Arizona can get you there with classes in Phlebotomy Tech, Medical Assisting and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar
Enjoy The DiversityNursing.com, 2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar and remember to honor our healthcare heroes for their dedication to our health and work in our world.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor our HealthCare Heroes – National CRNA Week
A Celebration of CRNAs Since 2000, National CRNA Week has been our annual celebration of the nearly 59,000 practicing nurse anesthetists in the U.S. From…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Laboratory Phlebotomist Projected Growth in the US
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: Salaries have increased 11% for laboratory phlebotomists in the last 5 years…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Mobile IV Nursing Is Trending Due to Earning Potential
Mobile IV nursing is growing and offers nurses the opportunity for higher pay and a flexible schedule. Explore this popular career. Mobile intravenous (IV) nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How You Can Set SMART Goals for 2023
Did you know 91% of people don't reach their New Year's goals? Dive into how SMART goals for nurses may increase your potential success. SMART…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act Impacts Nurses
The Improving Care and Access to Nurses legislation significantly impacts nurses and their patients. Consider seven ways to advocate for improved access to care. The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It. Do It.
If healthcare is your passion, and a career in the field is your dream, it is time to look at Sumner College. 2023 nursing classes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy New Year!
Make way for 2023!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations
The Oregon Center for Nursing recently published "The Future of Oregon's Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations The Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Health Care Workforce…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Holidays from Sumner College
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What’s the work environment for a Phlebotomy Tech?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Phlebotomists held about 135,500 jobs…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Holiday Break – December 19 to January 2nd
There will be no classes at Sumner College during Holiday Break - December 19th thru January 2nd.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Expert Simulation Educators Across Oregon – OCN
Sumner College's Simulation Lab provides a comprehensive learning experience for our students. As nursing education and professional development needs evolve, schools and healthcare systems are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2022 Holiday Greetings
Sumner College President, Joanna Russell, shares a big announcement for our nursing school happening in April 2023 and wishes a warm holiday greeting to all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Finding balance around the holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time. For years, I allowed this time of year to completely take over my mind and wellbeing because…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
It’s a good time to pursue a career in healthcare. Joanna Russell and Nicole DeCosta discuss nursing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQA8dkHbFc…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Well-Being Project
The well-being of all licensed LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, as well as their certified and unlicensed support staff, is essential to Oregon's health [Article shared…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon Facing Nurse Shortage by 2025
With demand for registered nurses in Oregon continuing to grow, Oregon is facing a nursing shortage by 2025, according to The Demand for Nursing Professionals…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Phlebotomists
Sumner College's Phlebotomy Tech classes are held in Mesa, Arizona Next classes start in January 2023 Quick Facts: Phlebotomists 2021 Median Pay $37,380 per year…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Professional Nursing Organizations
There are more than 100 different national and international nursing organizations, many of which have chapters in Oregon. You may want to consider the benefits…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How a nurse is improving health equity with a touch of a button
This article is shared from Johnson+Johnson's Nursing website. LINK Watch a special TODAY show segment featuring nurse innovator Bre Loughlin, MS, RN This segment features…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Assistant to the President
Sumner College is accepting applications for the position of Assistant to the President. Visit the Careers at Sumner page for details on the position and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – General Education/ Science Instructor
Sumner College is accepting applications for a general education/science instructor position that is part time and hybrid. Job Description - General Education/Science Instructor - Part…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bringing Well-Being into the Workplace
For healthcare to work, it takes a thriving nurse workforce. From nurse-led solutions to evidence-backed guidelines, innovation in workplace well-being isn't just possible, it's happening.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Thanksgiving Memorable Recipes from Sumner College’s Team
Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude for friends, family and business associates. This year, the Sumner College team is sharing a few delicious, must-have,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why Phlebotomy is a Good Career
Entering this field as a phlebotomist offers one of the fastest entry routes and is one of the few positions that does not require a bachelor's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
5 Ways to Reduce Test Stress
Article shared fro GreatSchools.org Does your child get stressed about taking standardized tests? Follow this checklist to help ease their worries. In many states children…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
# Hiring – Accreditation and Compliance Officer – Remote
Sumner College has been educating leaders in workforce for almost 50 years in the Portland metro area. Join a team that is passionate about educating…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn