Nursing school is an exciting new chapter, but it also comes with challenges—especially if you’re not prepared for what’s ahead. Many students fall into similar patterns early on, and understanding the mistakes new nursing students make can help you avoid unnecessary stress, burnout, and setbacks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common pitfalls and show you how to start your nursing journey with clarity and confidence.
1. Underestimating the Workload
The Mistake:
Many students think nursing school is just like any other course—until the late nights, back-to-back exams, and packed clinical schedules hit.
How to Avoid It:
Treat nursing school like a full-time job from day one. Block out time for classes, revision, and breaks. Use planners, apps, or even sticky notes if that helps. If you expect it to be tough, you’ll adjust better when things pick up.
2. Trying to Memorise Instead of Understand
The Mistake:
Focusing only on memorising content (especially anatomy and drug names) without truly understanding the concepts behind it.
How to Avoid It:
Shift your mindset from “cramming for tests” to “learning to save lives.” Try using case studies, group discussions, or YouTube explainers to connect the dots. Understanding why something matters helps you retain it longer—especially in clinical settings.
3. Skipping Self-Care
The Mistake:
It’s easy to fall into survival mode—running on caffeine, skipping meals, and sleeping less to squeeze in more study. But this is one of the most damaging mistakes new nursing students make.
How to Avoid It:
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Make time for sleep, exercise, hobbies, and breaks. Even short walks or 10-minute meditations between study sessions can reset your focus and energy. If you’re not well, you can’t care for others.
4. Not Asking for Help
The Mistake:
Trying to handle everything alone—whether due to pride, fear, or feeling like “everyone else is coping better.”
How to Avoid It:
Speak up early. Ask questions in class, lean on your peers, and reach out to instructors or student support services. No one expects you to know everything, especially in your first year. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it sometimes.
5. Neglecting Clinical Preparation
The Mistake:
Treating clinicals as just another checklist, without reviewing procedures, patient etiquette, or safety practices.
How to Avoid It:
Before clinical days, spend time reviewing your assigned unit or common procedures. Learn how to introduce yourself to patients, understand basic protocols, and reflect on your experiences afterwards. Being prepared shows professionalism—and builds confidence.
6. Overcommitting Outside of School
The Mistake:
Juggling multiple part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and social plans can leave little energy for school. Overcommitment is one of the practical mistakes new nursing students make that leads to burnout.
How to Avoid It:
Protect your energy. Nursing school is temporary, but it requires priority. If you must work, look for flexible roles and communicate your schedule clearly. Set boundaries with family and friends when needed. Saying “not now” is okay.
7. Comparing Yourself to Others
The Mistake:
Watching classmates breeze through skills or top every test—and feeling like you’re not good enough.
How to Avoid It:
Everyone learns differently. Some will grasp things faster; others will struggle where you excel. Focus on your growth. Keep a small journal to track your wins, progress, and lessons learned. Nursing is about progress, not perfection.
Mistakes Are Part of the Learning
Making mistakes in nursing school is part of learning, but the key is to avoid the most common ones that can set you back early on. By understanding these mistakes new nursing students make, you can prepare smarter, stay balanced, and move through your training with confidence.
The best thing you can do is prepare for nursing school with open eyes and a willingness to grow. Avoiding these common mistakes won’t make things easy—but it will make your journey smoother, healthier, and more rewarding.
Want to feel more prepared?
Explore our companion guide: “The Best Way to Prepare for Nursing School” for practical tips, study advice, and emotional prep to help you start strong.
