Becoming an RN is a big accomplishment in itself, so furthering your nursing education means taking on an even bigger challenge. Whether you’ve decided to pursue your BSN or are going a step further to get your MSN, going back to school isn’t easy. Here are some tried and true ways to persevere through the challenges of taking on your next nursing degree.
Demotivate Compelling Reasons to Quit
Start by finding your “why.” Maybe you decided to pursue a higher nursing degree to make more money, accomplish a longtime goal or better your understanding of your current field of practice. Whenever you feel like throwing in the towel, remember why you started. If you’re worried about time, ACE’s flexible online nursing programs will help you find the balance between family, work and school. Demotivate the compelling reasons to quit by focusing on why you began and how accomplished you’ll feel when you’re finished.
Ask Your Future Self for Advice
Of course we can’t see the future, but we can manifest the future we want for ourselves and determine what we need to do to get there. When you’re thinking that your program might be too much for you, picture your future self and ask them what they’d want you to do. Your future self probably wants to say, “Yes, I set a goal and I accomplished it!” Your future self wants to land job interviews with a stellar resume. Your future self doesn’t regret completing the degree they started. When in doubt, do right by your future self.
Accept Where You Are
Finally, accept where you are in your educational journey and take it one assignment, one course and one day at a time. Don’t get caught up in the comparison trap. Being bummed out about not being further along is a waste of energy and focus. Just go at a pace that works for you, do your best with what you have, and accept your progress each step of the way.
American College of Education has purposefully designed advanced nursing degrees so that busy RNs can advance their career without putting life on hold. Explore our fully online RN to MSN, RN to BSN and BSN to MSN programs.
