10 Tips from Nurses for Nurses: How to Thrive in Nursing Graduate School

BY Crystal Paunan | 5 MIN READ

You might be wondering: Is nursing graduate school actually worth it? Balancing work, life and graduate nursing school may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.

To help you not just survive but thrive in your master of science in nursing (MSN) degree or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree journey, we asked current Elmhurst students and faculty to share their best advice. Here are 10 tips to set you up for success:

1. Get Organized Early

Staying organized is key to success in nursing graduate school. Many nursing students swear by digital calendars and task managers to keep track of assignments, while others prefer traditional planners and handwritten to-do lists. Finding the right system may take some trial and error, but the secret is simple—start early and stay consistent.

Tip: At the start of each semester, enter all assignment due dates into your calendar and set reminders a few days before each deadline.

2. Plan Your Study Time Wisely

Effective time management is key to balancing coursework, clinical hours and personal life when pursuing an MSN or DNP degree. Don’t just track due dates—schedule when you’ll actually do the work. Many students recommend blocking out time in your calendar for specific tasks and setting clear goals to stay accountable.

Each week, identify pockets of time to work on nursing school assignments, even in small increments. One nursing graduate student shared, “I used the time waiting at my child’s practice to tackle smaller assignments—turning idle time into productive time.” Find what works for you, plan ahead and break tasks into manageable steps to stay on track.

3. Develop a Strong Support System

Nursing graduate school is demanding, but a strong support system can make all the difference. Talk with family and friends about your goals and what support you may need. Look at your responsibilities—are there tasks you can delegate to lighten your load? Leaning on your circle can help you stay focused and succeed when pursuing an MSN or DNP degree.

Tip: Connect with classmates on day one. Exchange phone numbers and start a group chat for support, questions and motivation throughout the program. Your peers can become your go-to lifeline for success.

4. Practice the Word “No”

Balancing nursing school, work and life takes discipline—and sometimes, saying “no.” Set boundaries and identify where you can step back to prioritize your academic success as you work towards an MSN or DNP degree. Just as you delegate tasks, consider what commitments you can pause to create the time and space needed to thrive in your nursing graduate program.

Tip: Set specific study times and communicate them with loved ones to avoid distractions.

5. Prioritize Self-Care and Sleep

Your academic success in nursing graduate school depends on your physical and mental well-being. You can’t pour from an empty cup! Schedule time for activities that recharge you—whether it’s exercise, hobbies or rest—and treat it as a non-negotiable. Prioritize sleep to keep your mind and body at their best, and hold yourself accountable by adding self-care to your calendar in between your MSN or DNP classwork.

6. Know Your Resources

Take advantage of the many resources available to support you along the way—many are included in your tuition! From writing centers and library services to online databases and APA support, these tools can save time and enhance your skills along the path to your MSN or DNP degree. Explore them early and make them part of your success strategy.

7. Ask for Help When Needed

Never hesitate to ask for help—whether from professors, advisors or peers. Your faculty are here to support you, so schedule a meeting when needed. Don’t wait and hope things improve—nursing graduate school courses move fast, and reaching out early can keep you on track.

8. Be Flexible and Adapt to Challenges

Unexpected challenges are inevitable, but as a nurse, you’re trained to adapt. Apply that skill to nursing graduate school in the academic setting—when obstacles arise, step back, reassess and adjust. Seek support or shift your approach, but keep moving forward!

9. Stay Motivated by Remembering Your ‘Why’

Nursing graduate school is challenging, but staying focused on your “why” will keep you motivated. Remember your passion, believe in yourself and share your goals with your support system—they’ll help remind you when you need it most.

Tip: Write down your reasons for pursuing an advanced nursing degree and keep it somewhere that is easily accessible, so you can revisit it whenever you need a little motivation.

10. Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way

Every completed assignment, passed exam and semester finished is a step closer to your goal: an MSN or DNP degree. Prioritize taking a moment to celebrate those victories along the way.

Wrapping Up Your Roadmap to Nursing Graduate School Success

Starting an MSN or DNP degree program is a significant commitment, but with the right strategies, you can succeed. Remember, you are not alone—lean on your peers, professors and resources to help you along the way.

To learn more about how Elmhurst University’s MSN and DNP programs can help you achieve your career goals and align with your vision for the future, visit elmhurst.edu/MSN, elmhurst.edu/DNP or fill out the form below.