# 2 . Reach out to faculty resources All of the graduates advised taking full advantage of resources within nursing school . Look for faculty who share a common background as potential mentors , but do not rule out others who may be equally valuable . Consider a faculty mentor who represents a different minority , or who is part of the majority group , but is an ally for underrepresented minority students .
How will you identify such a person ? Look for faculty who make an effort to get to know you as a student and learn your name , who seem approachable and friendly , and who promote inclusivity in their teaching . These are the hallmark signs of a professor who will offer a safe and stimulating space for discussion of ideas . These faculty can often also suggest ways to enhance your studying and offer valuable resources and connections . Stop by during their office hours to simply meet them and consider establishing a relationship with a faculty mentor as a call to action . As one graduate said , “ Just make a connection with an advisor or faculty member . If you talk to one and it ’ s not a good fit , meet with someone else .”
# 3 . Get involved and find a community of support Every graduate in this study wished they had been more involved throughout nursing school . They juggled heavy school , work , and family schedules and did not believe they could spare the time for extracurricular activities . Unfortunately , the less involved they were , the more isolated they became as students .
To break this cycle , make the time to find out about organizations within your nursing school and when they meet . Learn if groups meet during times when you are already on campus , or if they would be open to scheduling suggestions . Is there a minority nursing association ? Are there student mentors in their senior year with whom you can connect ? Have an open mind . As one graduate said , “ Whether it ’ s people who look like you or not , get involved . Go for the different organizations and clubs . Within that , you may find people who you can relate to . If you automatically come in with the mindset of there ’ s nobody like me , it will be very isolating .”
If your school has a Student Nurses Association , join and get involved with community and advocacy projects . Consider a project to recruit Latinx students into the nursing profession . Visit the Breakthrough to Nursing page on www . nsna . org .
Consider other relationships outside of school as well , graduates advised . While you will likely need to limit distractions such as some social media platforms , reach out to your outside supports at regular intervals throughout each semester . It might be just a quick text exchange , but it will keep you feeling connected and remind you of your goals .
# 4 . Stay in your lane Although it ’ s tempting to compare your progress , your grades , and even your extracurricular involvement with that of your peers , the graduates in this study discouraged that . Instead , their advice was to “ stay in your lane .” This means to concentrate on your own accomplishments and progress , because only you know your personal story , your other responsibilities , your challenges , and your achievements . As one graduate said , “ You can ’ t compare yourself to other people . You can ’ t look at somebody and know their full story . You only know what they ’ re sharing . But stay in your lane , focus on yourself , and you ’ ll see that growth . Whether it ’ s outward or inward , you ’ ll see the change happen .”
# 5 . Be tenacious All graduates described their own tenacity and perseverance as key to their success . They encourage others to focus on the same . Remember that nursing school is a time of transition for everyone . It is a time of learning to think and write differently , as well as learning to look at the world through a new lens . Do not give up just because you earn a bad grade . As one graduate said , “ You are not defined by your grade , nor is your ability as a nurse going to be defined by it . Never let someone tell you that you can ’ t do something . Focus on what you can do and what you are achieving .” Everyone ’ s progress is different . You are on your own unique path .
# 6 . Believe in yourself and what you bring to nursing Each graduate advised students to remember their own worth and the bigger picture of what they bring to nursing . They encouraged students to engage in positive selftalk . As one explained , “ They didn ’ t pick you just because . You bring attributes that no one else could bring to this profession , and that ’ s why you ’ re here . Just remember your worth and your value . Remember why you chose nursing and hang onto that thought .”
Another recommended : “ Have your end goal in mind . Cry when you need to . And keep moving .” Remember that everyone , even nursing faculty , has imposter syndrome when they start something new . When you get frustrated , remember it is all part of the process . Keep your eye on your goal .
# 7 . Build connections with your patients Graduates in this study shared moving stories of empowering Hispanic / Latino patients and families through their clinical work . The immediate and deep trust that these patients placed in their hands was palpable . They connected with these patients in a number of ways . In some
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