Keys to Success : Motivation Combined with Time and Stress Management
By Carol Patterson
So , you have decided to enter a nursing educational program . That is the beginning of an adventure , the likes of which you could not begin to imagine . Stepping into your shoes decades ago , I can still remember that entering nursing school was a cross between military boot camp and sky diving . It was stressful and , at times , scary . I remember faculty advising the students that some of us would be “ lost ” along the way , and I wondered , “ What would it take to ensure that I survive ?” Working with students , I have made observations about factors that facilitate success . Let ’ s think about three success elements — that is , motivation , time management , and stress management .
Motivation : Why am I doing this ? As students enter the program , the age-old question that faculty have been asking is this : “ Why do you want to be a nurse ?” “ Why ” is a mighty three-letter word . Your “ why ” is essential and unique to you . To optimize your success , you need to be fully aware of what motivates you . Don ’ t be vague in your answer . Avoid answers like “ to serve human-kind ” or “ I care about helping people .” Your “ why ” must be strong and meaningful for you . Is it that you watched a loved one who was ill and felt helpless ? Perhaps you desire a career that will afford you and your family an improved , stable lifestyle and set an example for your children to follow . It matters little whether you are looking for monetary or humanistic rewards ; identify “ why ” you have chosen to study to become a nurse .
The Power of Your Why . What is so crucial about our “ why ”? Over the next years , you will make some sacrifices and perform new and demanding tasks , develop critical thought patterns , read what will seem to be endless texts and journals , and write pages upon pages of assignments . In addition to this , you will be preparing for examinations that will test your knowledge and endurance . Thus , the “ why ” becomes fundamentally essential in that you will need to reflect upon this when times get tough . Your “ why ” must be something that will drive you towards your goal , no matter what . With this in mind , consider for a moment , “ Why have you chosen to be a nurse ?”
30 NSNA IMPRINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 • www . nsna . org