By Kirsten Anderson
When I started nursing school, I knew it would be challenging, but I didn’t fully understand just how much it would push me to grow; not just as a student, but as a person. There were long days in class, late nights studying, and moments where I questioned if I had what it took to make it through. But there were also moments of pride and joy: passing a tough exam, finally mastering a skill in lab, and connecting with patients during clinicals.
One thing that made the journey easier was learning how to use the resources around me. During my BSN program, the Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment textbook became one of my go-to tools. It helped me break down complex health assessment skills into smaller steps that actually made sense. Elsevier’s resources gave me the confidence I needed to walk into lab and clinicals prepared. I still remember sitting on my living room floor practicing my head-to-toe assessments over and over, using Jarvis to guide me until it became second nature.
Another resource I relied on during my BSN was Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. I used this in my mental health course, and the online access with quizzes through Elsevier was such a huge help. It made studying more interactive and gave me a better understanding of key concepts in psychiatric nursing, which I found incredibly valuable during my clinical rotations.
Balancing the demands of nursing school wasn’t easy. I had to figure out how to manage assignments, prepare for skills checkoffs, and show up fully present during clinicals, all while trying to maintain some sort of personal life. Time management became one of the most valuable skills I learned. I found that setting a schedule and sticking to it helped me avoid feeling completely overwhelmed. I also learned that giving myself small breaks and moments to recharge was just as important as studying.
Another thing that helped me through was connecting with my classmates. We formed study groups, practiced skills on each other, and became each other’s biggest cheerleaders. On the hardest days, knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference. Nursing school is truly a team effort, and the friendships I made during that time are ones I’ll carry with me forever.
Now, as I move through my Family Nurse Practitioner program, those lessons continue to guide me. The coursework and clinical expectations feel more intense, but I approach them with a sense of calm I didn’t have as a new nursing student. I’ve also found myself revisiting resources like Jarvis as I prepare for advanced health assessments. It’s comforting to know that Elsevier’s tools are still helping me grow as I step into this next phase of my career.
For any nursing or health professions student reading this, here’s what I want you to know: give yourself grace. You’re learning and growing in ways you can’t even see yet. Use the tools available to you; whether that’s a great textbook, online resources, or the supportive people in your life. Lean on what works for you. Elsevier’s materials were a big part of my success, and I know they’ll continue to help me as I take on new challenges in my career. Nursing school isn’t easy, but it’s worth every moment. One day you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come, and how much stronger you are because of the journey.
