Navigating through the complex field of pharmacology can often feel like a daunting task for nursing students. But, as Dr. Christopher Hanley explains in our latest podcast episode, it doesn't have to be. With over a decade of experience teaching pharmacology and pathophysiology, Dr. Hanley provides insightful strategies for turning what might seem like an intimidating course into an engaging and fun learning experience.

Time management, for instance, is one of the essential strategies Dr. Hanley emphasizes. The demands of a nursing course can be overwhelming, but having a well-structured schedule and prioritizing tasks can go a long way in alleviating stress and promoting effective learning.

In addition to time management, Dr. Hanley highlights the importance of focusing on drug root words instead of trying to memorize individual drug names. Understanding the root words can provide a broader understanding of the drug class, its mechanism of action, adverse effects, contraindications, a...

Nursing school is a journey full of ups and downs. As nursing students, we often face challenging professors who might not align with our expectations or meet our needs. These encounters can be daunting and might make us dread going to class. However, in our latest podcast episode, we provide a fresh perspective, a shift in mindset, and practical tools to transform this dread into stepping stones for your future nursing career.

In the episode, we tackle the common issue of dealing with tough professors head-on. We encourage nursing students to see these challenging professors not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. We believe that every professor, no matter how tough, has a goldmine of knowledge to offer. Instead of being daunted, we should dig in and extract the valuable lessons they’re here to teach us.

We discuss effective strategies such as introducing yourself to professors and seeking their advice. This not only helps you make a positive impression but also opens doors f...

Ever wondered what makes a successful nurse and how to maximize your learning experience during nursing clinicals? Tune in as we explore these questions with our special guest, Professor Mitzi Chambers, a seasoned registered nurse with over three decades of experience. As an adjunct clinical professor at Manhattanville College and an agency nurse educator at Kings County Hospital, she has a wealth of knowledge to share. From her initial start in the medical field during the HIV epidemic to her present-day experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Chambers' journey is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of the nursing profession. 

We also delve into the nitty-gritty of clinicals for nursing students. What are the key factors to success? Professor Chambers insists on punctuality, curiosity, and most importantly, patient interaction. She also emphasizes the significance of maintaining an ethical code in nursing and the value of learning from all experiences, good and ...

If you're a nursing student, you're probably no stranger to the stress and anxiety that come with exams. The high-stakes nature of nursing exams can make them seem daunting, but they don't have to be. In this podcast episode, Nurse Lauren shares her top five strategies for effective preparation and post-exam recovery.

Firstly, Nurse Lauren emphasizes the importance of a good night's sleep. While it might seem tempting to pull an all-nighter and cram as much information as possible, this can actually be counterproductive. Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, leading to poor decision-making and mistakes on the exam. Instead, Nurse Lauren suggests reviewing key points and doing a reasonable number of practice questions before calling it a night.

Next, Nurse Lauren talks about creating exam day rituals. These can be anything that helps you feel calm and focused on the day of the exam, from a special breakfast to a soothing playlist. After the exam, she recommends activities like ...

Balancing the demands of nursing school and parenthood is no small feat. This week, we had the privilege of hearing Amanda Innis share her journey through Manhattanville College's Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program, all while raising a family. A recent graduate, Amanda is an unstoppable force who has successfully navigated the world of nursing education and parenting.

Amanda's story is not just one of success but also a testament to the power of self-advocacy. Throughout her journey, Amanda realized the importance of having a strong support system and emphasized the necessity of self-care, lessons that are crucial for every nursing student.

One of the significant challenges Amanda faced was balancing her parenting responsibilities with a rigorous study schedule. Despite this, she managed to create a balance that worked for her, sharing that the key is to have a support system in place and to ensure all the pieces fit together. This balance allowed her to succeed in her studies...

For aspiring nurses, the NCLEX exam is a monumental milestone on the path to a successful nursing career. This critical examination is often met with a considerable amount of stress and anxiety. In our recent podcast episode, Nurse Lauren, a seasoned nurse, shares her personal experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and proven strategies for conquering the NCLEX.

Nurse Lauren begins by acknowledging the immense pressure that accompanies the NCLEX. She emphasizes that this stress is unnecessary and often self-imposed. She candidly shares her own journey and the revelation she had upon passing the exam - the best preparation for the NCLEX begins the day you enter nursing school. This realization highlights the importance of consistency, forming solid study habits, and the crucial role nursing school plays in preparing students for the NCLEX.

Nurse Lauren shares her techniques, which are centered around consistency and building rock-solid habits. She encourages aspiring nurses to trust in the ...

Navigating the demanding journey of nursing school can often be a daunting task. Our latest podcast episode features an insightful conversation with Professor JoAn Kivlehan, who shares her own experiences and offers invaluable advice for those currently undertaking this challenging pursuit.

From her early days in the bustling halls of an acute care hospital to her current role at Manhattanville College, Professor Kivlehan has built a stellar career in the nursing field. Her diverse experiences have fueled her passion for teaching, leading her to become the inspiring nursing professor she is today. This episode provides an in-depth look at her journey, revealing the obstacles she overcame and the opportunities she seized along the way.

One of the primary discussions in the podcast revolves around surviving nursing school. Here, both the host, Lauren Chapnick, and Professor Kivlehan share their wealth of knowledge, providing a trove of tips to not just survive, but thrive in your nursi...

Nursing school demands consistent effort, compassion, and a profound 'why'. Our host, Lauren Chapnick, delves into these themes in the recent episode of the Nursing Student Coach podcast. Lauren's journey into nursing began at the age of 19, inspired by a nurse's small act of kindness during her own hospitalization. This transformative experience fueled her desire to offer the same strength and will to survive to her patients.

In the challenging and fast-paced world of nursing, having a compelling 'why' can make all the difference. Lauren emphasizes that this powerful driving force can sustain you through the toughest days in nursing school and beyond. As future nurses, it's essential to find this inner drive, as it will shape your journey and enable you to navigate the demanding landscape of healthcare.

Lauren also highlights the transformative power of small acts of kindness. As nurses, we hold a unique position to make a profound impact on someone's life every day. The simplest ge...