I am currently in the nursing program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and I've compiled a list of ways that help me to survive nursing school. They seem to have helped me out so far, however, sometimes, I still feel like I am barely hanging in there. So, if you feel the same, you are not alone. Coming back to this list always helps me to remember to not give up, to pray, and to be thankful for the awesome opportunity to be in this program. Here are some tips on how to survive nursing school.

1. Know that nursing school is incredibly hard and that you don't have much time for anything except for studying, but celebrate the fact that you were chosen to be in this awesome program.

Getting through nursing school has been the hardest thing I have ever done, and I am only in the third semester of the program. During school, my days consist of reading an insane amount of chapters, taking notes, studying, practicing new skills, going to class, and going to clinical. I savor my time spent eating dinner, maybe getting to watch an episode on Netflix with my husband, and church on Sunday. Other than that, I am at the table, highlighter in hand and eyes crossed from reading too much, but I know that it all will be worth it in the end. We were given this amazing opportunity to become nurses, so we have to press right on through! This is what you'll say in your head all day, and then, you have to tell your family this...

2. Go to your instructor's office during office hours.

If you ever have a question, have concerns about how to study, or need some information from the book or class clarified, go to your professor's office. They welcome it, and believe me, do not miss this opportunity. It gives your professor a chance to put a name to your face, and it lets the professor know how bad you want it and shows what you are willing to do to be better.

3. Study in a new way.

Nursing school is different than college classes and high school classes. Anatomy and physiology, prerequisites for the program, are all about memorization. Nursing is really not. You do have to memorize, but you also have to understand, really know, and be able to apply all of the information that you read. I have tried the whiteboard method, where you teach on the whiteboard your knowledge about the topic. A really good way to fully understand the topic is to teach someone about it. Teach your mom, dad, sibling, or significant other. Have them ask you questions like a patient would. It works really well for me, and it seems to be the only way that I can be sure I know the material. If you study hard and are able to apply the material, you should be confident when going to take the test, as confident as Ron Swanson is.

4. Learn the nursing school testing ways.

Nursing school tests are all application questions that give examples of patients with certain conditions or things going on. There are a lot of "select all that apply" questions also. Usually you will pick a right answer, but it won't be the answer that is the most correct. The more you practice answering these questions, the better you will become at test taking in nursing school. Take practice tests on the ATI website, do the practice questions at the end of each chapter, and look online for even more practice.

5. Practice makes perfect.

When you learn a skill, make sure to practice... a lot. Even if you feel good about a skill, keep going through the motions, practice them with someone, get someone to check you off, and go to open lab whenever you can. Those mannequins won't be in your nightmares forever.

6. Have study buddies.

I have made quite a few friends in nursing school. We text all the time about questions that we have. We provide encouragement when we need it, which is quite often. You can help each other, give each other tips, and study together. You can laugh together when you need it the most when you are neck deep in exams and are stressed to the max. Also, make a Facebook page for your nursing class. You all can trade information, study guides, and funny pictures to lighten up the mood.

7. During clinical, make the most of your time.

Clinical days are long and hard, but you gain so much experience from them. You will see so many exciting, new, different, and really gross things. Be a seeker for opportunities to do a skill that you've learned. Do skills that you've done multiple times already to gain more confidence. Confidence is really important here because the patients are watching, and you will feel ten times better if you are sure about yourself.

8. Always make time to hang out with your family.

Even if you're swamped over the weekend, do something to take a break. Spend time with your family as much as you can. Before you know it, you'll be moving out (you may already be moved out), living on your own, and you'll be missing your family. And as much as you may feel like it, don't be thinking about how you could be doing homework instead while you're hanging out with them.

9. Enjoy your college years.

Don't go through college so completely obsessed about school. School is a massive part, but you only get to be a college student for four years. After college, you'll have a job for a really long time. In college, we have to be adults, but sometimes we get to act like kids again.

10. Treat yo self.

In the words of Tom and Donna on "Parks and Recreation," "Treat yo self." Treat yourself every now and then because you deserve it, especially after all of the hard work you do in nursing school.

11. Never ever, ever give up.

When you feel like doing this...

Just remember to...