Are Practical Nursing Programs Difficult? Here’s How To Thrive

Practical nursing programs can be challenging. But if you’re passionate, dedicated, and committed to the profession, you can complete your program, get licensed, and have a long and rewarding career. Nurses seem to always be in demand¹, and there are plenty of benefits to the career. Are you ready to get started? Learn about practical nursing programs, the resources you’ll want to use, and the steps you can take to succeed in your program and your career.

What to Expect in a Practical Nursing Program

To become a practical nurse, you need a program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical practicums. These programs introduce you to the knowledge and skills you need to begin a nursing career. You take courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care. You also learn about specialties like pediatrics, obstetrics, surgery, and mental health. Your program can take between one and two years to complete, depending on whether you choose day or night classes.

Plan to complete 400-600 hands-on clinical hours as a part of your program to apply what you learned in the classroom. You perform your clinical hours under the supervision of doctors and nurses. While they watch and guide you, they can help you feel more confident in your skills and make it easier to move from school to hospital. You also improve your communication and professional skills, and your ability to give more human patient care. And your time in a hospital or clinical setting enhances your understanding of medical settings and expands your professional network.

6 Common Nursing School Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Every educational program comes with its challenges, and practical nursing is no different. But your program, instructors, school community, and fellow students are rooting for you! Here are some common challenges you might face, along with some strategies that can help you overcome them:

Difficult Nursing Program Coursework

There’s no denying that nursing schoolwork can be hard. You need to understand anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. You learn a whole new vocabulary and there’s a lot to memorize. And that’s all before you start clinical work!

To succeed, break down study materials into manageable chunks, set up a consistent study schedule, and use active learning techniques, like flashcards and practice questions. Consider study apps like Evernote and Quizlet to self-check your knowledge. Join or create a study group so you can support one another while reinforcing the information you learn in class. And give yourself plenty of time to prepare for large assignments and big tests. If the exam is on a Friday, start reviewing the materials the Friday before.

Time Management in Nursing School

Especially if you have commitments beyond school, it can be difficult to keep track of class time, assignments, and life. To keep up with classes, labs, and clinical hours, be sure to stay organized. Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your deadlines, clinical schedules, and study sessions. Prioritize tasks and set realistic daily goals to stay on track. And practice saying "no" to non-essential commitments so you can focus on your studies.

High-Stress Environment of Nursing School

The fast-paced, demanding nature of nursing school can stress out even the calmest soul. The pressure to succeed may affect your mood, your mental health, and your academic performance. To manage the stress, try some deep breathing and meditation. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and make time for regular exercise. Prioritize self-care and if you feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out to counseling services. As a nurse, you need to understand that mental health is critical to overall good health. Practice what you will eventually preach.

Clinical Rotations

Your clinical rotations require you to apply the theoretical knowledge you learned in class to real-life situations. Now you’re dealing with real patients and professionals in the real world. It can be scary. Get ready for your clinicals by reviewing relevant material ahead of time, asking questions, and practicing skills in lab sessions. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from instructors and experienced nurses. And let your patients know that you’re new at this.

Need for Resilience and Empathy

Whether in nursing school or on your clinicals, you may be exposed to a variety of difficult and sensitive situations, including dealing with upsetting news or working with scared children. While challenging, these moments can also be some of the most memorable and rewarding parts of the job. The trick is to be both empathetic and resilient.

Your instructors and mentors will help teach you how to handle challenging situations while staying balanced throughout. Practicing mindfulness is one way to buffer the stress you face and to stay better focused throughout your education and training.

Preparation for NCLEX Exam

Every state requires nurses to be licensed. That means you can’t practice your profession until you pass the NCLEX exam. The high-stakes exam ensures that you will be a competent professional able to provide for your patients on your first day of work and throughout your career.

Your nursing program should provide study resources and support to help you learn the NCLEX materials. But use the same study strategies you use throughout your program to study, prepare, and pass your exam.

How to Succeed in a Practical Nursing Program

Your coursework and clinicals take up the majority of your schedule, but that doesn’t mean you should forget to take care of yourself. Focus on self-care to help navigate the demands of your program. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat a balanced diet, spend time with friends and family, and plan for down time to decompress. This will help you stay healthy, happy and focused while you learn and complete your clinical hours.

Most nursing programs provide resources to help you tackle any challenges you might face. These resources include general academic support, tutoring, study groups, mentoring, and office hours with faculty. Check out all the resources available to you before you need them.

Is There a Nursing Program Near You?

Ready to dive into a rewarding healthcare career? Lincoln Technical Institute offers a practical nursing training program that combines coursework with valuable hands-on application. And our experienced teachers are just as excited about your success as you are. They work hard to help you get ready for a long-term nursing career. We have programs enrolling now in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Fill out the form now to learn more.

¹ National Center for O*NET Development. National Employment Trends: 29-2061.00 - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-2061.00