Affirmations for the Nursing Student

Nursing school is obviously challenging and can be outright disheartening at times. If you’re not feeling challenged, then you’re probably not doing it right!

Unfortunately, it’s so easy to become consumed by negativity that we start convincing ourselves that we’re not good enough, are destined to fail, and won’t make it through nursing school. This is why it’s so vital to pay attention to our thoughts, inner dialogue, and messages we tell ourselves; these all shape our behaviors, moods, and habits.

Let me introduce you to the power of affirmations, or short, powerful, positive statements. When you utilize positive self-talk in the form of affirmations, studies have actually shown that they can help us focus, manage stress, overcome challenges, and reach our goals.

You can easily integrate the use of affirmations into your daily life – you can write them down, think them in your inner dialogue, or even declare them out loud! Here are some of my personal favorite affirmations I use when I need to remind myself when I feel discouraged and stressed:

  • “I am powerful.”

  • “I am capable.”

  • “I can handle whatever happens.”

  • “I am an awesome nurse.”

I encourage you to explore affirmations that truly speak to you! You can even create them on your own. Next time you catch yourself thinking negatively, stop yourself and turn that negative into a positive. Fill these statements with emotion, form them in the present tense, and enjoy the empowerment they bring you.

Pass It On

If you know of a nursing student or faculty member who could benefit from these self-care and resiliency building tips, please forward this on to them so they can sign up here for the free Mindful and Resilient Nurse monthly tip.

Want to Learn More?

If you found this tip valuable and are looking for further options to build your resilience, or that of your nurses or nursing students, please consider our Mindful and Resilient Nurse Program. Feel free to contact us to discuss how this program can be seamlessly weaved into your curriculum or simply be another resource you provide to your stressed-out nurses or nursing students.

Meredith Brownurses