The Nursing profession is challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling.
One of the most challenging aspects nursing students must learn to adapt to is living in a community that consists primarily of professionals also studying to become nurses.
This can often lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you're not sure how to go about making friends within this environment, all you need is a little help and insight into what might be helpful for your situation.
Planning Ahead Can Make All the Difference
Learning how to surround yourself with people you enjoy being around is an art.
If you are an introverted person who can count your close friends on one hand, this may seem like a difficult challenge.
However, with the right planning and strategy, you can learn to make friends in your nursing environment without compromising your relationship with that most important person: yourself.
It's not easy, but it is possible if you know what types of activities are best suited to developing friendships.
Social Media can Help You Connect with Nursing Students
The internet has changed the way we all relate to each other, for better or for worse.
If you have a Facebook account and regularly use it to keep in touch with friends and family, you're already on the right track.
If not, create a Facebook account today and connect with nursing students in your area.
There are several nursing-related groups on Facebook, such as Nursing Recruits, Nursing Students, and RN/LPN/LVN jobs, that can help you connect with potential friends.
Some of these groups even offer live chat capabilities so that you can interact with new friends from the privacy of your own home.
Connecting with others through social media can be an excellent way to socialize if you are doing one of the many online post Master's certificate nurse practitioner programs on offer. Especially as online students can sometimes suffer from a lack of social interaction.
What are the Benefits of Making New Friends as a Nursing Student?
Friends are an important part of life that help us cope with our workload, keep us relaxed on the job and provide a community of support.
They can be another nurse to talk to at work or a date to practice dating techniques with.
If you've chosen a career in nursing, you've probably been told about what an exciting and fulfilling profession it is. You'll be helping people every day, getting your hands dirty, and making a difference in the lives of others.
It's no surprise that you want to make new friends as soon as possible to enjoy all this excitement and fulfillment from day one.
Finding friends, however, can be difficult if you're a new grad student.
How To Start Making New Friends If You're Shy or Quiet
This is a common situation for introverts.
If you aren't the kind of person who likes to talk openly about your hobbies, experiences, and all the other things you have going on, it can be difficult to make new friends.
You can start by making a list of your interests and circle the things you enjoy most.
Do you enjoy reading science fiction? Listening to music? Cooking at home? These are all fun activities that others may enjoy participating in as well. You just have to find people who share these interests with you.
Listing your likes and dislikes also makes it easier for others to find common ground with you so that when you do make friends, you have more in common than a love for nursing.
Community Groups Make Great Places to Make Friends
If you want to meet other like-minded people who are interested in the things that you are, why not join a community group?
Most community groups are made up of members who share a common interest.
You may already have some friends in your group, or you might have to start off as an outsider, but once you're in, you should be able to find some people close by to get together with regularly.
These groups can even be the best way for you to connect with others if you're not comfortable starting a conversation with a stranger or new person.
How To Find Community Groups
Examples of community groups include Zumba classes, knitting clubs, and book clubs. These groups typically meet at local recreational centers and sometimes have an annual fee. They often have a leader who has experience making friends and can help you get started. Even if you are shy, joining a community group is a great way to make new friends.
Another excellent way to find community groups is through your local newspaper. When you look for something fun to do with your free time, check out the community events section of your local paper and see what's going on nearby. You never know what you might find.
If you're looking for a way to meet new people and make new friendships, consider volunteering at your local nursing home, hospital, or children's center. Volunteer opportunities can also help you make friends with other nurses.
Connect with Other Nurses on Campus
You can connect with other students through campus events, student organizations, and study groups.
If you're in a bachelor's program in nursing or just getting started with your master's degree program, try joining the student nurse association at your school. They typically have events that are specifically designed to help new students make friends.
You can join social clubs and sports teams on campus that are geared towards nurses specifically as well, which will give you a chance to meet other students.
To find a club that caters to nursing students, check out the social clubs at your school's library or look up the nurse student association and see if there are any groups like yours at your school.
Meeting with other nurses and connecting is great for social reasons, but it will also benefit you later in your career if you spend the time making connections and networking now.
