Diverse nursing students overcoming challenges to reach their dreams.

Nursing School Survival Guide: Conquer Challenges, Fuel Your Motivation

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock strategies for minority nursing students to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams."

The path to becoming a registered nurse is often filled with obstacles, especially for non-traditional students who balance school with work, family, and financial responsibilities. These students, who may be financially independent, have dependents, or have delayed enrollment in higher education, face unique challenges that traditional students may not encounter. Understanding these challenges and identifying sources of motivation is crucial for supporting their success.

A recent study delved into the experiences of minority paraprofessional hospital employees pursuing baccalaureate degrees in nursing. The goal was to explore their perceptions of the motivations that drove them and the personal challenges they had to overcome. By understanding these factors, we can better support and empower future generations of nurses from diverse backgrounds.

This article will break down the key findings of the study, offering insights and actionable advice for anyone considering or currently navigating the journey to becoming a registered nurse while managing life's complexities.

Key Challenges and Sacrifices

Diverse nursing students overcoming challenges to reach their dreams.

The study revealed that financial strain was a significant barrier for many participants. The high cost of living, tuition, and course materials, coupled with the need to support themselves and their families, created immense pressure. Some students had to stop attending school temporarily due to lack of funds, while others worked multiple jobs or cut back on essential expenses.

Beyond finances, life situations also presented significant hurdles. Many participants were single mothers or had other family responsibilities that made it difficult to balance school with their personal lives. The need to prioritize family often meant sacrificing study time, sleep, and social activities. Cultural expectations and obligations also played a role, with some students feeling pressure to fulfill household duties and attend family gatherings, even when it conflicted with their studies.

Financial Hardship: High tuition costs, limited income, and family responsibilities create significant stress.
Time Constraints: Balancing work, family, and school leaves little time for studying, sleep, or self-care.
Cultural Expectations: Family obligations and cultural norms can add extra pressure and limit available time.
Lack of Support: Some students may lack a strong support system, making it harder to overcome obstacles.

One participant shared that she had to live in one room in order to have finances for her school upfront, so she didn't have to worry about other distractions.

Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Despite the numerous challenges, the study participants demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They found motivation in their desire for a better life, the support of their families and co-workers, and their passion for helping others. Many participants spoke of wanting to be role models for their children and grandchildren, inspiring them to pursue their own educational goals. The encouragement from family, friends, and colleagues played a vital role in keeping them going.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5430/jnep.v7n11p14, Alternate LINK

Title: Motivation And Personal Challenges While Enrolled In Higher Education: The Pathway To Becoming A Baccalaureate Nurse

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Nursing Education and Practice

Publisher: Sciedu Press

Authors: Sarah Kelly, Kathleen Evanovick Zavotsky, Erin Delany, Claudia Pagani, Christopher P. Duffy, Elisheba Haqq-Stevens, Myrna Young

Published: 2017-06-07

Everything You Need To Know

What specific financial challenges do minority nursing students typically encounter, and what strategies can they use to mitigate these?

Financial hardship significantly impacts minority nursing students who often face high tuition costs, limited income, and family responsibilities. This often requires sacrifices, such as working multiple jobs or cutting back on essential expenses. Addressing financial strain involves seeking financial aid, scholarships, and grants and finding affordable housing and childcare solutions.

How do time constraints affect minority nursing students, and what effective time management strategies can they implement to balance their various responsibilities?

Time constraints pose a considerable challenge as minority nursing students balance work, family, and school, which leaves little time for studying, sleep, or self-care. Strategies for managing time effectively include creating a structured schedule, prioritizing tasks, utilizing study groups, and seeking support from family and friends to share responsibilities.

In what ways do cultural expectations impact minority nursing students, and how can they navigate these expectations while pursuing their nursing education?

Cultural expectations can create additional pressures for minority nursing students because family obligations and cultural norms can limit available time and increase stress. Navigating these expectations involves open communication with family members, setting boundaries, and finding ways to integrate cultural traditions into their lives while still prioritizing their education.

Why is a strong support system crucial for minority nursing students, and how can they build and maintain such a network?

Minority nursing students often lack a strong support system, which makes it harder to overcome obstacles. Building a support network involves connecting with other students, faculty, and mentors who can provide encouragement, guidance, and practical assistance. Joining professional organizations and attending networking events can also help expand their support system.

What are the primary sources of motivation for minority nursing students, and how can they leverage these motivations to overcome challenges and achieve their goals?

The desire for a better life, support from family and co-workers, and passion for helping others serve as key motivators for minority nursing students. These students are often driven by a desire to improve their financial situation, become role models for their children, and make a positive impact on their communities. Connecting with these motivations involves setting clear goals, celebrating small victories, and focusing on the long-term benefits of their education.