The Peel — Fall Edition

November moves in a way that feels both steady and rushed. You’re probably deep enough into the semester to know your routines, but every week brings new clinical expectations, new assignments, and new reminders of how much nursing school demands. What you might not always notice is how much you’ve already adapted. The way you talk about patients, the confidence you have when you walk into lab, and the small moments where something finally clicks — these are signs that the work you’re doing is taking root!

Interested in joining Grapefruit Health?

If you’re looking for clinical experience that fits into your schedule rather than overwhelming it, Grapefruit Health offers a flexible way to build real patient communication skills. Being a Patient Champion gives you hands-on experience with coordination and outreach — all from home. It’s designed for students who want meaningful experience without adding another shift that drains their energy.

NCLEX Preparation

Question of the Week 📚

Fall Study Advice 📖

When your schedule fills up, studying becomes less about long sessions and more about using the small pockets of time that you can catch throughout the day. Start by choosing one subject that feels hazy — maybe pharmacology dosing, cardiac rhythms, or fluid and electrolyte balance. Spend ten minutes reviewing the absolute basics, not to master everything, but to ground yourself in what you know and what you need to revisit. Short, honest assessments do more for your long-term retention than forcing yourself through hours of unfocused studying.

After each short session, create a quick “micro-test.” Write five questions based on what you just reviewed and answer them without notes. These mini check-ins build retrieval strength, which is one of the strongest predictors of how well you’ll remember something on your exams. You’ll notice over time that the things that felt overwhelming start to feel manageable. It’s not about doing more — it’s about studying in a way that respects the reality of your schedule while still pushing you forward.

Career Tips 🏥

The early years of your nursing education are where curiosity carries you the furthest. If you’re interested in pediatrics, emergency care, OR nursing, psych, or anything you’ve encountered during clinicals, spend a few minutes each week learning one new detail about that area. It could be a guideline update, a common medication, a new intervention, or a pattern you’ve noticed during patient interactions. These small steps create a deeper understanding of the specialties you might want to pursue.

Another meaningful habit is tracking your skills and milestones. Keep a simple log on your phone: skills you practiced, patient interactions that taught you something, situations where you needed to think on your feet, and moments you handled better than expected. When the time comes for applications, interviews, or letters of recommendation, you’ll have a clear record of your growth — not vague memories. Reflecting regularly also boosts your confidence; you see proof that the person who walked into the first week of the semester is not the same person you are now.

Wellness Corner

When assignments pile up and clinical days run long, exercise becomes the first thing to slip. But movement doesn’t need to be a full workout to make a difference to your mental and physical wellness. A ten-minute stretch before class helps loosen the tension you carry from studying. A short walk between commitments (especially on a sunny day) can help reset your focus and clear your head when you’re juggling exams and skill checks. Even using your breaks to stand up, roll your shoulders, and loosen your back helps prevent the stiffness that comes with long study days.

If you’re trying to build a more consistent routine, start small. Pick one movement you know you can stick with — maybe 15 minutes of a low-impact workout video, a quick mobility session, or a few sets of bodyweight exercises. Try it for one week, then reassess. Consistency is what improves energy, sleep quality, and recovery. You don’t need intensity to feel better. Nursing school asks a lot from your mind and body; giving yourself small, sustainable movement options helps you show up clearer and steadier each day.

Meal Prep Corner 🧑‍🍳

One-Pan Garlic Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic (minced)

• Lemon slices

• Broccoli or green beans

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.

2. Place the chicken on the pan and drizzle with olive oil.

3. Season well with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.

4. Scatter lemon slices and vegetables around the chicken.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Pair with quinoa, rice, or roasted potatoes for easy meal prep.
This recipe works well when you're balancing long weeks because you only dirty one pan, the cooking time is predictable, and the leftovers stay flavorful. It’s a simple way to nourish yourself without spending extra time in the kitchen.

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

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One Last Thing 💡

This part of the semester often feels heavy, but it’s also where the most growth happens. You’re building the judgment, steadiness, and adaptability that nursing relies on. Even when it feels slow, you’re developing habits and instincts that will follow you into your first job and beyond. Keep paying attention to the moments that make you proud — the ones that show you’re becoming exactly the kind of nurse you hoped to be. Progress rarely feels dramatic in the moment, but it adds up, and you’re already moving further than you think.

—
The Grapefruit Health Team