The start of the fall semester is an exciting time at the University of Tennessee. Campus is filled with new student activities, anticipation for football season, and first-year students preparing to begin their journey toward becoming nurses.
Starting nursing school is both exciting and challenging. While the coursework, clinicals, and new experiences may feel overwhelming at times, every Vol Nurse has been in your shoes.
To help first-year students start the semester with confidence, we asked recent College of Nursing graduates Jiro Greenberg-Oster (BSN ’26) and Miana Rankin (BSN ’26) to share the advice they wish they had received, the lessons that helped them succeed, and what they appreciate most about their time at UT.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before your first day of nursing school?
Jiro Greenberg-Oster:
“Remain open-minded, both in your interactions with others and in nursing as a whole. Throughout clinicals and your career, you’ll meet people from many different walks of life. Some may be experiencing the worst days of their lives. Even when patients have perspectives that differ from your own or are difficult to interact with, it’s important to remain kind, empathetic, and professional.
Nursing also comes with many expectations about the profession and its specialties. Whether you already know what area you want to pursue or you’re still figuring it out, every experience has something valuable to teach you.”
Miana Rankin:
“If I could go back to my first day of nursing school, I would tell myself to seize every opportunity for involvement, new experiences, and enrichment. The classroom is only one part of becoming a nurse. Joining organizations, volunteering, pursuing leadership roles, and saying yes to new opportunities helped me build confidence while making the most of my college experience.”
What helped you succeed during nursing school?
Greenberg-Oster:
“The most important factor in my success was setting personal boundaries. Nursing school is stressful, especially when a single exam can account for a significant portion of your grade. Nursing is both a science and an art. While you can spend hours studying, you also have to be prepared to apply that knowledge under pressure.
Making time for hobbies, spending time with friends, or even allowing yourself a little doomscrolling helped relieve stress and reminded me that I’m human. Prioritizing both my mental and physical well-being played a significant role in my success.”
Rankin:
“The biggest contributor to my success was having a strong support system. When things felt overwhelming, the people around me believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. I owe so much to my classmates, friends, family, and instructors. Nursing school is demanding, but the people who encouraged me every step of the way made all the difference.”
How did the UT College of Nursing prepare you for your career?
Greenberg-Oster:
“The UT College of Nursing gave me a strong foundation through clinical experiences, rigorous coursework, and excellent NCLEX preparation. Even more impactful were the faculty. We were surrounded by experienced nurses who brought real-world insight into every classroom and clinical experience. Their perspectives offered lessons you can’t find in a textbook. I especially appreciated how invested they were in our success, their honesty about the profession, and their willingness to answer every question I had.”
Rankin:
“The College of Nursing prepared me not only to succeed on the NCLEX but also to enter the clinical environment with confidence. Through meaningful and specialized clinical experiences, I gained hands-on opportunities I likely wouldn’t have had elsewhere. My clinical judgment and professional skills grew tremendously, especially during my senior year. I truly believe UT prepared me to provide safe, compassionate care as a new graduate nurse.”
Finish this sentence: “To every first-year Vol Nurse, I would say…”
Greenberg-Oster:
“Make a calendar, say yes to every opportunity, ask questions, and enjoy the ride!”
Rankin:
“Believe in yourself and trust the process. It takes a special kind of person to dedicate their life to caring for others, and you’re here for a reason.”
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)
Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)