NurseDeck is proud to share the following letter to nursing students, written by Dr. Nir Rosenberg, a physician and nursing lecturer. With the often strained relationship between physicians and nurses, we are happy to promote collaboration, trust, and partnership between both groups. The NurseDeck team hopes this is the start of a more supportive relationship between doctors and nurses, and we look forward to sharing sentiments from other like-minded physicians as well.

Note: The letter below was shared by Dr.Nir Rosenberg with request to post verbatim. All references, advice, grammer, spelling and punctuation are of Dr.Nir Rosenberg.

Dear nursing students,

Welcome to your journey.

Nursing school is tough and demanding. I know. You have four long years of classes, assignments, simulations, internships, exams, and for dessert - one big NCLEX. As the tough US NAVI SEALS say: "The only easy day was yesterday" - this is very encouraging. But please remember - once you graduate, you have the best profession in the world: a Registered Nurse. Only in nursing do you have so many opportunities to work and develop, to change people's lives, to work with great team members, and with the most sophisticated technology. Nursing is a highly needed profession all over the world. Today, everyone in the world knows and appreciates the invaluable and huge importance and influence of highly dedicated and passionate nurses. 

Only for you, here's my advice on how to ace Nursing school and enjoy this amazing experience as well.

Invest in your studies. Read your nursing textbooks and articles, do your assignments, and prepare for the exams. This is the core knowledge of your studies and the first step to excellence. 

Hands-on. There is a lot of theory in nursing, but there is much more practice. Nursing is a practical and a hands-on profession. Practice on mannequins in the simulation lab, practice on each other, and only then go out and take care of your patients. Put the IVs, insert the NG tubes, and do the wound dressings. Don't hesitate and don't be afraid. We are here next to you. Remember: you see one, you do one, and then you teach one. 

Ask questions. This is your time to ask every question. There are no stupid questions now. We don't know all the answers, but I promise you, we'll do everything to provide you with the right ones. Asking questions is the key to a healthy curiosity and innovation. 

Share. Taking care of patients is not easy emotionally, especially at the beginning of your career. Share your feelings and emotions with your teachers, your preceptors, your classmates, and even with your family. All of us, caregivers, know exactly what you're going through, and we are here to support you. All my students have from day one of nursing school my personal phone number available 24/7 for them, and they use it. You can too.

Exercise. Working out will not only burn calories but will also make you more energetic and happier. The prescription is easy: 60 minutes, 3 times a week of aerobic activity plus power exercises. And very important - persist for better and long-lasting results.  

Eat healthy food. Eating good food with many fruits, vegetables, and protein provides you with energy all day long. Eat small and frequents meals. Prepare your food from fresh ingredients and don't forget - drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your body will appreciate all of this.

Sleep well. Sleep at least 7 hours of good and relaxing sleep. Turn off your cellular phone and provide the best conditions for a good sleep. Your morning will start much better after a good night's sleep, not to mention your ability to learn and concentrate for the long hours of studies.

Music. I play music on almost every occasion: while driving to work and back home (don't worry, the car's windows are close when I sing), in the OR (the scrub nurse chooses the playlist), when I prepare my lectures and presentations, and when I'm working out. Music makes us happier. Music is the soundtrack of our lives. 80th music is my favorite, what's yours? 

Smile. Begin every day with a big smile. Smile to your classmates, smile to your teachers, smile to your patients, smile to your family, and very important - smile to yourself. A smile is the most simple, powerful, and effective action for proven happiness. 

Enjoy. All in all, don't forget to enjoy this wonderful journey. Go out, have fun, do whatever makes you feel good. Life should be an enjoyable experience for you as well as your nursing studies. 

Dear nursing students, you are our future of nursing. We love you and believe in you. I wish all of you the best of luck.

-Nir 

Dr. Nir Rosenberg MD, MBA, is a Plastic Surgeon at Maccabi Healthcare Services. He is also a Mohs Surgeon Lecturer at Ariel School of Nursing Healthcare, and an avid entrepreneur.