The future of nursing is here.
Life Lessons from Nursing School: Celebrating National Student Nurses Day
UB School of Nursing students learn profound life lessons by providing care through the immersive Global Health Experiences Program. (From left to right) Sarah Duttweiler, Sawyer Georg and Emma Piwko, students in our 12-month accelerated bachelor's degree program, had the opportunity to travel to Acra, Ghana, for a medical mission trip over the winter break during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Published May 7, 2026
National Student Nurses Day, observed each year on May 8, recognizes nursing students as they prepare to lead in health care. Nursing school is equally challenging and rewarding, and we see firsthand the hard work and dedication our students exhibit in service of patients, community health and the advancement of nursing science.
At the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, students across our undergraduate and graduate programs are preparing to join the ranks of the nation’s most trusted profession as clinicians, researchers, educators and leaders. In honor of National Nurses Week and National Student Nurses Day, some of our students shared the most valuable lessons they’ve learned during nursing school.
Get comfortable with uncertainty
Sawyer Goerg shows a young patient how to use a stethoscope on a medical mission trip in Ghana.
The most profound lesson I learned in nursing school is that you can’t plan for everything, and trying to will only take you so far. I’ve learned to be comfortable with a level of uncertainty - to think on my feet, adapt, and trust my judgment even when I don’t have all the answers. Instead of focusing on controlling every outcome, I’ve shifted toward being present, observant and flexible. Some of the most meaningful growth came from situations that didn’t go as expected, where I had to adjust, ask for help, or rethink my approach in real time.
–Sawyer Goerg, accelerated bachelor’s degree student
You won't know everything, and you will feel unsure. However, safe nursing is not about perfection, rather it is about asking questions, advocating and continually learning. Patients are not just conditions to be treated; they are whole people who deserve whole-person care.
–Sarah Duttweiler, accelerated bachelor’s degree student
The most profound lesson I have learned from my time in nursing school is to slow down and take everything in. Nursing can be fast-paced and overwhelming, but taking the time to truly observe and reflect has taught me more than I ever imagined. Every patient interaction is an opportunity to grow, both as a clinician and as a person.
–Michael Robinson, traditional bachelor’s degree student
The most profound lesson I learned from my time in nursing school is that learning never truly stops. Every experience, even the most challenging, has been an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will shape me as a future nurse. There were moments when I felt unsure or overwhelmed, but those situations pushed me to grow and gain confidence. I have learned that asking questions and seeking guidance are essential components of continuous learning, and I will carry this mindset with me as I begin my nursing career.
–Taylor Jones, traditional bachelor’s degree student
Remember that patients are the priority
In their most vulnerable moments, patients may not remember every intervention, but they will remember how safe and heard you made them feel. Nursing taught me to think critically under pressure while staying grounded in humility and teamwork. As I've advanced into anesthesia, I've realized that precision and vigilance matter just as much as compassion and trust. Ultimately, competence saves lives, but compassion is what defines the care we give.
–Dilara Kumbul, nurse anesthesia DNP student
The most profound lesson I learned is the responsibility that comes with being part of the nursing profession. At first, it can be easy to underestimate what that really means, but over time, you realize the weight of what we do as nurses. Nursing requires you to uphold longstanding values like compassion, integrity and accountability in moments that truly matter. Your education isn’t just about passing exams, it’s about preparing to care for real people when they’re at their most vulnerable.
–Leann Balcerzak, PhD student
The most profound lesson I learned during nursing school was how to be an active listener to my patients. The disease states and medical diagnoses only tell you a fraction of the patient's story. Listen with empathy to understand- and it will make all the difference!
–Alice Corey, PhD student
In my experience, moving with purpose and specific qualities, including willingness to lead, compassion, and understanding the value of teamwork, have proven to be vital aspects of succeeding in nursing school. Being a nurse is not about simply performing tasks: it is about bringing compassion, cultural humility, integrity, and kindness to every patient encounter.
–Nancy Nsengiyumva, family nurse practitioner DNP student
Seize every opportunity to get involved, ask questions and grow through lifelong learning
It is a privilege to learn what you are learning and do what you are doing. Do not take your health for granted and enjoy your time in school with your classmates and faculty! Get involved and do things that make you uncomfortable; that is the only way you will grow!
–Claire Lanski, accelerated bachelor’s degree student
Get involved! Say “yes” to the opportunities, meet people, make connections, and take every experience you can... because that's what you'll remember the most.
–Jordan Pearson, family nurse practitioner DNP student
The most profound lesson from nursing school was to take as much time as you can being a student: ask all the questions, try all the skills and always ask what else you can do to keep learning. Education will never stop after graduating, but the openness and capacity to positively receive feedback or new knowledge are always best in a school setting.
–Zoe Cohen, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner DNP student
The most profound lesson I learned in nursing school is that learning is a lifelong process. Medicine is constantly evolving, and maintaining an open mind and commitment to lifelong learning is what allows you to grow and provide the best possible care to your patients.
–Alexandra Benjamin, nurse anesthesia DNP student
The most profound lesson I have learned in nursing school is that becoming a nurse scholar is as much about personal growth as it is about academic achievement. Throughout my PhD journey, I have learned to find joy in the process, even when I face new and unfamiliar challenges. I have also realized the importance of giving myself grace, trusting that growth takes time, and allowing myself to learn imperfectly. Nursing has taught me resilience, humility, and the value of caring for myself so I can continue to care for others.
–Colleen Geib, PhD student