In every School of Nursing, they believe success in nursing doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by intention, readiness, and preparation. Whether you’re just starting your nursing career, preparing for serious exams, or already mapping out your career path, setting clear and achievable goals for 2026 can set the tone for a successful year ahead.

However, before you start applying to schools, always understand your purpose of entering into nursing. You don’t have to be there forever, you have just begun a career in a clear path.

Below are 10 Ways on how to set your nursing goals with determination and endeavour to stick to them:

1. Meeting The Nursing Basic Requirements

If you’re still in high school or just finishing it, focus on:

• Science (biology, chemistry, anatomy if available)
• Math (algebra, statistics)
• English (writing and speaking skills are huge in nursing)

2. Choose Where To Study

You’ll begin by choosing the state you want to study, the school you want to go, and the certificate you want to obtain.

Where to study: If it’s nursing sciences in university, colleges of nursing, schools of nursing, some hospital-based nursing programs, etc.

3. Know The Duration Of Your Program

It’s important you know how long you are spending in school. If you are choosing Nursing Sciences, you are likely going to spend 6 years, and less than 4 years in others. So, you will have to prepare yourself emotionally and financially.

4. Sit For Jamb Exams

No matter the school you are applying to above, you must write Jamb Exams. Universities that do offer nursing There are also Schools of Nursing that do not require JAMB for admission. In these Schools of Nursing, you do not need to write Jamb, but to be at alert on when their admission forms are out, then you will just have to apply. However, if you are writing Jamb, you need to know Jamb cutoff marks for Nursing in Nigeria.

5. Prepare For Jamb Exams

Earlier preparation births good results. You don’t need to wait that you have all the time to prepare. Your preparation starts the day you conceived the vision of going to Nursing School. You must score high in your Jamb before you can be admitted into Nursing Sciences in Universities.

6. Know Your Learning Style

Everyone learns differently: some need to see information, some need to hear it, while others learn kinetically. So in effect, everyone needs to discover which study tips work best for them. Know your own style and use it to your advantage. For example, kinetic learners often do best when they write out their notes, as the motion of writing helps them remember. You can as well attend classes organised for  Jambites.

7. Apply And Pass Your Jamb Exams.

We have prepared 250 questions for you to prepare yourself ahead of time.

8. Discover And State Your Academic Goals

Academic goals are the foundation of success in nursing school. They keep you focused and motivated through each semester.

Examples of strong academic goals include:

Improving your exam scores or overall GPA.
Mastering challenging subjects like pharmacology, anatomy, or medical-surgical nursing.
Enhancing study habits by creating a consistent daily routine.
Completing all required skills check-offs or clinical competencies on time.
Write your goals down and make them specific and measurable. For example, instead of saying “I want to do better in class,” say “I will dedicate two hours each evening to reviewing nursing concepts and completing practice questions.”

Always note that consistency and clarity lead to progress.

9. Be Good At Clinical Skills

Clinical experience is where classroom knowledge becomes real-life care. Setting goals for your clinical rotations can help you build confidence and competence.

Some examples include:

Improving communication with patients and healthcare teams.
Gaining confidence in performing vital signs, IV insertions, or wound care.
Learning how to document efficiently and accurately.
Asking for feedback from clinical instructors to identify areas of growth.
Remember that every patient interaction is a learning opportunity. Approach clinicals with curiosity, professionalism, and empathy.

Write your goals down and make them specific and measurable. For example, instead of saying “I want to do better in class,” say “I will dedicate two hours each evening to reviewing nursing concepts and completing practice questions.”

10. Visit Your Secondary School Works

It’s important to know that 100 level in either Schools of Nursing, Colleges of Nursing, or Nursing Sciences is revision of your Secondary works. So, it will help you to start well. 

11. Know When The Cut-off Mark For The Universities You Have Applied

After your Jamb Exams, know the Jamb cut-off mark for Nursing Sciences in the University. You can check here to see various Jamb cutoff marks for schools.

12. Prepare For The Entrance Exams

For the Schools that write entrance exams before admission, you will have to prepare yourself for their entrance exams.