The Peel — Fall Edition

A new semester means a fresh start. Whether you’re just beginning your program or returning for another year, this is your chance to set the tone for success. New classes, new clinicals, and new opportunities are ahead — and we’re here to walk with you through it all. This week’s Peel has everything you need to kick off the semester strong: a practice NCLEX question, a healthy snack recipe, a proven study tip, a career spotlight, and a quick laugh.

Speaking of opportunities: applications are now open to join Grapefruit Health as a Patient Champion. This is a chance to gain hands-on experience supporting real patients, sharpen your communication skills, and build your resume — all while making an impact in healthcare. Don’t wait to apply!

Applications for fall are still open, so it’s the perfect time to get involved.

NCLEX Preparation

Question of the Week 📚

Meal Prep Corner 🧑‍🍳

Early mornings just got easier with overnight oats — a make-ahead breakfast that doubles as a quick snack between classes.

Recipe (makes 4 servings):

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• Toppings: berries, sliced bananas, or nut butter

How to prep: Combine oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds in jars. Refrigerate overnight. Add toppings in the morning.

💡 Pro tip: Prep multiple jars on Sunday so you’ve got breakfast or snacks covered all week.

Fall Study Advice 📖

Kicking off a semester can feel overwhelming, especially when every syllabus drops at once. Try breaking your study blocks into 20 minutes of focused work, 5 minutes of movement, then another 20 minutes of review.

• Why it works: The first 20 minutes push you into deep focus, the short break prevents fatigue, and the review cements what you just learned.

• Best for: Pharmacology, pathophysiology, or any subject heavy on memorization.

• Where to try it: Your first exam prep sessions — you’ll notice better recall.

💡 Pro tip: Use the 5 minutes for quick stretches. It keeps your brain sharp and your back happy.

Career Tips 🏥

Even though graduation feels far away, the choices you make this semester can shape your career down the line. A few small steps to start now:

• Get Involved: Join your school’s student nursing association or a specialty interest group. These memberships often lead to scholarships, conferences, and networking opportunities.

• Track Your Experiences: Keep a simple log of clinical rotations, skills practiced, and projects completed. You’ll thank yourself later when building your resume.

• Explore Specialties: Notice which clinical areas energize you — pediatrics, critical care, community health. Early exposure helps guide electives and externship choices.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t wait until your final year to think about your career. Building connections and keeping records now will make the job hunt much smoother later.

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

/

One Last Thing 💡

Starting fresh is exciting — but it can also feel intimidating. Remember: no one expects you to have it all figured out in week one. What matters is building small routines now that will carry you through the semester. This week, try one new habit — maybe it’s prepping overnight oats, testing out the 20-5-20 study method, or writing all your deadlines in a planner. Small steps add up fast.

And don’t forget: being part of the Grapefruit Health community means you don’t have to do this journey alone. Apply to be a Patient Champion, lean on your peers, and take this semester one day at a time. 💛

—
The Grapefruit Health Team