The Peel — Fall Edition

Fall can feel like the season of endless to-do lists. Between clinical rotations, assignments, exams, and everything else competing for your attention, it’s easy to slip into survival mode. But a reset doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire routine. Sometimes the smallest adjustments — tidying your workspace, structuring study time, or prepping one meal ahead — can make the biggest difference in how you feel.

This week’s Peel is about finding those resets. The things that help you recharge, stay focused, and feel more in control during a busy semester. We’ve pulled together simple study strategies, a scholarship worth checking out, a quick meal you can throw together on your busiest days, and even a laugh to keep things light.

And if you’re looking for flexible, paid experience that fits around your schedule: Grapefruit Health provides nursing students the opportunity to support patients remotely — paid, from home, on your own time.

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

NCLEX Preparation

Question of the Week 📚

Meal Prep Corner 🧑‍🍳

When you’re juggling classes and clinicals, the last thing you need is a complicated recipe. That’s where one-pan dinners come in — simple, filling meals with minimal cleanup. You can toss everything onto a sheet pan, skillet, or Dutch oven, and let the oven or stove do the work while you catch up on notes or squeeze in a quick study session.

Some ideas from this week’s feature:

• 🥦 Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken & Veggies: a balanced meal with protein and greens in under 30 minutes

• 🌮 One-Pot Taco Skillet: perfect for leftovers and easy to customize with your favorite toppings

• 🍠 Sweet Potato & Black Bean Hash: hearty, nutritious, and great for meal prep

• 🐟 Lemon Garlic Salmon with Veggies: light, fresh, and loaded with flavor

Study Smarter, Not Longer 📚

Instead of marathon sessions that leave you drained, try working with your brain’s natural rhythm. The “power hour” method helps you stay productive without burning out:

✅ Break one hour into three 20-minute focus sessions.

⏸ Take a 5-minute pause between each session.

🌿 After the hour, take a longer 20-minute break to reset with movement, a snack, or some fresh air.

This approach keeps you sharp and prevents the “sit for three hours but retain nothing” trap. Also - remember that everyone prepares differently! If the power hour approach doesn’t work for you, try out these other study techniques:

Scholarship Spotlight 💸

Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) Scholarships

Good news for RN and BSN students — the 2026 FNSNA Scholarship application opens September 8! Awards cover up to $10,000 and support nursing students who show academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to leadership or community health.

This is one of the biggest undergraduate nursing scholarship programs, so it’s worth preparing early. A strong application will highlight your involvement in student nursing associations, volunteer work, or other ways you’ve contributed to the nursing community.

⏰ Key Date: Applications open September 8. Don’t wait until then to get ready — now is the time to gather transcripts, polish your résumé, and line up recommendation letters.

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

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One Last Thing 💡

Remember: you don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Progress in nursing school comes from building small, steady habits — whether that’s trying a new study method, cooking one healthy meal, or taking five minutes to breathe between classes. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and give yourself credit for the hard work you’re putting in each day.

We’ll be back next week with more tips, resources, and a fresh NCLEX question. In the meantime, take care of yourself — your future patients will thank you for it.

—
The Grapefruit Health Team