Good Planner

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 13, 2014

I am super duper organized, and I do it a little overboard sometimes. I didn't like ANY planner I found so, I just made my own in Microsoft Office Publisher, Word and Excel and use the copier at work. To bind it I use the Staples ARC system. I absolutely love it. I also use Google Calendar and Google Drive for mobility.

**emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN** · Jun 13, 2014

Kateabooo: I like that idea, thank you!

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jun 13, 2014

I think a calendar is a must. I use Google Calendar for major due dates (exams, paper, work/clinical schedule etc.) and Google Task for day-to-day stuff I want to get done (e.g. reading certain chapters, spending an hour on writing paper).

I do not ever print stuff out. The books are already heavy enough to carry around. I organize all course materials using Google Drive and I have an iPad mini (laptop works too) if I want to go over any lecture materials. I take pictures of the textbook for relevant info (mostly tables and charts). I rarely ever take notes during class because I focus 100% of my concentration on listening. But if I do have notes, I take pictures of them and store them in that class's folder in Google Drive.

meeep, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2014

I received an Erin Condren life planner as a gift and I love it! Super cute and so many color and design options on the covers, and you can even add a favorite quote. They're pretty pricy, but new buyers can get a $10 coupon code from an existing member. Helps a little! Pm me if anyone would like one!

I have also heard good things about the uncalendar if you're looking for something more affordable!

aeris99 · Jun 17, 2014

I use Cozi Gold on my iphone, Uncalendar for my paper school planner, myHomework on my iphone and kindle for assignment reminders etc.

Uses overlap but I break it down like this: Cozi for family schedule including doctors, school schedules, vacations etc. Grocery and house hold to-do lists. Gold version allows you to have 3 reminders. Family all have access to it as well. Plus it's color coded.

myHomework:Input syllabus for each class with due dates and reminders.

Uncalendar: Class specifics, detailed breakdowns of assignments, planning for the week. Long term goals for the month/Year etc

I know this seems like overkill. I am disorganized by nature. I also have ADHD (mainly inattentive) so by having a rigiourous system with checks and balances I can stay on track. You truly have to exploit your strengths and build up your weaknesses. I can't change how my brain is wired but I can outsmart it. :)

RubySlippers06 · Jun 18, 2014

I love the Erin Condren life planners, but I'm super cheap LOL so, I am making my own. I just finished the layout and I'm in love. It will have the same feel as the Erin Condren, but more customized. I have three boxes for each day: lecture, clinical, and personal. Then, I have boxes for weekly assignments due, tests/quizzes, goals, positive thought to focus on each week, things I am thankful for that week, and a place to record fitness done daily. I plan to print each page one sided, vs. two, so I can use the back of the page as a sticky note place. I'm a little OCD and have to have things nice and orderly. Plus, I love sticky notes!

lovemykiddos · Jun 18, 2014

I really like Google calendar, too, because it syncs so easily between devices. The color coding is nice to differentiate between personal, school, kids, and husband activities. I also have my husband send me calendar items for when he is out of town, etc, so that those events go on my calendar, too. Alas, at the end of the day, I like to have a piece of paper in front of me, so I print a month view at the beginning of each month, and a week-view at the beginning of each week to keep with me. That way, if a system goes down I still have a hard copy for the most immediate things and only have to carry around 2 pieces of paper (rather than a whole planner that I can hand-write on with additional info.