Help! How Hard & How Many Hours?

squee-gee · Mar 19, 2007

hi - I'm not sure how much useful advice you'll get here - everyone's program seems to be so different. Even in a particular program, there are instructors who are harder than others. (just read the care plan thread on this page to get an idea how much the work varies). What I can suggest is you try to talk to some students at the college where you are planning to attend and find out from them what the workload is like.

In basic terms, I think it's safe to say all nursing schools require alot of studying/reading/paperwork - I don't think it would be anywhere close to 80-90 hrs/week though (not my program anyway - thank gawd!). It also depends on if you are going to do your prereq's first, before you apply for NS. (my opinion-do them first and get them out of the way - I did most of mine on line - it was great!) It's great you won't have to work during school - I'm pretty sure that would free up part of your weekends, at least. My situation-second semester ADN program, two kids(8 and 13) plus part time job -on M thru Th, I don't see much of anybody, and the rest of the week, although not as crazy, I still put in at least a few hours of studying per day. Quizzes and tests require extra studying, of course. However, I always make sure I have free time on Friday night and parts of the weekend for family time. It's a crazy schedule, and when I first started it seemed so impossible, but we've all gotten used to it by now!:smilecoffeeIlovecof

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 19, 2007

I, too, am second semester in an ADN program at a local CC....first semester was rather hectic just getting in to the swing of things like clinicals, lab time, checkouts (skills), and studying....but did I have a life? Heck, yeah....I went away for a long weekend with my friends in November in addition to having "some" downtime otherwise....

I tend to be my own worst enemy by procrastinating (because I know I can get away with it)....I am an older student and know how to pace myself for the most part, but sometimes this does add up to stress for me!!

Be sure to get your prereqs/coreqs out of the way as much as possible....my heart feels for the folks who have to take those in addition to the core classes....

I don't think most weeks I put in a near 40 hours, so my guess is you'll be fine....check the schedule of classes for your school, and as they tell us, plan on about 3 hours outside of class for each class hour/credit....I'd say at least 50% of our class (or better) works at least 20 hrs/week or more...

Best wishes!! :icon_hug:

happynewLPN · Mar 19, 2007

I work full-time, have a family and I'm in the first semester of an ADN program. I find that it's all falling into place. Yes, I do spend a lot of time studying, but it's done in odd locations: in the car, waiting to pick up son, at work when things are quiet, at home in the morning (I work 2nd shift), anytime hubby drives anywhere for a trip to see friends, my books and audiotapes accompany me.

Just be flexible and think outside the box. It can be done, if you want it badly enough. You can really find a way to juggle most things...you'll be tired, but in the end, it's all worth it. (At least I hope so!)

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 19, 2007

I haven't even found that I'm tired...but there are many that post that they are....my only problem has been increased BP which I've started taking meds for....but then I could also try losing some weight, quitting smoking, being 30-something again (I'm 51) and realizing that not EVERYTHING can or will be solved by ME!! I think you'll be fine!!

Altra, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2007

Reply posted on identical thread in Nursing Career Advice forum.

toriphile23 · Mar 20, 2007

Hi,

I'm a first semester student and i spent most of my spare time studying. i have to juggle between work, school and r/ship. i have a part time job as a caregiver, i worked almost 20 hours per week during the weekends. my clinicals are M, T 6:00 to 12:00 noon, after clinicals, i spend most of the time writing careplans. W is my class day, from 6:00 am till 4 pm. after that day, i just wanna collapse. i try to study as much as i can on Thursday because its the only day that i don't have to deal with school or work.

i am not scaring you, but you have to prepare to sacrifice a lot of things. thank god i'm not a tv junkie!!! sometimes i have quarrels with my bf just because we spend less and less time together. after three months in nursing school, we finally able to keep each other strong by discussing on time management when we're together...i know it sounds sooooo not romantic, if that's the way it is, we have to do it.

just remember you'll be studying...A LOT! there are way too many infos to absorb...it's like a huge encyclopedia waiting for you to read, memorize, analyze and finally apply in your school and career. tough yes, but if you are willing to prioritize what you want, then you can do it! just have faith in yourself and get support from friends and family.

moongirl · Mar 20, 2007

my CC was first year- 2 days a week in class(4-6 hours each), 2 days for clinicals (6 hours each). 7-8 tests per semester, throw in 3 graded care plans and a couple of reserach papers

second year 1st semester class 2 days a week, clinicals 2 days (9 hour rotations each) with the care plans and papers.

last semester precepting about 150 hours and specialty rotations 2 at 36 hours each with class 2 days per week and a nurses issues paper, and HESI.

You can do it. I dont work either, have 3 kids and have a 2 hour commute ONE WAY to get to class. I have no life except school and trying to stay on top of laundry, dishes etc and have lost a close friend because I wasnt available for her every whim, but I graduate on May 12th.

it can be done.

I am tired, but still makin it!

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Mar 20, 2007

I totally have a life outside of nursing school. But I really think so much depends on you. I am married and we have 2 girls, I see and do plenty with my family :)

Is there a lot to study and do? Yes, sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but it's really not that bad. To me it is no more than a full time job, if that. But there are people in my program who study constantly and are barely passing, so I don't know, I can only give you my perspective on things. I don't know anyone who studies more than 40 hours a week though---this isn't medical or law school!

Don't sweat it! Nursing school is a lot of fun!

mamatara · Mar 20, 2007

Don't be discouraged. Is it hard? Yes! But it is doable. I am in my 2nd semester of an ADN program. I have 4 daughters, ages 4,7,12,13- the oldest is mentally ill. I also work 15 to 20 hrs/week. Is this an ideal situation? Definitly not, but it is life. There are plenty of peole out there with no obligations, no kids, with someone else paying the bills going to nursing school, and not making it. I think there is something to be said for having to just do it and desiring it beyond belief. This is my hearts desire and I am finding a way to make it work. I am blessed to have a great husband also which I have found puts me at an advantage over some of my friends whose husbands are not very supportive. Find a study group and the way you study best. You can do this without killing yourself ! I have missed things going on at my kids schools, but I have still spent plenty of time with them! According to my 12 yr old I spend too much time being nosey into her life still (but hey that would be true no matter what!)

Tara