Time management and managing stress

[TankerBug]

Prior to nursing school, we all hear about how "hard" it will be..... I was a am fully ready to embark this journey!

I have a family and have to work for the time being to support my family and put my boys in preschool, but know that I will need to reduce my hours drastically when my classes require more of my time. And I am prepared for this! I would like to continue to work here and there through out nursing school to keep my position in the ICU, and then apply for an externship as well as an RN position when I graduate.

Right now I work 36 hours - 48 hours/week and go to school 4 days per week. My schedule consists of working Sat, Sun, and Mon days 7a-7:30p, as well as an overtime shift on Tues nights 7p-7:30a if needed. My school schedule consists of Tues 12:30-4, Wed 12-2 (for 4 more weeks), Thurs from 7:30-4, and Frid 8-3:30.

Since school started I have been making in a habit to be on campus from early even if my classes do not start until lunch time. This way I have time away from my children and home to do the things like reading and homework assignments.

I do not get to much (if any at all) reading on the days that I work my 12 hour days, but do when I work my night shift. I can take some time to read when it is slow.

I feel that with the time I do have I am managing my homework and assignments well, but would love it if anyone can give me any more tips and pointers.

I have not allowed any type of stress overcome me or make any damper in my studing. I do understand that this will be stressful, and sometimes life is, but why let it get in my way of my future and career.

Thanks for listening to me and any advice and/or tips is welcomed!