Will I have a social life in nursing school

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

I've been planning on go to nursing school and I'm kind of worried that I won't be having a social life if I do go through with it. I don't mean going out everyday, however, I'd like to spend my Friday's and Saturday's with my family and friends. I understand it's only two years in exchange for a lifetime but is it possible? I plan on studying on the weekdays after school moderately, not cramming it all in on Sunday. Will this be possible? And has anyone else had a life outside nursing school?

Thanks.

Specializes in PACU, Stepdown, Trauma.

As a new RN who worked full time and graduated from my ADN program with honors, I still had plenty of time for my boyfriend and a social life. It's important to maintain some quality of life while in school, at least for me. Without it, it's way too easy to crash and burn.

Your classmates are your new social life.

I didn't have much of a social life during nursing school because of the constant studying, and I lost a couple of friends along the way that did not understand how rigorous of a program I was in and thought that I was ignoring them. Though there were some semesters that were less busy and that was when I hung out with my friends and family more.

But honestly, at the end of the day, it's worth it!

Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

If you want a social life you can certainly have one. It is all about finding balance. Did I go out every weekend in nursing school? No. Did I have time to catch up with friends, visit with family, and have the occasional adventure? Yes.

Admittedly I am an introvert so my idea of a fulfilling social life may not be the same as some one who *needs* to be around people all the time. However, I think keeping time with friends, family, and allowing for non-school interests is part of being mentally and emotionally healthy while in school. School is much more enjoyable when you can take a break every now and then.

To those who say if you want A's, your social life is gone, I strongly, strongly disagree.

I graduated as valedictorian of my nursing class (4.0 overall 4 year college GPA). It was a four year, direct entry university program. I dated, got engaged, planned a wedding, had a big wedding, went on a honeymoon, moved in with my husband, worked full time as a pharmacy technician the entire time, did 2 summers of nursing externiships, and still had a fair amount of free time (all done while I was in undergraduate).

It took planning ahead, scheduling my studying, planing my reading out ahead of time, and generally not procrastinating too much, but I did it and did not live in a state of chronic stress or sleep deprivation, which is remarkable considering I had the coping skills of a newt at the time.

That being said, I didn't party with alcohol or drugs, so I never had to nurse a hangover either.

No one can guarantee that you will have every Friday and Saturday off, but if you plan your time ahead of time, you can easily have a good amount of free time and sleep 7 hours at night.

Good luck.

Specializes in Emergency Department.

Just remember quantity does not equal quality when it comes to studying. Find your effective study strategies and you can balance everything. Just be disciplined enough to say when and where you can let go.

I am a current nursing student and can tell you that everything posted here is true. People have different needs when it comes to studying and different ideas as to what is acceptable in terms of personal success.

Also, as many have said, what you are ok with concerning grades may dictate what you can live with socially.

Personally, I have to make time for my wife and kids. They are what keeps me grounded.

Understand nursing school is demanding, but it is also manageable.

Specializes in Surgical Critical Care.

I am someone who had a previous degree before nursing school. While a lot of newcomers felt otherwise, it was absolutely possible to have a social life in nursing school -- even necessary! Nursing school does not mean studying every waking minute of the day -- it means that you learn how to prioritize and study efficiently, just like a nurse in the workplace.

Now, granted, you wont have time to be social all the time. Things will have to revolve around your schedule and you'll be declining your friends' invitations to hang out fairly frequently because you have coursework to do. For this reason, some find a social life with their friends in nursing school since they are on the same schedule as you are. Others beg patience from their friends and hang out with them when they are finally able.

So basically, yes you will absolutely have time for a social life, but it comes down to having realistic standards. In fact, please do make time for yourself because stress is inherent in nursing school and having people that you can unwind with can help tremendously.

nope.

I had classes for my ADN program Monday through Friday, so I had to work 48 hours shifts on the weekends to maintain full time status. I worked part time at the school as a lab assistant and got marries and had a pregnant wife at the time of the program. I also had my first child towards the end of the program. It was stressful but my priorities were with them. No way I had time to have fun on the weekends or with friends, I was too busy trying to maintain a household and better my education and career. In my opinion if your not working, then there's no way you won't have time to do other things.

If you have a party to go to, stay for a couple of hours. You won't want to leave early, and it might be hard, but you have to do what you have to do. Now, there may be some weeks where you absolutely can't afford to do anything but nursing school stuff. If that happens, well, don't beat yourself up over it.

Channel wasted time into school or your personal life and you will accomplish both.

What is your definition of a social life? Personally, I'm an introvert so I prefer to be home or out kayaking, hiking,etc. Not much for going out all the time unless it's lowkey. Even with ADHD and working 20-30 hours a week, I managed to get all of my schoolwork completed and making at least high C's. Aced my prereqs with all A's, but I seem destined for the "C" grade life, and that's ok with me. I have balance and my sanity. I have my relationship, and can see my friends and family throughout the week.

+ Add a Comment