About to Start First Year of Nursing Clinicals (BSN)

[USMCmalenurse]

So here's my quick background. I am a 26 year old male nursing student that got out of the Marine Corps just over 2 years ago. I plan to work 12 hours a week because my job counts part-time employment towards my pension and I intend to hopefully stay at my employer after I get my RN. I am married with two little boys (1 and 3).

I have all of my pre-reqs completed so I will only have to do my NURS classes and clinicals. My program is for a BSN and is pre-licensure (students aren't RNs). I am anticipating an easier time than some fellow students because 1. i have all pre-reqs done 2.am used to bootcamp/rigid scheduled life and 3.have a Bachelor's and used to APA and long papers.

However, I am concerned because I suffer mildly to moderately from PTSD. I do not freak out or anything just get very anxious. Anxiety has been good for a few years but just after deployment I did have "attacks". I am nervous that a new level of stress will bring with it a new level of anxiety.

My loose plan is to:

Wake up at 5 (M-Sat) (Sunday-sleep in maybe)

Go to Gym at 6 (hour workout M-Sat)

Go to school/clinicals at 8 or 9 (depending on day)

Stay at school until 6 (on M,W, F)(Classes are 1/2 of that allotted time)

Work on 2 days from 730-2:00 then study at school(T, TH)

Spend time with family just before kids bedtime (roughly 6-8 pm 3-4 days out of week)

Weekends- (Keep open for studying, hour or so of yardwork/housework, etc.)

Nights-either study or watch some tv to relax until 11 at latest

This is a rough plan but it already has some study time built it. It treats my school schedule like a work schedule (8-6) M-F. But leaves room for additional studying (weekends, after 6 pm on needed days). I intend to listen to lectures (recorded) during my workouts, pack lunches night before, and use study groups.

Does it seem as if my schedule allows for enough study time even with 12 hours of work??

Does my schedule look too planned out, not planned out enough for study time, etc?

Any tips or pointers from nursing school vets?

Any tips for male nursing students to avoid drama but also form relationships with peers? (I am an extrovert but by no means what any drama, etc.)

Thanks for any help and sorry this post is so long!

Sincerely,

Excited but Anxious Nursing Student

[USMCmalenurse]

I have Nursing Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Long-Term Care(Clinical), and Nutrition in Nursing

[TheERMurse]

I think you will be ok, it's not as hard as some of the things you have done. You sound organized and ready for the mental side as well.

If the anxiety starts getting to you, find someone to talk to about it.

[WorkingTowardsBSN]

My program and schedule sounds pretty much identical to what you've stated here. Like you, it's important to me to schedule my school like work, and I also am married with 2 kids ages 3 and 1 (though mine are girls, lol).

As for your anxiety, do you have insurance? I'd see what your policy is regarding mental health benefits. Just to know your options if you find your anxiety ramps up again and then you can have someone to talk to.

Good luck to you!

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

You appear to be well prepared and organized. I don't think you will even need that much study time at least not for ever. I studied a lot my first semester but after that kind of less and less. I try to really pay attention in class and apply the info in clinical which really brings it home for me. I also listen to lectures at home or while driving and this all really works but a lot of nursing classes built of the each other so it gets easier as you go. You will be fine once you get into the swing of things its easier. Now that Ive said this I can say-I dont wannnnnnnaaa go back

[SonOfStBenedict]

Great organization and planning you're def better than me, but nursing school has taught me to be more planned and i attempt to be more organized. 12 hour working days seems a little much for Funds but as long as you know you can handle it you should be fine, just don't let work consume you too much and fall behind in your studies. Now for drama, it all just depends on your class and the people you mesh with, I am too an Extrovert & our Class VP, it seems that the drama ensues regardless of how much you try to avoid it especially in a class of 30 girls and 7 guys but nonetheless easy to avoid. One thing that most Nursing Profs Stress is READ before lecture, and that is one thing I can agree upon, it helps drastically with comprehension of the material and may help you feel more comfortable with anxiety when it comes down to taking test knowing that you have read, listened in lecture and possibly read again after lecture so you have a threefold of knowledge on the chapters you have covered. Good Luck Bro! I'm sure you'll do great