what accommodations have you made in your life to prepare for a nursing program

michigansapphire · Feb 14, 2010

I gave up watching TV!

Seriously, I did. There are a few shows I watch online now, but no more television in the house, no more cable bill, SO much more time.

Anne36, LPN · Feb 14, 2010

Hi Michigan, we gave up cable over a year ago. Im only taking Pre-reqs but I dont miss TV. I blow enough time on the net anyway.

fsaav · Feb 14, 2010

I agree about the TV. I didn't watch much to begin with but there were a few shows that I just "couldn't miss" and those hours really added up over the course of a week. I stopped watching them and instead caught up on DVD during breaks from school.

I also took a step back from other obligations (leading church groups, teaching Sunday school, parenting groups, big volunteer responsibilities at kids' school, etc.)

I don't know if you have kids or anything, but babysitting was a big deal. I made sure to line up multiple babysitters who could be called on short notice if my husband was working, my mother wasn't available, and if something out of the normal schedule came up.

Overall, I just looked at my life and got rid of anything that wasn't necessary. Some of them were difficult to do but it's only a couple years, not the end of the world, and I can go back to them when life gets back to "normal" after graduation.

alliecat11011 · Feb 14, 2010

Hey there,

I agree with all that's been said. Make sure you get organized to be prepared for nursing classes! As long as you stay on top of your work and keep studying-you will be just fine.

On the other hand, it is REALLY important to take a break every now and then for yourself-believe me, you need to stay sane somehow haha. :rolleyes:

Good luck and if you have the opportunity, I recommend working as a patient care tech on the side or during your school breaks. There is really nothing better than hands on experience.

Stay strong!!

NS2SBowman · Feb 15, 2010

I think organization is very important!! Find a system that works for you and stick to it through your entire nursing program!! I always mark all the pages with the little sticky tabs and write the pages and subject on each one that way I don't waste time flipping through my book looking for pages. I know that might sound silly, but in nursing school every second, minute and hour count. Figure out how you study best alone, in a group, writing note cards, writing your notes over and over. Buy a good NCLEX book and start doing questions to help you prepare for the types of questions you will encounter on the nursing tests. I also agree that you definetly need to take time for yourself every once in awhile, because if you don't you will end up extremely stressed! Good luck in your endeavour in nursing school!!! :clown:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2010

I stockpiled money in preparation for school. I have already been an LPN/LVN for several years, and have been attending an RN bridge program since early 2009. During the entire year of 2008 I kept 2 full time jobs and at least one part time job while watching my savings account grow.