Do Nursing Students Have a Life?

danielle2000, MSN, RN · Feb 15, 2015

It depends on your "life"! I was single no kids but I made my education my priority! Not say those who have other obligations are not putting education first it is just more of a challenge. I admire the women with young kids do it. I know for a fact those with an awesome support system have less stress in their lives oppose to those who do not. My BSN I had a life my FNP not so much, the demand is greater, which is fine but when I do get a bubble of free time I try to connect and have a nice evening out to preserve my brain from overheating, lol!!!

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Feb 15, 2015

depends, there is no "free lunch".....

although at my nursing school all three meals were part of the deal.....

K+MgSO4, BSN · Feb 16, 2015

I went to uni full time, worked 30hrs every weekend and still socialized with friends, movies, pub, clubs & soc events. Got my driving license. Admittedly this was ireland so I could drink at 18 but couldn't drive till 18 either.

I laugh at people who claim they have no free time, its about improving your study techniques and multi tasking. I worked Sunday day shift in the pub, after setting up for lunch there were very few customers so I was allowed to have a textbook on the counter.

Saturday I used to work a split shift so I would go out with my friends during the split for dinner or a drink.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 16, 2015

It all depends upon your definition of "having a life." I worked full time, went to school full time, and spent time with my family... with all the requirements that each put upon me. It is all about balance, specifically how you choose to balance things. I was able to balance things enough that I graduated with honors. I also managed to occasionally take short vacations between semesters and hang out with friends from time to time. I couldn't do all the things I wanted to though. During the school year, I had no days off unless there was a holiday, spring break, or a break between semesters. It was tough and my family had to adapt to my schedule.

Now I've graduated, I'm licensed, and about to start a new job that gets me away from a 5 day workweek. Is it a change? You bet it is! I'm definitely looking forward to actually being able to spend more time with the family. Was it all worth it? Yep. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Did I "have a life" during that whole time? Yes. I would say that I did... it just wasn't the same as it was before nursing school got started.

Bbett, MSN, NP · Feb 16, 2015

To the people complaining that they had "no life":

Don't you realize working, having a job, taking care of a baby, having pets, etcetera are all having a life? What more of a life do you want?

Nursing school is time consuming yes, but it has been a very fun time for me. Study, get A's and then celebrate!

Emergent, RN · Feb 16, 2015

I put the sentiment that nursing students "have no life" into the same category that nurses "have no time to pee". In short, it's ridiculous, unless you consider 'having a life' equivalent to partying, going to concerts, taking expensive vacations, etc.

I went to nursing school while raising 4 kids and working. I had a life. I found time for repose and recreation.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 16, 2015

I put the sentiment that nursing students "have no life" into the same category that nurses "have no time to pee". In short, it's ridiculous, unless you consider 'having a life' equivalent to partying, going to concerts, taking expensive vacations, etc.
I went to nursing school while raising 4 kids and working. I had a life. I found time for repose and recreation.

Exactly. It is what you make of it. I had LESS time to do what I wanted but I still made time to do the things I wanted and liked to.

missnursetrue · Feb 16, 2015

I'm in my final semester of nursing school, I have no kids, however I work part time as a CNA, have a husband, and try to make time to see my parents once a week. you don't check out of "life" it just makes it more difficult to do the things youre used to doing. Once a week we go and see my parents, once a week we make a point to have a date night. Even if I have to bring my books to my parents house, or our date night entails me snuggled with my books while we watch a movie, you can make it work. I don't know what your situation is, but it's all time management, you'll learn it in the clinical setting in school and you'll learn it in your personal life. You'll be burned out pretty quick if you literally have no you time. The first one's out of nursing school were the people who didn't make a point to have "me" time.

sjalv · Feb 16, 2015

I'm in my final semester of nursing school and while it is time consuming, I did not find it to be all my life consisted of like others said it would be. I worked during 2nd and 3rd semesters and still found time for socializing. I work out every day and still get 8 hours of sleep every night. It really depends on your responsibilities, what you have going on, and your personal time management skills. Some of the people saying they have no time may be ones who spend most of their free time on Facebook and procrastinate studying until the last minute. Take whatever you read with a grain of salt. In short, it will depend entirely on your situation and your program.

eatyurmakeup · Feb 16, 2015

I'm going to go with the popular "it depends". My classmates who don't have kids and spouse's definitely have at least a bit of free time, less if they work. You get some time to relax on long weekends, Friday nights and breaks at least some of the time. If you have kids and a spouse like me you definitely have next to no free time, but you're kind of used to that. The problem is that your free time is so rare as it is, that school starts to cut into family time. I can't even imagine for nurses who have families AND work, they are my heroes! Ultimately though, it's good practice for the organization and prioritizing required of nurses, and I'm lucky to have a spouse who is very supportive so I get out with my lady friends for at least three hours once a week.

Dream Catcher · Feb 16, 2015

It depends on you. I cannot tell you whether you will have a "life" while attending nursing school or not. My interpretation of having a "life" might be much different than yours. Nursing school is something people do everyday. People have families and jobs and still pass nursing school.

While I was in nursing school I had three kids under ten, a husband to attend to (who worked full time and was going to school full time too), a job, I did lots of volunteer work, I went out with friends occasionally, and I spent quality time with family (rather than quantity of time). I did this while I tutored other students in my classes who were struggling and/or at risk for failing. I was awarded numerous outstanding awards during my time as a nursing student (which required speeches and attending social events). I graduated at the very top of my class and was given a full ride scholarship to University of Michigan-Flint's online RN to BSN program. I passed boards with ease. I did all of this even though I only attended one year of high school (obtaining GED by test only, prior to attending college). I consider all of these things "having a life" and I think that if I can do it that it is possible for others too.

Real life happens whether you are in nursing school or not. If you are passionate about what you are doing and are determined to do it/do it well, then you will do just that. You can do anything you set your mind to. Set your goals high and you will be surprised how many times you reach them. You just have to remember that little failures add up to be big successes, I have always learned the best lessons from my mistakes. If you fall down, just get back up and keep taking baby steps forward.

nlitened · Feb 16, 2015

Not as much as I use to, that's for sure! But I make time for the important things.