Hello all. I start the program Monday and I must admit, I'm nervous. Albeit anxious and excited, I know I have a lot headed my way. I graduated with a BAS in December, and while it was definitely a lot of work, I can't complain. I honestly didn't have to read much or even study until a day or so before the test. I know I will not be able to get by in nursing school like this. The reason I'm so nervous is because I know this is going to be a complete lifestyle change and, as humans, it's not often we can just change every habit and routine at the blink of an eye but it must be done. I currently have a terrible sleep schedule, often only getting four hours of sleep; I know this will not suffice.
Does this schedule routine look feasible? I know ideally I should have more study time but I'm hoping I can get by on this as it allocates a few hours of 'free' time. I've never been even close to having obligations 100% of the time and mentally don't think I will be able to do nothing but work and study for 18 months straight. Sure, I need to be ready and suck it up but I'm just not used to what I have coming.
I don't have any advice because I'm starting my aBSN program Monday too. I just wanted to say good luck to you on your program- there's not very many of us starting this month, mostly it's traditional track students.
I do agree that I need to find more time to study. But with my schedule, I feel like I won't have the time! Even if I cut out 'rest', that's only an hour. Sure, an hour is better, but it's not going to add the amount of time I lack. And to the member who asked why I was taking a nap after a three hour class in the morning, I'll just be coming off three 12-hour shifts in the ED which is very draining! I appreciate the suggestions offered thus far. The more feedback the better so additional opinions are great!
While making a plan is good, they are very hard to stick to. Every Sunday I sit down and plan out my week day by day. I have to or there is no way I would get anything done. But, I don't plan out every minute and allow for some flexibility in my schedule. I don't know if you have a family or not, but with kids, stuff is constantly changing. So basically on Sundays I have a pretty good idea of how my week will go. I know what days my son is with me, what practices we have to go to, what classes I have, but I also know that his coach may assign a practice on Thurs. on Wed. night, and maybe my ex at the last minute can't take my son and now I have him, stuff like that. I can easily change stuff and I work my studying in around everything else. I may be studying for 3 hours at the dojo or have a couple in the afternoon where I can get a project done. You have to schedule, but not every minute. And I would ditch the naps for now. That is not realistic at all. I know if I even thought of laying down my mind would just be going a hundred miles an hour thinking of everything I could be getting done while I was just laying there. Plus if you don't have a family, who's getting your errands done, paying bills, and going to get food for the week. When will you cook and clean? That's why I wouldn't schedule every minute.
Plus if you don't have a family, who's getting your errands done, paying bills, and going to get food for the week. When will you cook and clean? That's why I wouldn't schedule every minute.
I completely understand. I just feel like it is imperative for me to have some structure because I'm not used to anything this stringent. Although I have a BAS, I honestly didn't have to pop open too many books; I just studied the powerpoints. I also always wait until the night before to study and I realize that won't work for this program either. I'm trying hard to figure out the best thing to do but I just don't know yet...
And you're right about the naps. I think if I got the sleep (or the lack thereof) that I do now (about four hours a night) then a nap would be necessary for sanity. But if I am dedicated to getting a good nights sleep then I should be fine without them.
Other than realizing that I need to just suck it up, did anyone else have trouble with the thought that they are going to be obligated just about 24/7 for almost two years? I definitely didn't expect this to be easy, and I knew I'd have to study my butt off. but this is definitely going to be rough since I was always used to having two full days with no obligations even while going to school and work full time.
Thanks again to everyone for the feedback. The more the better!
Haha I'm just wondering when you'll find time to cook AND eat dinner. Can you work less? Study and do life maintenance stuff more?
I cook quick, easy meals. Just throw some fish, asparagus, peppers, shrooms, et cetera in the skillet and be done in ten minutes. As for work, there is 0% chance to work less. I support myself solely and money is already tight, unfortunately.
I would do what a previous poster recommended and pick Mon and Tue as your sole study/read days. Of course, this only works if you are able to study for hours at a time. It works for me to only do a day or two of long hours a week. I definitely could not come home after clinical and study anything. Maybe leave some time open on one of your weekend days to study after work as well. I honestly don't see why you would need a nap after class on Monday. It actually might make it harder for you to get to sleep at night, trust me, I know. Besides if you get to bed at a decent hour on Sunday night you will have had enough sleep that you won't need a nap. Just come home or wherever works for you and study after class.
To OP most students don't read or study consistently and tend to clump study hours into long full day streches, but most don't work weekends like you do either.
I like your schedule, short study hours but consistent as opposed to none at all. You may be going to sleep later than 830pm some days and that's just reality. If you start like this from day 1 things won't get piled up.
When you study make sure its quality time and you have a set goal in mind. Try it for 1 week document how the time was really spent and change your schedule as needed. Good luck.
RookieRoo
234 Posts
I don't have any advice because I'm starting my aBSN program Monday too. I just wanted to say good luck to you on your program- there's not very many of us starting this month, mostly it's traditional track students.