Does Nursing School=No Life Literally?

LPN709 · Sep 20, 2013

In my experience, LPN school took up my whole life. I was valedictorian of my program and I studied a lot. But even when you do have some time off, such as the weekend, you can't help but think of school anyway lol it's always on your mind no matter what. But, as someone else said, it is doable. And the year goes by really fast. There will be plenty of times you break down and think you can't do it anymore but don't give up! There's nothing like finally graduating and getting pinned. And of course getting your license. It will be one of the proudest moments of your life!

sjalv · Sep 20, 2013

It is Friday evening and I am at home working on a case study. What does that tell you?

Just kidding. I don't think it is nearly as bad as everyone said it is. First week was a shock as were the first few quizzes, but once you get a routine going, it isn't hard. I am lucky that I don't have to work, but here's my deal. Class Monday-Thursday, usually spend Thursday after class doing nothing but watching movies or going out. Friday I kind of study on and off. Saturday I dedicate to studying/assignments. Sunday I relax. I have managed to maintain my gym routine from before nursing school and I still get plenty of sleep.

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2013

I'm in my last semester of NS. I work full time three 12 hour night shifts a week and my program is full time. I go out with my bf and cousin several nights a week, I watch my shows and get at least 7 hours of sleep per night unless I can't sleep. I spend maybe two hours per week on clinical paperwork and care plans.

Currently I have a B and that's fine with me. I'm not a huge studier bc I have the attention span of a goldfish LOL. I usually read the topics I have trouble with and reread power points and notes for everything else.

Honestly, my test grades seem to be affected more by my stress level and amount of sleep than study time. Idk.

trymybest · Sep 22, 2013

Depends on your program and how comfortable you are with not getting straight A's. I had a super hard program and a relaxed attitude about B's, so I did OK. Our valedictorian, however, studied his azzz off and lived and breathed nursing school. He was recruited straight from our program into a CICU.
My advice is to decide from the beginning what you want to accomplish and then put in the appropriate amount of effort. If you want to have a 4.0 and be recruited before you graduate, say goodbye to your social life. If you're OK with a 3.0 and taking up to six months to land a job, party hardy!

Great Point

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Sep 22, 2013

Great Point

Also remember getting straight A's guarantee you nothing but a high gpa. It may help, but chances are, job prospects will be determined by who you know and networking more than anything else

Marsha238612 · Sep 22, 2013

Also remember getting straight A's guarantee you nothing but a high gpa. It may help but chances are, job prospects will be determined by who you know and networking more than anything else[/quote']
Well, who doesn't like a high GPA, and it actually looks great on a resume and I've seen several cases when the students with 4.0 GPA get job offers even before graduation, so I think it kinda does make a difference

springchick1, ADN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

I have clinicals Saturday mornings but after that, I take Saturday off. Absolutely no school work. I lay around, do laundry, take a nap, just whatever. I work 40+ Hours a week and then spend my evenings in class or in the library. I have to take a day for me. The ONKY time I do school work on Saturday is if I'm on call on Sunday.

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

Well who doesn't like a high GPA, and it actually looks great on a resume and I've seen several cases when the students with 4.0 GPA get job offers even before graduation, so I think it kinda does make a difference [/quote']
Well I don't care that much because I have a job now and a job as a RN when I graduate. Not because of grades, but because of me getting to know the nurses and networking.
My life doesn't revolve around school because I value today over tomorrow.

Marsha238612 · Sep 23, 2013

I have clinicals Saturday mornings but after that I take Saturday off. Absolutely no school work. I lay around, do laundry, take a nap, just whatever. I work 40+ Hours a week and then spend my evenings in class or in the library. I have to take a day for me. The ONKY time I do school work on Saturday is if I'm on call on Sunday.[/quote']
That's a good idea. Being studious while also keeping a balance

whealer · Sep 23, 2013

For me, I don't have too much of a normal life for several reasons:

1) I like to absorb what I study, not just read what I need to pass the tests to get through school. Regardless of the GPA and whatnot, I want to live, eat, and breathe what I learn in order to not only be a better nurse for my patients, but be a better representative of the healthcare system in other capacities, such as entrepreneur or a writer. :cat:

2) I'm not as young as I used to be and have a horrible time retaining information (although somehow I managed to have a high science score on the NLN exam...?) :down:

3) I'm saving up money since the next two semesters are going to be crazy busy and I'd like a nest egg in case I have to work less.

4) I'm a nerd. I'll spend as much reasonable time as I can on any given subject just to make sure I understand it. If I went out partying, then that problem or concept would keep bugging me. :bookworm:

I do make time for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, to work out and to overall keep my well-being in check. But, if there's an opportunity to get more knowledge into my brain then that takes priority.

I guess my point is that depending on your goals, your situation, and your study habits, you may or may not have a normal life.

BlissIsGood · Sep 23, 2013

Hi you all,
I'm hopefully starting my Lpn on January and then bridge right into Rn program. Is it true that once you are in the program is impossible to have a life? that you're life will take a 180 degree change? that studying at least 3-4 hours a day, aside from school/clinicals is the minimum?
What was your experience?

It depe nds on the program you are in. I did a full time accelerated LPN then full time accelerated LPN to RN. I couldn't really work. I barely had time to look in the mirror!many early mornings and late night studying!

maracuya · Sep 23, 2013

Well, you all must be something else, because I'm on my fourth week of a 2 year ADN program and I've never been through anything like this before. The amount of reading and homework is ridiculous! the stress for skills is horrible when they haven't really showed us how to do anything, and I have my first clinical on Friday and I'm a nervous wreck. There literally are nights when I only get a few hours of sleep (2 or 3 hours) in order to catch up with all the work, and I was so tired this weekend that I crashed all saturday and was unable to get up from bed. And no, there is no way I could have a job, for one thing, the school owns me (apparently) and they make up schedules at will, so I have to be there if they say "we have skills lab practice this afternoon".

Maybe I'm not as efficient as the rest of you, or maybe you've forgotten because everywhere I go I read posts about people complaining that nursing school is hell.

I was a 4.0 student all they up to all my pre-reqs, then we got our first pharmacology quiz, it was nothing like the material on the chapters and I scored a 58, I was devastated and it sucked my self-confidence sort of like a dementor sucks the happiness from Harry Potter.

Anyway... I'm hanging in here. Taking a break from school work but I must now go back to reading.

Good luck to you.

Don't want to scare you, but don't believe everything you read either, everyone is different I guess.

Me... I have no life since I started nursing school.

Live long and prosper!