Goodbye social life.

Despareux · Oct 9, 2010

It's not forever; it is only temporary and short-term when considering the big picture. I can understand why someone would be feeling a bit down about the changes nursing school has on their social life, especially if they already had a social life.

citylights89, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2010

considering that I didn't really have one before school started, there is no change for me. you know you social life in nursing school was sucky when you didn't even have one before school. oh wells, I guess I just read then.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Oct 9, 2010

it only leaves if you let it. I still make time for my gf and friends. While it isnt as much, i still see them plenty.

BellsRNBSN · Oct 9, 2010

I feel your pain! There are always at least 3 tests I need to be studying for and 2 papers I need to be working on at any given time. And the weekends go by so quick! I keep telling myself that my program is only a year, but it doesn't stop me from missing my friends and the 8 hours of sleep I used to get every night.

There was one weekend where I literally stayed inside studying the whole time - the house was empty, the weather outside was lovely, and it was the most depressing thing ever. From that point on, I've made it a point to have at least one outing or fun thing I do each weekend. It's really nice to have something to look forward to when you're trying to get through the week.

Hang in there! Remember, it'll be more than worth it when you get your nursing license! :nurse:

kamsmom30 · Oct 10, 2010

Im in my first month of nursing school and I agree, its overwhelming. I have 3 kids ages 3,4&10 and I feel like I'm not a mom anymore:( The thing that makes it a little easier to deal with is knowing that everyday you suffer, your one day closer to achieving your goal. Your social life is not gone forever. I've started studying for a few extra hours during the week so I can have at least one day to spend with my friends and family on the weekend. It helps a little because you can take that one day to step out of the crazy busy no life nursing student role and just be YOU. Good luck and just remember...it wont last forever.

Reach4theStars · Oct 10, 2010

Thank you everyone! All ur responses made me feel better... I'll keep in mind that every day that I suffer is one day closer to my goal.

gumby1411 · Oct 10, 2010

Find the balance between school and your social life. Sure, the weekend before an exam, you'll spend the entire time studying, but after the exam, make sure to spend time with your boyfriend and friends. I kill two birds with one stone. I make time to exercise with friends a few times a week. That way, I'm getting my workout in and socializing with friends at the same time. I also make sure to spend a few minutes each day with my husband talking about anything BUT nursing school. It's definitely not the social life I'd prefer, but I can deal with it for the short time it'll take me to get my degree.

CaptScrubs13 · Oct 10, 2010

Yup, it can definitely be hard. Especially if your friends/boyfriend/family don't understand how difficult it really is. I haven't gone out with my friends in over a month (since school started). My boyfriend and I have gotten really good at tweaking our schedules to make time for each other even if it's just meeting up for lunch once a week (he goes to school part time, works 4 days and 3 nights a week). My family - forget it I never see them. I live at school, and there is just never a weekend where I have "off" ....there's always something that needs to be done for a class whether it's reading, writing a paper or careplan, studying etc. My Dad just doesn't get it. I hear from him all the time "I never see you" "Why don't you visit more often?" ... it's not that I don't want to. But I can't.

It's really tough to find a balance between your old social and personal life and nursing school once you get in. But I just keep reminding myself it's not forever. I have a year and a half left til I graduate, and I am going to suck it up and deal with it til then.

Embrace school breaks when you get them. I do not study one bit during summer or winter breaks unless my Professor has given us an assignment due on the first week of the semester, but that's usually given to us at the end of the break.

Take a little bit of time for yourself each day not nursing related, whether it's going to the gym, watching a movie, taking a walk.. nobody can go their whole waking day thinking, studying, reading nursing. And if there is anyone that does that, god bless you 'cause I never could!

Good Luck! :nurse:

Nomijen · Oct 10, 2010

I feel SO lucky, bc my bff got accepted with me. So at least I will have time with her, even if we are studying our behinds off. And if I can fit in a run a few times a week, I'm golden :)

*4!#6 · Oct 10, 2010

I didn't have much of a social life to begin with, so that hasn't been an issue with me. But I can understand how saying "no" is very difficult, especially when you feel like you are doing it constantly and people are loosing hope in you. My boyfriend and I have already had a few discussions about me always doing homework. But remember it's only for two years, and those two years will go by FAST. We are already half-way through our first semester and it hasn't even felt like that long. And in the end, it will all be worth it.

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2010

Yes, its been hard on my social life... or should I say what social life? I'm a social butterfly so it is a definite adjustment. I was used to going out several times a week and now, I am just glad I'm able to spend 2-3 hours awake with my boyfriend (the rest, sleeping, lol) on the weekends. Sometimes, I sit and dream about summer, relaxing and seeing everyone, then I wake up to do some more studying. Hmph!