How do you manage your time?

[lopja1]

Hey all, my name is Jimmy and I just started at Kaplan College. No it's not an online school lol... Anyways I am 19 and many of you are probably thinking why would he need help managing his stress or his time, but to me I do.

I am currently working as an Healthcare Partner at a major Trauma Hosptial (ER TECH) and I'm on the night shift (7p-7:30a). I usually work Thursday - Sunday and have class from Monday and Wednesday (8a-5p) and Tuesday and Thursday (9a-3p). I am always tired and find myself sleeping when I know that I should be studying. I know that I should go part time or quit, but I can't. I have to pay rent and other bills; granted my parents are already helping me out, but I can't ask them for more help because they are having a hard time as well.

I know I should prioritize my school and work and physical fitness, but I feel a little bit overwhelmed. If you have any suggestions let me know.

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

Hi Jimmy! Welcome!!

Sounds like you are a committed and VERY hard worker! After looking at your schelude, I don't know where you find time to sleep or study- bless your heart!

One thought I had was this... since you already work weekends, does your hospital or another in your area offer a Baylor/weekend program for techs??? That might give you another day or 2 to work with? Could you work a few 8 hour shifts insted of the 12s? If not, is there anything you could give up in your life so that you could work a few less hours? Get a roommate, cheaper place? Move back in with the parents? Give up cable/eating out/ whatever??? Could you trim the fat anywhere else to the point that you could take another day off??

Please take care of yourself and keep us posted on your progress!!

Good Luck to you!!

[keekeedt]

Hi Jimmy,

I wrote down your schedule and it looks to me like if you can drop the Sunday shift that you may be able to handle things a little better because you are going right to school from work with no sleep:cry: I know it is easier said than done, but I think starting your week off well rested will help you manage better. I hope this helps.

KeeKee

[cn2007rn]

I agree with the previous poster, drop that Sunday shift and I think you would be in better shape, that way Sunday after you sleep you can study and relax a little before starting the week again. You sound like a hard worker, I admire your dedication to school while working nights. I like working nights but when I was in school, I worked 3-11, I think I would have been too tired for school if I had worked nights!! Good luck!!

[meadow85]

Hi Jimmy,

I wrote down your schedule and it looks to me like if you can drop the Sunday shift that you may be able to handle things a little better because you are going right to school from work with no sleep:cry: I know it is easier said than done, but I think starting your week off well rested will help you manage better. I hope this helps.

KeeKee

I agree. You need time to sleep after that night shift on Sunday. I know if I don't rest after a night shift I have difficulty concentrating and staying awake and then that exhaustion will carry over for days making me really unproductive.

[BradleyRN]

Get a student loan to supplement for working less. Make sure you are getting any grants available as well, by talking with a financial aid officer. Good luck!

[casperx875x]

Working nights and going to school full time together is really, really hard. I did it myself and had a really hard time. I think you need to grab a schedule book, time out blocks of when you're in school or when you're working and pretty much just schedule your sleep. It sounds weird, but it really helped me. This way you know when you'll be able to get your sleep in and it will help you to organize your time much better.