How much free time do you have while in school?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jun 5, 2015

I have plenty of free time. I try to balance my study time with social/personal time. I know some people who barely study and others who only study. It really depends on how quickly you absorb and retain info and how you manage your time. I had plenty of time for a part-time job during my first yr.

Jon_Styles · Jun 5, 2015

If you want an A then no time.

If you want a C then a ton of time.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 5, 2015

I think it depends on the person. As PP said, some people can get As without much studying, while others struggle and study every waking moment.

Luckyyou, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2015

I got plenty of As in nursing school with lots of free time. I was able to work as a PRN PCT/unit secretary, an after school nanny 2 days a week and work doing promotions for a video game company going out of town at least once a semester. I also played more World of Warcraft than I care to admit. My school's attendance policy was pretty liberal though, so I was able to get the information from lectures online if I couldn't or didn't feel like going to class that day. This will be very dependent on you program -- our university didn't treat the nursing school any different than the business school, education program, aviation program ... clinicals were obviously a different story.

Hollyhocks720, MSN, NP · Jun 6, 2015

I think that totally depends on your course load, your prior experience, and the school you go to. Community colleges tend to slam you through but some are extended. You could be pushed thru in as few as 4 semesters, or as many as 9 (including summers, so up tom3 years). Mine is 5 semesters (after prerequisite) and I have no time. Also not all schools grade the same. There are programs where many people get A's, others that pass you with C's, and some where B is the minimum to pass and very few people earn A's. BSN and university programs tend to be less rushing of you.

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Jun 6, 2015

I had plenty of free time, graduated with a 3.85. I think it's all about the person.

HisKonstantine · Jun 6, 2015

I'm currently in my third semester and I have very little free time. But it depends on the course load. I'm taking OB/Peds together this summer and it's insane. It's only 12 weeks instead of 15 so it's an exam every week and it's A LOT of information. Many people in my cohort work, some full time. I know it's the only option for some people. Personally, I don't work. But I do have a three year old so that's a job in itself.

HelloWish, ADN, BSN · Jun 6, 2015

I am in a 4 semester program, going into 3rd semester. I have enough free time to watch some television at night, but that is just so I don't go insane. I personally wouldn't work. I spend a good deal of time studying and I make good grades - my GPA is important to me as I plan to go on into competitive NP program. I guess it depends on the person as many have said. I am also a parent and homemaker... Many people in my program work because they have to and have said how difficult it is. I can only imagine.

Iusedtolurkhere · Jun 6, 2015

I tip my hat to parents and those who worked through nursing school. Why not give it a try and see if you can manage?

TEXN · Jun 6, 2015

Thanks for all the replies!

I don't HAVE to get a job, but it would sure make my life easier having extra cash. Then again on top of school, I have a horse which takes up a good amount of time in itself. If I work then I have less time for my hobbies, and my hobby keeps me sane... hmm.

Treu · Jun 6, 2015

Taking Biology, math, and nutrition during the summer is difficult for me. The online nutrition is the hardest of all the classes and it is only a 2 credit class so can't use credits as a determiner whether or not the class is easy or hard. Online classes are always hard because they know people use their books and make test more difficult. I agree with everything that people says in previous text about it depends on the person. Good Luck!