How do you organize??????????

[tbinghamlpn]

Hey everyone I I have not posted new threads before, just answered a couple. But I have a question. I have been an LPN for 5 years now. I decided in 2003 to go back and get my BSN. Well into the 2nd semester I got pregnant and stopped after I finished that semester. Now I have decided to go back, I have 2 small children 6 and 20 months. I work full time as a Branch Manager and pretty much do all the stuff at the office, considereing I am the only one in the office. There are two field nurses and 1 field aide. But, to the point How do you find the time to study and do the things you need to. I drive 1 hour to work and back. And I work from 8-5. On the weekends we go out of town to go and see my husband for he does not wor here close. I am starting to feel as if it is entirely to much. And I can not quit my job so it would have to be school, bu tI would like to advance. Some advice would be greatly appreciated. Sorry this is so long.

[Nurse-To-Be-Joy]

Here are some ideas:

*Tape record lectures and listen to them in the car during your long drives. Hearing the info a second (or third) time can help.

*Make flash cards and keep them in an index card box. Carry it with you. Study them during breaks (at work and school) or when you only have a few minutes to spare while at home.

*Lower your standards of housekeeping or hire a housekeeper. Things don't have to perfect all the time.

*Don't procrastinate. Instead of watching TV or spending a long time in the bath (or whatever), choose to study.

*Get a study buddy. If you can't meet in person, maybe talk over the phone or IM each other. If you talk on a cordless phone, you can quiz each other as you do whatever you need to at your house.

Most of all... find something that works best for YOU. Maybe you can study with your husband every other weekend or something. It can be done. The best of luck to you!

[tbinghamlpn]

Thanks, I will try some of the ideas. But, I only have one lecture class the others two are online and you know sometimes that is worse.

Thank for the info.

[fmrnicumom]

I agree that the online classes are harder. At the very least, they require more time because you have to do it all on your own. I went back to school summer 2005 when my premature son had only been out of the hospital a few weeks. I'm still working on getting things organized and I know it isn't easy because I have two kids too! The biggest help I've found is to do little bits at a time. If I have a few minutes, I'll do a little reading or review or take a look at what needs to be done in the next week. I have a calendar I keep with me at all times to write down when things are due, when Cameron has yet another doctor's appointment, when Cynthia has activities, when I have things going on... I am not by nature the most organized person, but by writing it down I can take a quick glance at any time and see what's coming up next.

Can you cut back on your hours a bit? Can you take slightly fewer credits at a time? Can you adjust your expectations as far as when you need to finish your degree? I have lots of pressure around me to finish mine by the time I'm a certain age, but I've come to the realization that I can't do that and maintain my sanity. I'm not happy about having to extend the time a bit, but doing that is better than pushing myself too hard and not finishing at all.

Good luck with everything!