How did you do it?

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2012

Haha thanks ladies I am a man hope I'm not discriminated against in peds and ob. And I agree us men need woman but I do believe woman need us men as well. Some woman say a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bike and I just disagree. I don't have kids and won't be working. I'm a procrastinater I hope I change that soon.

My husband always says that about needing me but it definately goes both ways! I wouldn't be where I am without him by my side :)

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2012

I'm seriously ADD, so it's always a struggle! I understand with procrastinating. You'll just have to work at it! Good luck! And btw, get a Keurig!! It makes the best coffee and is beyond easy. Pour in the amount of water needed, pop in a kcup and it comes out! Perfect! I love mine :)

awww Im getting my husband one for his birthday in August!

Jammin' RN · Jun 24, 2012

I didn't have kids in nursing school.. But sure did work! It was hard. But like another poster mentioned, I sacrificed straight A's to keep my sanity. Another poster mentioned studying a little bit at a time. That is the best advice! Cramming in NS doesn't cut it. You really want to LEARN the stuff. Not just memorize it for a test. Also, studying a bit at a time let's you get away with taking that day off that you really want. I, like you, found reading and studying boring (most do.) My friend and I use to study together and we would make up silly songs or funny remarks to help us remember things. The funny ones I will never forget! They are too inappropriate to post here! LOL

Tchownyk · Jun 24, 2012

I think it varies by person. If you have the will to succeed then your maturity isn't an issue at all. You need to be able to understand that you are setting this goal for yourself and at times you may want to quit but you must remember that nothing in life that is worth while is ever easy; it makes it that much sweeter when you graduate. Nursing is a very rewarding profession and you will never regret the time you have put in. I have two children and it is indeed difficult. I get fantastic grades, thats not the issue. Where my issue lies is that I feel I am being selfish for finally taking the time to do something for myself. However, that being said, I believe it makes me a better mother. I love my children dearly but there are times when one just needs to use their brain and get adult interaction. It is hard to juggle schoolwork when I am home but it gets done; I just loose a little sleep. My advice for you is really to stick with it and do it while you are young. You have more available time and less stresses to interfere with your studying. You can do it! Just have faith and put in the hard work!!!

Tchownyk · Jun 24, 2012

haha.....I find this HILLARIOUS!!! This is so me! I am IN LOVE with my Keurig!!!!! :)

Tchownyk · Jun 24, 2012

Here is a little trick I use for when my mind wanders when I am trying to read or study. I ANNOTATE!! It does wonders for me; it actually helps me to retain the information as well. But mostly it keeps my brain actively involved in the reading.

sauconyrunner · Jun 24, 2012

I worked full time all through nursing school. Needless to say, I didn't really have a hopping social life. One thing that helped... I used index cards all through nursing school. I would put a question on one side and the answer on the other. I saved the cards all through nursing school, and actually used them to study for NCLEX. The cards are portable and I could do 3-5 questions while waiting for this or that. (They were for using when on exercise equipment...). I could pull them out and put them away just as fast.

Best wishes to you all!

JonB04 · Jun 24, 2012

Wonderful stuff Guys keep it coming

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2012

When I attended LPN school I was 38 years old, two children and a husband. I also worked a full time job. I maintained high honors throughout each mod (like a semester). I graduated #4 in the class. It takes a lot of organization and knowing what thing takes priority over another.

I'm currently in my LPN to RN bridge course at the age of 43, still have the two children, the husband and the full time job. Still maintaning a 3.7 GPA.

I think it really does depend on the person. Some people can do very well with a full plate, others can only handle one thing at a time. Do I wish I could stop working, oh yeah! I would surely free up some time I could use for my nursing school things. But its not possible to do that right now. I take one day at a time. I am OVERLY organized..one might say OCD about it. I have lists, notes and calanders that keep me on tract and knowing what is due when, where I have to be etc. That way I can take a look and see that I need to do this paper between this day and that day and I only have these days free to do it. You cannot procrastinate!

wishing you the best.

lovedijah · Jun 24, 2012

I think you can do anything you have to do... if you have no choice. Does that make sense? If you not working means you don't eat, you'll find a way to balance everything.

JonB04 · Jun 24, 2012

I'm 20 ill still eat but me not passing means I won't have. A career which means my future kids so I must graduate

RNGriffin · Jun 24, 2012

I worked full time 3pm-12am, often arriving to work at 3:30pm due to clinicals being 7-3. I will say you must build the drive and focus to stick it out and survive. I had a great job that allowed me to support myself, but my thought was survival. Most individuals who are able to balance children, career, and nursing school are extremely driven individuals. These individuals have simply made it up in their mind that sleep will have to wait until a brief break or after school. I can say for those 18months(bridging) I slept apprx 230 hour cumulatively.

So, I can definitely say Coffee, drive, and the ability to grasp concepts easily is the best armor!