I'm a procrastinator... Help?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2013

"Experience holds a dear school, and a fool will learn in no other." ~ variously attributed to Spinoza, Franklin, and other cultural traditions

You know what to do already, don't you? I'd suggest a quick visit for an attitude tune-up with a counselor, seriously, to get some techniques to help you keep from sabotaging yourself. You deserve it.

Good luck! :flwrhrts:

dayanara · May 8, 2013

I'm a big procrastinator too. When I started nursing school that changed! You will not be able to do care plans, case studies, papers, practice for validations and study for quizzes and tests in a day. I recommend you do assignments as soon as you can!

Guests · May 8, 2013

You procrastinate because, deep inside, you think it's OK and you don't really care to master the topic.

You also haven't hit 'rock bottom' and failed miserably.

Ultimately, you need to decide for yourself what you're all about and then act accordingly.

4boysmama · May 8, 2013

Your usual method of operation won't work in NS - you will fail out before the first semester is over, I can almost guarantee it. There's just too much volume of material to cover. So - make a plan, and stick to it. Set up a google calendar for your studies, and schedule in study/work time every day, and then actually follow it. No distractions, just do it. If you think it will help, you can motivate yourself with a small treat (mani/pedi?) at the end fo the week when you've successfully done everything on your schedule.

twss2323 · May 9, 2013

I know procrastination is will not work in school, that's why I was asking for tips. I like the suggestion about making a calendar for studying and then making some sort of reward for sticking to it. Since starting college, I've gained A LOT of study skills as compared to where I was when I ended high school... I just know NS is a whole new ball game and I need to actually learn, unlike a lot of the classes I've taken thus far for my degree. I was hoping to hear from former procrastinators and what they did to help over come that in NS. Thanks for the tips so far!

pixiestudent2 · May 9, 2013

I know procrastination is will not work in school that's why I was asking for tips. I like the suggestion about making a calendar for studying and then making some sort of reward for sticking to it. Since starting college, I've gained A LOT of study skills as compared to where I was when I ended high school... I just know NS is a whole new ball game and I need to actually learn, unlike a lot of the classes I've taken thus far for my degree. I was hoping to hear from former procrastinators and what they did to help over come that in NS. Thanks for the tips so far![/quote']
I am a huge procrastinator! I am finishing my first year of nursing school. I am getting a little better but is a terrible habit to break. Honestly the only thing that motivates me is fear of failing out.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 9, 2013

Sorry I did't specifically cop to being a procrastinator in my original post above. I do work on deadlines and I often come :: this :: close to them in my work. However...that was not a functional way to get through nursing school, and I had to learn how to do it differently there.

My advice stands, even though you don't think it's much of a "tip."

Cupcakes321 · May 12, 2013

I'm a big procrastinator too, and I am starting nursing school in a week! I think the workload will eventually put you off of procrastinating. Because ever since I've attended my orientations and realized how much work I will be dealing with I've just been focused on starting nursing school. Also maybe a suggestion is find out what you normally do when you procrastinate? like for me I liked to watch TV shows or movies or go on youtube or facebook. You will have to slowly eliminate those things out of your life when NS starts. When you feel like procrastinating, just take small breaks like get a drink, exercise or w/e. It's all a psychological thing after-all. Also, definitely make plans or lists of things you have to do, so when you feel like you don't have anything to do, go back to your lists and realize there are things you need done.

Mewsin · May 12, 2013

You know, I always thought poorly about myself because I'm a procrastinator, then I took a personality test in nursing school. Let me tell you. Being a procrastinator is a part of who I am. This personality test was actually pretty cool because a large portion of my class are organizational people and they don't get me or the way I work. I'm still a procrastinator but I'm ok with it. I give myself, just enough time to write my papers, but I get them done. I am doing really well in nursing school, better in fact than all the "organizational" people. So don't kick yourself over it, just make sure you have a realistic idea of how much time it is going to take to complete your assignments. (And yes I have started papers at 10pm the night before it is due, and I've gotten 100%, in nursing school)

pandabear2185 · May 12, 2013

You have to decide how bad you want it. If you want it bad enough you will figure it out in the first semester. NS is so overwhelming you basically have to take it week by week. I like to google calendar idea. Set up a calendar, change the due dates to sooner and get it done early. At our orientation Th Dean of nursing spoke she said, "Don't make excuses, this isn't nursery school. You are a professional student and responsible for your own learning."

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · May 12, 2013

In many areas of life, I'm an incorrigible procrastinator... Nursing isn't one of those areas. I know when I have something due and I don't have a whole lot of time to get things done. So I get it done NOW before I don't have time to do it later. How do I keep things updated? Well, my school puts out a calendar for each class. I download the calendar, and update it every time something changes. I also keep a copy of it posted in my home office for easy reference. I also use Google Calendar to remind me of certain projects as well and it sends out SMS reminders at intervals I choose. It works out well. Really well.