Is this even possible while in nursing school?

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I am about to start nursing school next month and need some advice from students already in the program. I am wondering if going to nursing school, working and being on my school's cheerleading squad is all possible. I am starting to think that all three of those activities plus trying to see my friends and my boyfriend wont be possible. Do any of you participate in your school's athletics while in nursing school? I definitely want enough time for school and I HAVE to work while in school. So those I have to do, cheerleading is an option. What is your advice? Thank you for your help in advance.

Specializes in Med-Surg.
That is what I am thinking too, but my mom is making me feel quilty for wanting to quit cheerleading and saying that I have a great opportunity to do cheerleading and get a scholarship while in NS.

Then tell her to pay your expenses so you can quit working and devote more time to cheerleading.

Just being a brat.

Good luck. Anything can be done, but trust me, you're going to want to have some time to relax and regroup...burning the candle at both ends for two years isn't worth it.

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Everything that is being said on here makes perfect sense. Bottom line is do not do something unless you want to do it or you will not succeed...right? It will become a chore. Maybe your mom is trying to persuade you to stay in cheer because over the years she saw the joy it has brought you. Maybe she doesn't want you to have all work and homework and thinks cheer will give you an outlet for stress and fun. If that isn't so anymore than you need to say I am burnt out and don't want to do it. If you still have love for it and it won't be an extra chore when you have studies to do then go for it. I had a chance to play a college sport, but had to work and the schedules didn't mesh. I didn't think it wise to find a new job when the current one was in my line of study. Bottom line, I wish I would have played the sport. Let me point out this wasn't during nursing school by any means as I am just starting the program. Maybe your mom doesn't want you to have regrets later once you are working as a nurse and you say why didn't I participate in cheerleading my last two years in college or maybe she is focused on the scholarship so she thinks with that you won't have to work so many hours.

Let's lighten up on the mom because ultimately it is you who has the choice to make and you who has to do the work. I doubt your mom is going to be so disappointed that you chose to not be a cheerleader. IMO, she is being encouraging for you to continue something you like. Only you know your own study capabilities and whether it is too much or not, not your mom and not even those in the program.

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Why do you want to be a cheerleader while in NS? What is cheerleading going to get you in life? Forget cheerleading and concentrate on your school work.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Why do you want to be a cheerleader while in NS? What is cheerleading going to get you in life? Forget cheerleading and concentrate on your school work.

Some people like to be part of extracurricular activities. I don't see anything wrong with that.

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Can it be done? Like others have said, sure anything is possible. But.. Would I recommend? No! Nursing school is a fulltime job in itself! Nevermind with work, relationships, life!! Life stops with school is in session!! Every spare moment I have I donate to my books! And I still feel like it's never enough!!

That being said. We all need a 'getaway'.. Mine is the gym. I don't know how much time cheerleading assumes or how forgiving they are but if you truly love it then give it a try. You just have to recognize when it's too much and make sure to put schoolwork first!!

Best of luck :)

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Could you do all of those things? Yes, but you probably will not be doing them very well. Something's gotta give. There are simply not enough hours in the day when you are in nursing school. Last semester, I saw my boyfriend and friends once a week between school, studying and work. It was like a long distance relationship! Could I have spent more time with them? Yes, but I chose to stay in and study. Luckily, they all understand that nursing is important for me and school will always be my #1 priority, not them. My advice to you is to test the waters, go ahead and do it. You can make adjustments to your schedule as the days go on.

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I am going into my senior year in Nursing school. Every single year of the last three I have worked a minimum of two jobs...at one point had three just to pay the bills. While spending much time studying, seeing the boyfriend, and seeing family, I managed and am managing just fine! It all about prioritization, time management, and a positive attitude and atmosphere with people who encourage ! :)

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I would think that it would be very difficult. I was a cheerleader in high school and cheerleading was very time-consuming and I just couldn't see doing it now in nursing school. However, I do have a friend in nursing school who is a cheerleader and she works part-time as a waitress and she still manages to go out and have fun on the weekends! It can be done, it just depends on the person. You really have to know yourself and what you can handle.

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Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

Worked full time went to school full time, did bot party much, was busy euchre on work, school, or clinicals for ALL 7 days of the week, gained 20 pounds, but did it all! And still enjoyed a beer night out once in a while.

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My first time 'trying' college I worked full time, had my own apartment, a bf, and took 17 credit hours. By the end of the second month I had stopped showing up to classes and found a 2nd job to pay for that stupid apartment. I should have put school first and foremost and forgot about all the other things. Live and learn I guess... I suppose I'm taking forever to get to the point :) Put School First. I'd tell my mother that if I do well my first semester then I will try to go back into cheer leading only if I feel I can handle it all.

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As a former cheerleader, I know how passionate we can get about cheering. However, I think it's a matter of priortizing what u have on your plate. I'm in the same boat and have to work and go to school and have a boyfriend (of over 4 years!). It's very tough for me to think about throwing another huge time commitment in there.

What aspect of cheerleading/being on the squad are you seeking? By that I mean, is it the commaradery (sp?)? If so, gather a group of friends and dedicate even 1 hour per week to do nothing but gab, gossip, and hang out and be goofy. Is it the exercise/physical fitness? incorporate working out and studying, if possible (record lectures and run on treadmill for example). Or look at your school's gym/athletic center or community centers for weekly group dance classes. Many of these are weekly and if you have a test coming up or a busy week on week, there's no solid commitment to HAVE to be there. Finally, if it's the competition aspect that draws u to cheerleading, I'm sure you will find that nursing school will have plenty of that;)

THREE CHEERS FOR NURSING SCHOOL! :yeah:

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Specializes in Rehab.

I think if you learn to prioritize your time, and depending how much time you spend cheering and working, it's totally doable. I work part time as well as do gymnastics upwards to 8 hours a week and still did fairly well(I am not complaining about a 3.0+ GPA). I have found that my gymnastics is helping me maintain my sanity, because for those 8 hours a week, I dont think about anything else, if I did, I would get hurt, I imagine cheer is much the same. Give it a try, see how it goes, just DONT spread yourself too thin

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