So I'm just starting my third semester of a six semester ABSN program. I really enjoy school, I like learning new things, I get satisfaction in good grades, and I like having as much knowledge as possible so I can do better as a student and in my career. I work one per week per diem as an ER Tech and use that to try and further my knowledge as well. If I'm not at clinical, lecture, or working, I'm at home studying. I do spend evenings with my girlfriend cooking, playing games, watching movies, etc., and spend time during the day doing things with my dog. My girlfriend and I occasionally go out to dinner, but right now while I'm in school, we don't go out and do much. She's an RN and also teaches at a local nursing school, so she's equally as busy. We're both content with the time we spend together and I'm happy with my level of "personal time."
That being said, I have no problem waking up early and studying all day for 12-14 hours, then spending the evening with my girlfriend. My classmates give me a lot of crap because they tell me I study too much, work too hard, don't have enough personal time, etc. Is there something wrong with the routine I have? Is this something I should change? Was anyone else like me?
Specializes in Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA).
4 hours ago, ehayes215 said:
I like to study. It genuinely makes me happy. I have changed my language from "I have to study" or "I need to study" to "I want to study" so that my family and friends understand that I'm not forcing myself to do anything.
That being said, you obviously like to study also or you wouldn't be doing it so much. So no, nothing is wrong with you. You are fortunate to enjoy something that is also productive and not self-destructive. Just be sure you carve out time for physical exercise as studying doesn't engage your body physically.
As Sheryl Crow says "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad."
Thank you! I do outings with my dog, go for walks, and play ice hockey from time to time...maybe not as much as before I was in school, but I do try to do some physical activity.
8 hours ago, futureRNnicole93 said:
There is no such thing as "too much" studying. If you are getting good grades and this schedule works for you. I am like you, I have 3 semesters left in my program and I study constantly. I love school and studying isn't really a chore for me so I also tend to study more than my classmates. I also work and have a fiance and a son so I know what you mean when you say that you sometimes feel as if I am spending to much time on studying. However that being said, I believe that as long as your extra studying is not negatively impacting any other aspects of your life than it is not an issue.
Thank you for your insight. I'm similar in that I really do enjoy it, whereas others view it as as hassle. I gave up my previous steady career and lifestyle to be where I am today because this is what I felt truly passionate about. I was just talking to one of the trauma nurses I work with in the ER and she was saying she just doesn't see the same head down drive and focus in new grad RN's that she used to.
On 1/18/2019 at 6:26 PM, verene said:
You sound like you are comfortable with the material and not struggling in your classes. Are you satisfied with your current school-work-life balance? Is your partner okay with your current school-work-life balance? Are you able to cut back if you feel like you need to? Do you feel that your physical / mental health is suffering from how much time you spend studying?
If you feel that your study routine works for you, can cut back should you need to (e.g. busy week in other parts of your life, or just needing to take a break), don't feel you are compromising physical or mental health or personal relationships - I probably wouldn't worry too much.
Everyone is different with how much time it takes them to learn material and personal degree of comfort with the material to feel they have "learned it well." Just as different people learn differently - some study by listening to recorded lectures while taking a run, others make flashcards, and others may draw pictures, we all have differing study habits.
I personally am not some one who can spend a whole 12 hour day reading and studying because after a certain point my brain fries and I stop retaining anything, but I can study a little bit every day and do well. If marathon study sessions 2-3 times a week work for you, then that is your routine, and I wouldn't focus too much on what others think of it.
Yeah I'm comfortable with my work-life balance and she is too. I feel my mental health is good and if I cut back, I feel like I'd be less prepared, which may cause me some worry, but I could cut back if I needed.
AnnieNP, MSN, NP
540 Posts
If it is working, don't fix it!!!