Just started Nursing School and have a ?

CP2013 · Sep 21, 2012

TIME MANAGEMENT. They will play a key role in maintaining your sanity throughout nursing school. Some classmates are able to work full time, others have gone part time and others have felt that work was more important and have left the nursing program. It's all a matter of how determined you are and how strong of a study habit you have. If you plan to just do the bare minimum, remember you are learning about patient care, think that your future patients will be someone's wife, husband, father, mothers, sister, brother, etc and deserve the very best care. :)

It can absolutely be done, especially if you have an employer who understands that during downtime you may use note cards to study or something like that (not many will be receptive to you setting up all your nursing books and studying on the clock, but if you have a boss like that - USE THE TIME WISELY)

Good luck on this adventure known as nursing school. It is certainly different than anything else before, but it is something that you can be successful in! :)

babygyrlktm1985 · Sep 21, 2012

I agree with pp. Also, I would have to add thaat towards the end of your program you'll have limited time available for work since you will have round the clock hour shifts for clinicals. I would keep this in mind.

rubato, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2012

Many of my classmates are working full time. They are definitely more stressed than the rest of us, but they're all getting it done. Something will have to give temporarily, but yes, you can do it. The counselors at our school tried to terrify everyone also, but one of the 2nd year students managed all A's, a full time night job and 4 kids.

libby11 · Sep 22, 2012

You need to remember to take time for yourself, go out occasionally, or stay up late and watch a movie once in a while. NOT all the time, of course, but once in a while... Stay sane!

Plan ahead. You get syllabi and most have a projected calendar. Get as much done ahead of time as you can. When you do your calendar for the whole semester (assignments, papers, tests, skills, online time, lab time), you'll be able to see, "Okay, on November 8th I have 2 tests and a paper due and on November 9th I have a big project due and another exam, and just before that on November 7th, I have a lab. I need to work ahead on the paper, the project, and probably study a little bit earlier that usual for the tests."

Don't get behind. Never in nursing school, never get behind; it's so hard to come back.

Work hard, we're all cheering for you!

Source: been working full time (+required overtime) through nursing school the past year

sharpeimom · Sep 22, 2012

Something my husband suggests to his students is that they print out a couple copies of each online syllabi and xerox

every one they receive in class. The extra copy is in case you lose the first copy. He also suggests that they put the

dates each paper is due, when each test and quiz is, etc. on a wall calendar and on one to carry in their backpacks.

That way, nothing will sneak up on you.