New Student

Congratulations:yeah:on being accepted to the nursing program good job. I also was just recently accepted to the nursing program I'll be starting in Nov,10 2008 I also been waiting for this day for quite some time now and I'm looking foward to starting and finishing in a year from now. I don't have any little one's but I do have a wife and just like you have to be a mother to your little one's and wife to your husband I myself have to be a husband to my wife. Balance is key:up: and communication also with your family. If things get out of control wish they will it's nursing very rigorous remember just take a few breathes and stay positive always.

Remember you been waiting for this your whole life and your going to make it. Remember you have your little one's and your husband for support!

I have been accepted for the nursing class in January! This is something I've wanted since I was small. I am concerned though, I have two small children and need some pointers on how to complete my dream of finishing in a year. All encouragement needed and taken. Please help!!!!!!!

Good times. Congratulations.

I also have three little boys when I started Nursing school (will be graduating in December). Remember that there is only so many hours in the day. The house does not have to be sparkly clean on some days. Things can be postponed for later. Communicate, communicate! If you have a big exam and need time to study, let your spouse know. Learn how to say no to events. Relax when you can. Clear your mind before studying.

Congratulations! Now the fun begins LOL....my advice to you is time management and prioritize. As the above poster said, your house does not need to be sparkly clean. Everyone that comes over will understand and if they don't...they don't need to be in your house. Secondly, plan your days and make "appointments" with yourself to study. Tell your husband that "I'm out of class at 2pm and am going to study until 6pm, then I'll get dinner going". Make and keep your appointments.

The BIG ONE, start your children from day 1 that if Mommy has a book open she is off limits. If its an emergency, you can interrupt but otherwise, go find daddy. We taught my kids this from the very beginning and although they sometimes don't like it, its not forever and they now know that if mommy opens a book the invisibility cloak goes on with it LOL. (although I really do find it easier to study away from home still, just cause I hate looking at my dirty house).

Oh and another thing I do also, I spend one day a month and will cook that whole day on Saturday. I've bought those hard plastic plates with the separations. I then plan 5 or 6 meals like a big pan of lasagne or some casseroles etc., I portion them out on those plates and make homemade TV dinners and freeze them. If I'm too busy studying to cook then I'll pop them into the microwave (or hubby will). Its cheaper and healthier than fast food.

Don't waste your time studying stuff you already know. If you had a good A&P instructor you will have a solid basic foundation. Prioritize your readings and if time permits before a test THEN go back and read entirely. Focus on the stuff that is brand new first.

Good Luck to you and remember YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

Most important thing is to learn to study smart. Study what you do not know rather than everything because there is just no the time for it. Do not over study because this can lead to second guessing yourself come test time. Use study resorces such as NCLEX question banks, computer programs, etc. Take advantage of those wasted moments such as sitting in a waiting room, waiting in the grocery line, waiting at school to pick up the kids to review (I carry NCLEX ? on my PDA, flashcards or a pocket review book at all times.)

Set a side special time even if it is just five minutes for each child each day. You will need a break from studying and they will be more likely to give you the time to study if they have had the attention.

Like others have said, the house does NOT have to be prefect. Those dust bunnies will still be there after the exam or during the next break. Paper plates save time washing dishes.

Enlist the help of the extended family. Maybe Grandma will take the kids on an afternoon or cook an occassional meal. Maybe an Aunt or Uncle will let the kids come play at their house. You would be surprise how support the family can be if 1) you let them know what you need 2) you ask for their help 3) you ONLY use their help for studying, not for fun.