No motivation

[purplesteth]

So I am at nursing school in Italy, in my first year.

Problem is, I just can't seem to find the motivation to study. I have five hours of classes a day (from 8-1), and this semester we've had a lot of skills workshops in the afternoon (vitals, catheterisation, venepuncture etc.)

Thing is, when I get home I always manage to find a hundred different things to do to avoid studying. I'm more on less on schedule with my exams, but was unable to take some last semester because I started studying too late and I knew I wasn't prepared enough for them (here we decide when to do our exams; we can choose from various dates right through the three years).

Help! I really want to do well on this course and go into nursing; unfortunately I can't seem to make that desire translate into time spent studying the course material.

Any thoughts, advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. :)

[pockunit, ADN, RN]

I can't study at home. There's too much to do, the kids want help/attention, the laundry needs done, pockspouse needs help with something, it's too much. When I'm home, I'm on duty there. That means no schoolwork.

You may have to choose your study spots to ensure fewer distractions. I also try not to bring my laptop or I get sucked into surfing.

[sophie<3]

Make yourself a schedule for the whole semester or for the next few months. Pick your dates of when to do your exams and stick with it. Give yourself some breathing room in between exams so you have time to recover and relax but a week or two before your next exam date start going over your information. I know it is hard...may be even harder choosing when to take exams, I imagine that makes it harder to get motivated! But if you don't do your exams you can't get out of school so do your best and stay focused!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I could not study at home either. And who could concentrate if you are in ITALY??? Too many beautiful distractions.

I recommend you have a study partner and go to a library, stay at school or some such. Good luck!

[purplesteth]

A sincere thanks to all for your advice; I really appreciate it.

Just posting this on AN helped me put things in perspective and helped me realise what I have to do. Thanks again!!!

[heavenbound]

For me I cannot study at home because of the same reasons you have shared. I also cannot study in a library because I find it be a very boring atmosphere. What I have found helpful to me is studying at a local bookstore's coffee shop. I take my laptop, textbook, notebook, and any other materials I need. I put my noise cancelling headphones on and get to work. I also will go to the local park (weather permitting) and do the same thing. I hope this can help you in some way. If possible, I would recommended makings a list of things you have to do according to priority and follow the list; Cross things offer as you accomplish them. I have known this method to help many, but not me, maybe you.

[Moogie]

I could not study in Italy, either. I'd want to see the art, have some pasta, visit historic sites, have some more pasta. My son, who was an art major at the time, went to Italy his freshman year in college. The art was amazing.

I distract easily. I prefer to study late at night when my husband's asleep, no one's calling on the phone, there are nothing but informercials on TV. (But there's always the Internet....)

I like Heavenbound's suggestion. I enjoy crossing things off my list. It helps me keep motivated.

You can do this!