Personal Relationships While in School

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I am starting my first semester as a nursing student next week. I am nervous at the thought of not seeing my family (who I already moved an hour away from when I got engaged) as well as my husband. My husband is already an RN, so he knows the chaotic schedules and long study hours, etc., however, my family does not know how crazy things will be for me! Current nursing students, how do you deal with maintaining personal relationships with family, significant others and friends while going through this journey? Reading what people say and talking to others in the program, I feel like I will never see my family or husband and they are the ones who keep me sane! Any comments are greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I think you'll likely find that what you've heard is rather exaggerated. While you will certainly have to dedicate a lot of time to your studies, I think you'll find you have at least a few hours to spare each day and more time on the weekends to see your husband. You're not the first person to enter nursing school with a spouse or a family that they need to care for and spend time with.

Also keep in mind that your school will be closed on weekends (unless you have weekend classes) and on holidays. You'll also have school vacation. These breaks will give you time to travel to visit your family if you desire.

Not only did I attend nursing school with a steady boyfriend, but I got engaged, planned a wedding and got married all before my final year in the program. There will be some nights that you might have to sacrifice a date night in order to study for a test, but it will be very easy for you to find another day to make up that quality time. Don't stress about it. :)

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I like what Ashley said and I would like to add on. My core doesn't start til Sep 3 2013, but I've already been accepted and talked to the Dean of Nursing, who stressed to me the rigors - she even said that 2 weeks before core starts she has a "boot camp", and one of those nights she invites the family and the first thing she says is "Say goodbye for sixteen months, because you won't see much of each other". I tried to explain the reality of nursing school to my mother and she just rolled her eyes at me and sighed... well, what can you do, you know? Maybe once she sees with her own two eyes how busy I am it will sink in - same goes for your family!!! We can hope!!

As for hubby etc, there is always time, it may just be abbreviated!! Try to sneak in calls during breaks in lecture etc, make sure you make time - just not TOO much time, but if he is a nurse he understands and my goodness are you a lucky duck, because mine has NO idea... yet.

Wishing you the very best and a wonderful experience,

RD

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Specializes in ER & ICU.

At my school we have no time left after school, clinical and studies. Hope your's isn't as bad :)

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I just started this week as well and I think the best answer here is to manage your time wisely. I'm trying to work out a schedule and stick to it. I have 3 kids and a husband at home as well as a part time job so there definitely needs to be some balance between school and family. Best of luck to you with school!!!

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