Starting Grad School: Tips & Suggestions from current grad students

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

Hi all,

I'm starting my Neonatal NP Masters program at the end of August. I'll be attending part-time while working full time in the NICU. This will amount (as far as I know) to one full day of class a week, and 3 - 12 hour work shifts. :smilecoffeeIlovecof: This will be for the first fall-spring-summer semesters, then the remaining fall-spring-summer-fall semesters I'll be adding 10- 12hr clinical shifts a semester. So I know I have a full plate, but I'm confident at this point that I can pull it off as well as have some semblance of a social life.

So... do any of you veteran grad students have any suggestions for me as I ease back into the whole "school thing?" I've been out of school for over 2 years since receiving my BSN. Any tips/suggestions for maximizing study time, scheduling, and even things that made life during your grad program easier/bearable would be so appreciated!

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Stephen

[scrabblern, RN]

hey steve,

i'm a nicu nurse and have considered moving to ny and doing a nnp in the future. how are your studies coming along? are you managing ok doing part time studies and ft work?

i am worried about finances a little. i heard that some ny hospitals will pay tuition for grad school no matter what it is.

[johnson0424]

just always know what your focus is and that is to get your NNP. I had to cut back at work and just work the weekends once my clinical load started getting heavier!