Starting the program

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 30, 2014

I think it's a matter of how you prioritize. Don't wait until last minute to study for a test (advice I could take, sigh), but rather study every night for a few hours. Right before a test you may not be able to take your kids to every extracurricular activity they have, or you could take your study materials with you and study there. It just really depends.

It's only for a short amount of time, and the benefits will be great. Advice on how to study? Read your textbook, go over your notes, teach it to your significant other or classmates. Get an NCLEX book and do questions over the material you are covering. Also, search this site for "Starting a nursing program." You'll find lots of advice from posters on what to do.

Best of luck in your program! Time will fly by :)

Sparrow91 · May 30, 2014

There WILL be a change in family dynamics when starting nursing school. However with the right mind set and planning ahead you can have a balance between the two. Get a good daily planner and USE IT! Put everything in for the whole semester as well as family plans and events. Use highlighters to distinguish between the different things (blue for exams, yellow for homework/quizes, pink for papers, orange for family things, ect.). That way at a glance you know what is going on when and nothing can get over looked. Take this summer to evaluate your life routine and schedules. You may have to sit down with your family and have them take some extra responsibilities in order to help you with your goal. Set down the ground rules of expectations and responsibilities for both yourself and your family members. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Don't wait until you are in the thick of it. Good luck to you. You can do this! :)

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · May 30, 2014

No it's not THAT bad..... I mean, it's BAD. But you quickly learn how to manage your time. Of course, I don't have little kids, I have dogs. And a job. And elderly parents...... But I still procrastinated too much and managed to get high B's in all my courses first year. You can do it. Probably much better than I did.

Pochitos · May 31, 2014

Thank you all so much for such awesome tips, advice and encouragements. I find myself with a constant fear in the back of my mind.. I can't seem to enjoy myself at functions because my mind drifts off to the impact this is gonna make... I have been preparing my kiddos and letting them know I will need a lot of their help.. i keep hearing how I'll need to say goodbye to my fam. Etc... I don't want too...lol.

Episteme · May 31, 2014

Going to nursing school is a full time job. If you have (for example) a 4 credit hour course, you should be spending a total of 12 hrs/week (or 9 hours outside of class) studying that material. This is a rule of thumb. Some students pick it up quicker, some slower. One of my students set up a home office and explained to his kids (grade school) that this was his "job" right now and when he was studying in his office, he was at "work". This isn't appropriate for everyone but the sentiment is exactly right.

At the beginning of every semester, look at your schedule and determine where you are going to insert your study time. Then treat those hours as sacred.

AND... one of my big bug-a-boo's... read the learning objectives in the syllabi of each course. Study the material that the instructor tells you is of importance.