Stressed out from school?! Any tips?

HelloKittyRN · Feb 4, 2006

I graduated from nursing school in December 2004, and I will tell you, I never learned how to manage my stress! There was always so many things to be done! I guess after I graduated and started working I found out just how well I had managed. I was actually bored! I would come home from work, do the usual stuff (clean, cook dinner, run a few errands) and then I would have all this time left over with nothing to do! The fact is, nursing school is hard and you will always be stressed, but you just don't realize how well you were doing until it is over with. I actually missed school! (I know that sounds almost unimaginable right now, but it's true.) Just last month I started working towards my BSN, and I am so looking forward to the days where I am no longer bored! Just know that when you have things to do and no time to do them, that somehow you always find the time to get them done! Good luck to you!

smilin_gp · Feb 4, 2006

I'm still in school, but making sure to spend at least 2 hours a day working on a project or readings (unless in the extremely rare occasion that I run out of things to do) has helped me get over procrastination and avoid having a ton of things to finish all on 1 night. I've also started jogging with my dog every day and trying different kinds of tea to get over my coffee addiction.

DaFreak71 · Feb 4, 2006

As a student we all know the stresses of school. However, does anyone have any suggestions on how to manage your time and not be so stressed out during the hectic years of nursing school?

I think it is important to prioritize before starting school. For me, this means that my marriage comes first and nursing school comes second.

When I get home from school I eat lunch and watch Judge Judy for an hour. Then I do my homework or clarify my notes from the days lecture. I prepare for class the next day until my husband gets up for work (he works night shift). I hang out with him for about an hour and when he leaves for work I finish any studying that is left. On the weekends I make sure I schedule myself so that I have enough time to watch a movie, TV or read at least once that weekend. You have to recharge your batteries or you will exhaust yourself. Take time for you.

Make to-do lists and dates that things are due. Study according to a schedule. Pack your backpack the night before and lay out your clothes too. This will save you time in the morning.

Best of luck to you!

Adri

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2006

I am a full time student, wife and mommy to a 5 year old kindergartener. I know what you mean. I swear by a calendar for starters. I schedule EVERYTHING, class times, tests/projects, family dr/dentist appts, when DD has to be at school and any of her school events, study time and work out time. I am pretty strict on keeping that schedule. I refuse to let anything impede on my workout time since it is time just for me to clear my head. (and hubby goes to gym with me so we get some quality time too :) ) I have to make sure there is balance between family, school and me. I keep one weekend day where it is family day only. No school stuff and not so much worrying about the house, it is to have fun. Don't forget, you are important too! I think we tend to let things for ourselves go. Find some time for you, no matter what you like to do. Even if it is justa pedicure, that can be such a relaxing treat!

For me a calendar works best so I can make sure I get some down time in all this hectic life while I am in school. Paper calendars work great, I use it and I have one on my PDA too.

I pack my backpack the night before, lunches for me and DD, lay clothes out for both of us and make sure her backpack is ready to go too. Sometimes I will go ahead and put our backpacks in the truck even. Saves time in the morning and less frustrating for her and I both. I use time after she goes to bed for study since hubby works 3-11 I get some good quiet time and she does not feel slighted either. When hubby gets home, I spend some time talking to him, then I sleep.