Struggling to Juggle Nursing Pre-Reqs, Work, and Motherhood.... HELP!

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I am currently in Anatomy and Physiology I at Guilford Technical Community College. I am attempting to get into the nursing program and the only thing standing in my way is the current class I am in and then Anatomy and Physiology II. I am stressed to my max right now with juggling this class, working 36 hours a week at a hospital an hour a way from my home, and taking care of my 11 month old and four year old sons on my own.

To all the students and mothers out there, how did you balance everything. Right now for the class I have a 69.35, which is very disappointing considering I am ususally always an A/B student. I study when I have free time but still do awful on the lecture tests. Lab tests are actually the only thing saving me from doing even worse.

I just need some words of wisdom on how to study more efficiently and learn the material better than I currently am. Any study tips or advice for studying with the kids around would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in ED, Medicine, Case Management.

If your instructor has provided chapter objectives (and most do - especially if you ask), focus your studying on those objectives. If your instructor has not provided chapter objectives, study based on the section and chapter objectives in the book and do the questions at the end of the chapter. Know that material. Utilize the text's online resources such as practice tests and videos. Good luck.

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I also had the same struggles as you. I ended up with a "D" in my Biology 201 class. I withdrew the first time since I really didn't feel like getting a really bad score since the snow storm we had make my teacher take things off the class schedule. I work 40 hours a week and have two kids and was trying to manage school work. It was hard for me to do all and still find enough time to be great. I am starting to do what VivaLaVespaGirl comment about and find out what worked best for me. If you have to go to bed at 12am at night just to study I would. Or on your lunch see if you could get to yourself and read what you have to read. I found out reading the chapter before class usually help me out sometimes. I hope all gets better for you. Don't give up

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First of all, you CAN do it. When I was doing my pre reqs I studied whenever I had a chance...early in the A.M. before I got my daughter up, during lunch break at work, after my daughter went to bed at night, etc. I am a single mom so I just had to make it work. Plus, you have to know what kind of learner you are. I am a visual and kinetic learner so I enjoy Youtube videos. And I also need it super quiet to study (hence the reason I studied more while my child was asleep). But you have to know what works for you.

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I watch YouTube videos for the physiology portion. Also, the anatomy coloring book is great because my daughter loves to color so we can usually both color for a bit and then I don't feel so bad about popping her in front of a movie while I get another hour and a half in. Make your own objectives of your instructor doesn't. Find your main focus and say 'ok today I'm going to focus on and get comfortable with muscle contractions.' Do this every day and review the previous day's work every morning/night for 30 min while the kids have a snack! Do you have friends/family that could help out? Feel zero shame in asking for help. This is for your kids future as well! You're getting help so you can one day help others. You're going to make such a great role model for your children's. These need to be your mantras! I'm honestly struggling with the same thing. A&P 1, microbiology, math and working while raising my 2 year old. I'm lucky to have plenty of help from family and my husband when he isn't working. You can do this. Moms have super powers ;)

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