Time Management for Prerequisites

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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How do all of you budget your time? I am taking 17 hours of prereqs (APII-4, Micro-4, Eng Comp II-3, Growth and Dev-3, and Intro to Computer Info-3), and sometimes I am great at managing my time, but I feel overwhelmed at other times. I may be feeling more overwhelmed this week because I'm sick, but I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I thought I would add that I'm getting good grades in all of my classes so far, so I must be doing something right. I just feel overwhelmed!

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Specializes in ICU.

I work 40-60 hours a week, on top of an 18 credit hour semester, so I've had to deal with this problem as well.

Honestly, I fit in my studying whenever I can. I'm fortunate enough to have a cool boss and work evenings, so I always have my physiology book open on my desk and read when I can. I go to class in the mornings, work all afternoon/evening (I get off work between 11p-1a), and study all weekend - unless I get called in. My poor husband. :(

It'll all be worth it in the end! It can be overwhelming, but it sounds like you've found a way to make it work and keep your grades up, and that's all any of us can do. Stick with it!

Do you use a planner? I loooove mine. It keeps me sane. I make goals for reading and how much of certain assignments I want to get done every day, and mark it off as I go. I love marking things off. :)

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I completely agree with juliaann regarding the planner! mine is my life. It helps me manage what I need to do. Besides that taking a minute to yourself everyday (not thinking about school or work) completely helps. I sit down and read a magazine about something fun and it helps release the stress. Then when you go back to what your doing you feel less overwhelmed. (well at least for me lol) but its definately hard work so I understand! :)

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I do have a planner. Mine has a monthly section (with big squares to write in), and weekly sections that also have HUGE space to write. I work on breaking my assignments down over each day in the weekly section, and I put major dates and deadlines for exams, projects, etc. on the monthly calendar, as well as personal appointments and commitments. I am already worried about finding the same kind for 2011...that how weird I am about my planner!

I also think the suggestion to take a moment for yourself is a great one; I too often forget that I need the occasional moment to just be me, rather than Me the Superstudent.

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Specializes in Future Women Health.

Hello,

I haven't begun the nursing program as of yet...let alone the pre-req courses but I plan to start in about 2 weeks. But I've done about 1 year of research on allnurses.com...I love this website... :idea: I have read that it would be advanteous to get a PDA (instead of using dayplanner/calendar) because it will keep you organized plus you can download great resources for nurses such as a medication guide (which I heard is AWESOME during clinicals...instead of trying to carry a 100 lbs book).

I have copy the link down for you all to review...I just purchased the iPod Touch so I can have access to more apps and download the lectures from the online courses I will take during my pre-req courses and nursing school courses:

https://allnurses.com/mobile-computing-nursing/ways-use-your-449425.html

The threads on Mobile/Computing sold me on the PDA idea instead of Franklin Covey because I love Franklin-Covey's organizers (daily planner) but I said I want to create a system that will help throughout the nursing program and as a nurse on the floor. I have read that it is helpful for when you start as a new grad on the floor to refer back to some of the apps you can download and assist you when you need assistance with dosage/measurements...does it sound cool??? :cool:

Also, the replies on here have been very inspirational, I have two babies (9 & 5 yrs old - bdays pending). I have the same fears as all of you because working part-time is not an option for me. I must work fulltime and go to school fulltime in order to keep my MANDATORY bills going for me and the kids...DIVORCED! :)

I hope this information assist you all. Congratulations on the acceptance into a nursing program...I wish the best for you!!!

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It can be done as I have all of my prereq's behind me. Discipline was the key for me!

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Hi!

Sometimes I get overwhelmed too. I'm only taking 12 hours, but I work full time as well. I find that it helps to make small goals every day, and as others said, having a planner to keep track of everything. I will generally make small goals for a week in advance and then adjust accordingly.

It's also important to make some time for yourself at least one day a week to keep yourself sane. For me, I reserve half a day on Sunday to relax, and I don't think about school or work. I'll go out and eat breakfast or watch tv with the bf and go hang out at the park. Just something to take your mind off it. Then in the evening I go back to studying.

Also, keeping the end goal in mind helps too. I tell myself all this working and studying is so going to pay off when I get into nursing school!

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