Tips To Manage Time?

Katieaok · Jul 17, 2015

I was in the same boat as you until I figured out the best studying habits for me. I used to not make time for myself, it caused a lot of unhappiness and I find my overall preformance, especially when studying is better when I'm in a better mood. Always make time for yourself, don't overload on studying. Allot 1-2 hours , 3 hours max a night to studying. You need to take breaks or you'll get into a zombie phase and won't be able to soak any info you're studying up.

I'm starting the nursing program in August, I'm so excited and so nervous!

Good luck to you!

Larry3373 · Jul 17, 2015

I think consistency is the key. Study for a few hours every day. Focus on the objectives. Take notes on what you think is important. Take a speed reading course. Try to study when you are full of energy (for me in the mornings). Don't get bogged down on one topic too long: hit the highlights and move on. Study mon-fri and reward yourself by taking the weekend off. Supplement your studying with YouTube videos and use websites like simplenursing.com. Read multiple NCLEX style questions and always read the rationale. Again, be consistent. You would be surprised what you can accomplish a little at a time.

Cobrie17 · Jul 17, 2015

I am starting my nursing program this fall, like you, and I couldn't be more excited. I've been living with my boyfriend for a while now, starting when he went through his nursing program, which was an accelerated, second degree pathway. I saw what worked for him, and where he needed to improve. Based on that, here are some tips:

1. Don't study when you're exhausted.

You're less efficient. You won't retain information well or quickly, which is not a good use of your time. Stop, eat a snack, take a nap, go for a walk, or anything that will invigorate and refresh you for more efficient studying.

2. Schedule time for self-care.

Along the same vein as the tip above, make sure you take time to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. This is easier said than done, I realize, and is an on-going commitment. Think of it this way: how can you expect your brain to work and to take care of others if you're body isn't supporting you? Sleep, drink plenty of water, avoid processed foods as much as possible, keep caffeine and alcohol within reasonable limits, and get up and move.

3. Study little bits at a time (Pace Yourself).

Don't assume a few marathon study sessions will do. I've heard from my boyfriend and from other nursing students that 1-3 hours a day of studying is best. That being said, those 1-3 or so hours don't have to be all at once. You can (and should) break them up throughout the day into more manageable chunks.

4. Find a quiet study space

Sometimes, even if you have a nice little corner in your home, your environment is too distracting. If so, it is usually more efficient to move your study space. Think about going to a local library or coffee shop, or a similar location on campus.

5. Multi-task

This doesn't work for everyone, but could be a way to ease your guilt. If you want to schedule time at the gym, bring your notes or a text book or a lecture recording to study while on the treadmill. Listen to lecture recordings in the car. Read or listen to lectures on public transport or while cooking. Everyone's busy. Find multi-purpose time to get more done.

6. Take a break.

You're not a machine. You need and deserve a day or an evening free of studying every once in a while. Be consistent and organized with your studying and you should be able to take that much deserved break.

I hope this helps!

Courtney

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 17, 2015

Use a planner that has monthly, weekly and daily planning pages. Most of all, make sure to schedule sanity breaks for yourself. I went through nursing school with a family and was still able to schedule time to participate in their activities like baseball games, bowling tournaments & choir concerts. Was I able to go to every single one? No. But I was able to strike a good school work/family life balance by using my planner. It's OK to take breaks. Don't burn yourself out :)

Larry3373 · Jul 17, 2015

I agree with Cobrie17 regarding the need to get adequate rest. I know it can be counterintuitive. We think that if we just push harder and study longer that we will achieve better results. However, I found the opposite to be true. I failed clinical my second semester. After some soul searching I realized that my main problem was exhaustion and that if I was to be successful I needed to first take better care of myself. Exercise and good nutrition help tremendously also. If you want a highly functioning mind, you must take good care of yourself.