2 answers
Gigi
Student
Newtown, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What are some of the best study tips, time management strategies, and survival tools for students 35 and older entering a nursing program?
I recently got accepted into a nursing program and would love to hear from others who’ve been through this, especially those who returned to school later in life.
How did you manage school, family life, and everything in between while staying motivated?
Why do you think certain habits or routines helped you the most during your journey?
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2 answers
Renee Pohorecki BS, RDCS, CCT
Cardiac Technologist (Sonography, Stress Testing, Rhythm analysis)
2
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Renee’s Answer
I completed my cardiac sonography program at 30 and earned my bachelor's in Healthcare Administration in my early 30s (I'm 39 now). I believe lectures are crucial for learning since much of the test material comes from them. However, I find it hard to stay focused during lectures. Knowing this, I always took notes, even on information I thought was less important or already familiar. After each lecture, I reviewed my notes, highlighted key points like titles, subtitles, and simple facts, and then typed them out clearly and concisely. This repetition helped me understand and remember the material better. I also used online flashcard tools like Quizlet before tests.
Good luck with your studies!
Good luck with your studies!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Susana Abena Appiah
MIDWIFE
67
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana Abena’s Answer
Congratulations on your admission into a nursing program—that's a huge accomplishment, and I am should be so proud!
Starting (or returning to) school at 35+ is a bold and incredible move. You bring life experience, emotional intelligence, and purpose that younger students may still be developing. Below is a guide full of tips and survival strategies, especially from those who’ve walked a similar path:
Study Tips for Older Nursing Students (35+)
1. Embrace Active Learning Techniques
Don’t just read—engage. Use tools like flashcards (Anki, Quizlet), teach the material to someone else, or create diagrams.
Focus on NCLEX-style practice questions early. This sharpens your critical thinking.
Watch YouTube videos (like Registered Nurse (RN) that visually explain concepts if you’re a visual learner.
2. Break It Down
Study in shorter blocks (25–40 mins) with breaks in between (Pomodoro method).
Chunk big tasks into manageable pieces—especially when juggling family or work.
3. Study Smart, Not Long
Prioritize high-yield content (what’s most likely to show up on tests or in clinicals).
Use review sheets, summary guides, and spaced repetition instead of re-reading entire chapters.
Time Management Strategies
1. Use a Planner Religiously
Whether digital (Google Calendar) or paper, map out school deadlines, family events, and personal time.
Color-code subjects, tasks, or categories to stay organized.
2. Batch and Block
Batch similar tasks (e.g., meal prep, laundry, school reading) to streamline your time.
Use time blocks for focused study—and honor those blocks like appointments.
3. Be Realistic, Not Perfect
You may not be able to “do it all,” and that’s okay. Say no when needed. Ask for help. Delegate.
Balancing School, Family, and Life
1. Communicate Openly
Let your family know your schedule and needs ahead of time. Create a family calendar so everyone’s on the same page.
Even young kids can understand when “mom/dad has study time.”
2. Make Time for Self-Care
A 10-minute walk, journaling, prayer, or listening to music can reset your mind.
Protect your sleep. Don’t glorify all-nighters—they lead to burnout.
3. Use Your Village
Lean on friends, partners, or fellow students. It’s okay to ask for childcare, a ride, or just emotional support.
Motivation and Mindset
1. Reframe the Journey
Instead of “I’m older than everyone,” say “I bring experience and maturity that will help me excel.”
Your why—whether it’s your kids, your passion for helping others, or a second chance—will keep you going on hard days.
2. Join a Support Group
Connect with other non-traditional or older students. Many nursing schools have groups, or you can find online communities (like Facebook’s “Nursing Students Over 30”).
3. Celebrate the Wins
Passed a quiz? Finished a paper early? Give yourself credit. Milestones matter.
Survival Tools That Help Most
Noise-canceling headphones for focused study
Meal prep containers and grocery delivery apps
Post-it notes or dry-erase boards to keep important reminders visible
Compression socks for long clinical days (you’ll thank yourself!)
Apps like Notion, Google Keep, or Trello to stay organized
Words from Others Like You:
“The best decision I made was treating nursing school like a job. I clocked in for study hours, had a routine, and didn’t guilt myself for rest.”
— Angela, 38, RN
“I was worried about being older, but my patients trusted me. My age became a strength.”
— Marcus, 41, RN
Starting (or returning to) school at 35+ is a bold and incredible move. You bring life experience, emotional intelligence, and purpose that younger students may still be developing. Below is a guide full of tips and survival strategies, especially from those who’ve walked a similar path:
Study Tips for Older Nursing Students (35+)
1. Embrace Active Learning Techniques
Don’t just read—engage. Use tools like flashcards (Anki, Quizlet), teach the material to someone else, or create diagrams.
Focus on NCLEX-style practice questions early. This sharpens your critical thinking.
Watch YouTube videos (like Registered Nurse (RN) that visually explain concepts if you’re a visual learner.
2. Break It Down
Study in shorter blocks (25–40 mins) with breaks in between (Pomodoro method).
Chunk big tasks into manageable pieces—especially when juggling family or work.
3. Study Smart, Not Long
Prioritize high-yield content (what’s most likely to show up on tests or in clinicals).
Use review sheets, summary guides, and spaced repetition instead of re-reading entire chapters.
Time Management Strategies
1. Use a Planner Religiously
Whether digital (Google Calendar) or paper, map out school deadlines, family events, and personal time.
Color-code subjects, tasks, or categories to stay organized.
2. Batch and Block
Batch similar tasks (e.g., meal prep, laundry, school reading) to streamline your time.
Use time blocks for focused study—and honor those blocks like appointments.
3. Be Realistic, Not Perfect
You may not be able to “do it all,” and that’s okay. Say no when needed. Ask for help. Delegate.
Balancing School, Family, and Life
1. Communicate Openly
Let your family know your schedule and needs ahead of time. Create a family calendar so everyone’s on the same page.
Even young kids can understand when “mom/dad has study time.”
2. Make Time for Self-Care
A 10-minute walk, journaling, prayer, or listening to music can reset your mind.
Protect your sleep. Don’t glorify all-nighters—they lead to burnout.
3. Use Your Village
Lean on friends, partners, or fellow students. It’s okay to ask for childcare, a ride, or just emotional support.
Motivation and Mindset
1. Reframe the Journey
Instead of “I’m older than everyone,” say “I bring experience and maturity that will help me excel.”
Your why—whether it’s your kids, your passion for helping others, or a second chance—will keep you going on hard days.
2. Join a Support Group
Connect with other non-traditional or older students. Many nursing schools have groups, or you can find online communities (like Facebook’s “Nursing Students Over 30”).
3. Celebrate the Wins
Passed a quiz? Finished a paper early? Give yourself credit. Milestones matter.
Survival Tools That Help Most
Noise-canceling headphones for focused study
Meal prep containers and grocery delivery apps
Post-it notes or dry-erase boards to keep important reminders visible
Compression socks for long clinical days (you’ll thank yourself!)
Apps like Notion, Google Keep, or Trello to stay organized
Words from Others Like You:
“The best decision I made was treating nursing school like a job. I clocked in for study hours, had a routine, and didn’t guilt myself for rest.”
— Angela, 38, RN
“I was worried about being older, but my patients trusted me. My age became a strength.”
— Marcus, 41, RN