2 answers
Breanna
Student
Canon, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How do I keep up with my hobbies, job, and social life in nursing school?
I really want to be a nurse, but I know it is going to take up a lot of my time. How can I balance all of these things?
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2 answers
cassandra Harris
Social / Emotional learning Teacher
26
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
That's a really important question, and it's smart of you to be thinking about this balance now before you even start nursing school. It's definitely a demanding program, but it's absolutely possible to maintain your hobbies, a job (if needed), and a social life – it just requires intentionality and smart strategies. Here's my advice, drawing from what I've learned:
1. Master Time Management: This will be your superpower in nursing school.
Detailed Scheduling: Get a planner (digital or physical) and map out your classes, labs, clinicals, and study time. Be realistic about how long things will take.
Prioritize Ruthlessly: Learn to identify what absolutely must get done and what can be flexible. Use a system like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent/important).
Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for studying, hobbies, work, and social activities. Treat these appointments with yourself as seriously as you would a class.
Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together (e.g., read all assigned articles for one class in one sitting).
Utilize Small Pockets of Time: Even 15-30 minutes can be used for a quick review, responding to a message, or engaging in a hobby.
Be Flexible: Life happens. Don't get discouraged if your schedule gets thrown off. Learn to adapt and reschedule.
2. Be Realistic About Your Commitments:
Job: If you need to work, be realistic about the number of hours you can handle without sacrificing your studies or well-being. Consider if a less demanding job might be better during intense periods of the program. Talk to your employer about your school commitments.
Hobbies: You might not have as much time for your hobbies as you did before nursing school, but don't abandon them entirely! Schedule even small amounts of time for the things you enjoy. It's crucial for stress relief. Maybe you can combine hobbies with social time.
Social Life: Your social life might look different. Instead of going out every weekend, maybe it's a study group that turns into a social gathering, or a quick coffee with a friend during a study break. Be intentional about staying connected with people who support you.
3. Integrate Study and Life:
Study with Friends: Combine social time with studying. Study groups can be both productive and social.
Listen to Lectures/Notes While Commuting or Exercising: Make the most of your "dead time."
Incorporate Hobbies into Breaks: Use short breaks to do something you enjoy, even if it's just for 15 minutes.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: This isn't a luxury; it's essential for surviving and thriving in nursing school.
Sleep: Protect your sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours a night.
Nutrition: Eat as healthily as you can to maintain energy levels.
Exercise: Even short bursts of physical activity can make a big difference in your stress levels and mood.1
1.
Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress - Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress.
Schedule Downtime: Just like you schedule study time, schedule time to do absolutely nothing or something purely enjoyable.
5. Build a Strong Support System:
Connect with Classmates: They understand what you're going through. Form study groups and support each other.
Lean on Friends and Family: Communicate your needs and let them know how they can support you.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you're struggling, reach out to professors, advisors, or student support services.
6. Be Kind to Yourself: There will be times when you feel overwhelmed or like you're not doing enough. Remember that you're taking on a challenging but rewarding path. Celebrate your small wins and acknowledge your efforts. It's okay if things aren't perfectly balanced all the time.
In short, the key is to be organized, realistic, intentional, and prioritize your well-being. Nursing school is a marathon, not a sprint. By implementing these strategies, you can definitely pursue your passion for nursing while still enjoying other important aspects of your life.
1. Master Time Management: This will be your superpower in nursing school.
Detailed Scheduling: Get a planner (digital or physical) and map out your classes, labs, clinicals, and study time. Be realistic about how long things will take.
Prioritize Ruthlessly: Learn to identify what absolutely must get done and what can be flexible. Use a system like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent/important).
Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for studying, hobbies, work, and social activities. Treat these appointments with yourself as seriously as you would a class.
Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together (e.g., read all assigned articles for one class in one sitting).
Utilize Small Pockets of Time: Even 15-30 minutes can be used for a quick review, responding to a message, or engaging in a hobby.
Be Flexible: Life happens. Don't get discouraged if your schedule gets thrown off. Learn to adapt and reschedule.
2. Be Realistic About Your Commitments:
Job: If you need to work, be realistic about the number of hours you can handle without sacrificing your studies or well-being. Consider if a less demanding job might be better during intense periods of the program. Talk to your employer about your school commitments.
Hobbies: You might not have as much time for your hobbies as you did before nursing school, but don't abandon them entirely! Schedule even small amounts of time for the things you enjoy. It's crucial for stress relief. Maybe you can combine hobbies with social time.
Social Life: Your social life might look different. Instead of going out every weekend, maybe it's a study group that turns into a social gathering, or a quick coffee with a friend during a study break. Be intentional about staying connected with people who support you.
3. Integrate Study and Life:
Study with Friends: Combine social time with studying. Study groups can be both productive and social.
Listen to Lectures/Notes While Commuting or Exercising: Make the most of your "dead time."
Incorporate Hobbies into Breaks: Use short breaks to do something you enjoy, even if it's just for 15 minutes.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: This isn't a luxury; it's essential for surviving and thriving in nursing school.
Sleep: Protect your sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours a night.
Nutrition: Eat as healthily as you can to maintain energy levels.
Exercise: Even short bursts of physical activity can make a big difference in your stress levels and mood.1
1.
Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress - Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress.
Schedule Downtime: Just like you schedule study time, schedule time to do absolutely nothing or something purely enjoyable.
5. Build a Strong Support System:
Connect with Classmates: They understand what you're going through. Form study groups and support each other.
Lean on Friends and Family: Communicate your needs and let them know how they can support you.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you're struggling, reach out to professors, advisors, or student support services.
6. Be Kind to Yourself: There will be times when you feel overwhelmed or like you're not doing enough. Remember that you're taking on a challenging but rewarding path. Celebrate your small wins and acknowledge your efforts. It's okay if things aren't perfectly balanced all the time.
In short, the key is to be organized, realistic, intentional, and prioritize your well-being. Nursing school is a marathon, not a sprint. By implementing these strategies, you can definitely pursue your passion for nursing while still enjoying other important aspects of your life.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
18
Answers
Sterling, Virginia
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Time management is going to be your best friend. Nursing school is a harder program and does demand more of your time especially when you have to factor in your clinical rotations, since there is no way around that. I think you just have to come up with some time management methods and prioritize based on your course load. Its possible to have a life and be a nursing student but likely you will have to make some social sacrifices while you in those heavy course load semesters.