4 answers
Toree
Student
Fort Johnson South, LA
1
Question
Asked
310 views
How can I balance the demands of nursing school with real-life responsibilities like work and family??
Pursuing a nursing degree is both exciting and demanding, especially when you are juggling real-life responsibilities outside of school. Like many students, I have personal obligations that require time and energy, and I know that learning how to manage both effectively is key to my success. I am interested in strategies that help nursing students stay organized, avoid burnout, and maintain their mental health while handling academic expectations and life outside of the classroom. I'd love advice from professionals or students who've found ways to create balance, manage their time, and stay motivated when things get overwhelming.
Login to comment
4 answers
Juanita Joubert
I am a writer, financial accountant, social media manager, and publisher
22
Answers
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
Hi Toree. Great question.
I am not a nursing student, but I do have some tips for managing your time as a professional myself as well as someone who is currently studying part time and has other responsibilities.
I use a mixture of the pomodoro and time blocking strategies to plan my days and weeks ahead of time to ensure that I get to everything I need to get done. The pomodoro technique is where you work or study for 25 minutes and then take a break of 5 minutes for however long you have planned to work or study. This technique helps you stay focused because you are not sitting in front of your textbooks for long periods of time, which can ultimately cause you to lose focus.
The time blocking method, on the other hand, is where you plan out every minute of your day. (This technique is most effective when you plan the previous day, leaving room for unexpected things). The general idea behind this strategy is that you start planning your day from the minute you wake up, right up until you go to bed so you know what you need to do. This will help you stay focused on the things that require your attention during the day without leaving you feel burned out and exhausted.
There are some great resources you can use on the internet to help you put these strategies in place and help you start to plan out your day in advance so you can be as productive as possible.
I hope one of these strategies can help you.
I am not a nursing student, but I do have some tips for managing your time as a professional myself as well as someone who is currently studying part time and has other responsibilities.
I use a mixture of the pomodoro and time blocking strategies to plan my days and weeks ahead of time to ensure that I get to everything I need to get done. The pomodoro technique is where you work or study for 25 minutes and then take a break of 5 minutes for however long you have planned to work or study. This technique helps you stay focused because you are not sitting in front of your textbooks for long periods of time, which can ultimately cause you to lose focus.
The time blocking method, on the other hand, is where you plan out every minute of your day. (This technique is most effective when you plan the previous day, leaving room for unexpected things). The general idea behind this strategy is that you start planning your day from the minute you wake up, right up until you go to bed so you know what you need to do. This will help you stay focused on the things that require your attention during the day without leaving you feel burned out and exhausted.
There are some great resources you can use on the internet to help you put these strategies in place and help you start to plan out your day in advance so you can be as productive as possible.
I hope one of these strategies can help you.
Jessica Kizer
Scheduling/Resource Management
3
Answers
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
To achieve a good work-life balance, follow these steps: Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Practice saying no to tasks that don't align with your priorities. Focus on what needs to be done first. Take regular breaks to recharge. Use technology to help, but don't let it take over your life. Plan and organize your day for better efficiency.
In the past three years, I transitioned to working from home after 15 years in an office. By applying these strategies, I've been able to stay focused and keep my work and home life separate.
In the past three years, I transitioned to working from home after 15 years in an office. By applying these strategies, I've been able to stay focused and keep my work and home life separate.
Matilde Soto
Project Manager
6
Answers
Canton, Michigan
Updated
Matilde’s Answer
Hi! I can relate so much to what you're feeling. Balancing school, work, and life isn’t easy—especially with a demanding program like nursing where you're not just studying, but also doing clinicals and handling emotional situations. While I’m not in nursing myself, I’ve juggled full-time school, work, and life responsibilities, and here’s what really helped me:
Build a structured routine you can rely on—even when things get hectic. Plan out your week ahead of time with set times for classes, study, work, and breaks. It really helps to create habits instead of relying on motivation.
Avoid burnout by scheduling time for YOU. Even short walks, exercising, reading or 20-minute breaks to just breathe and reset make a difference. Taking care of yourself helps you show up better everywhere else.
Stay organized with tools that work for you—a planner, digital calendar, or even post-it notes. Keep track of deadlines and personal tasks all in one place to avoid surprises.
Connect with classmates and support systems. Study groups can help cut down time, and just talking to others who “get it” can lift the weight off your shoulders.
And don’t forget—the experience you’re gaining through this builds real professional maturity. Good Luck!!
Build a structured routine you can rely on—even when things get hectic. Plan out your week ahead of time with set times for classes, study, work, and breaks. It really helps to create habits instead of relying on motivation.
Avoid burnout by scheduling time for YOU. Even short walks, exercising, reading or 20-minute breaks to just breathe and reset make a difference. Taking care of yourself helps you show up better everywhere else.
Stay organized with tools that work for you—a planner, digital calendar, or even post-it notes. Keep track of deadlines and personal tasks all in one place to avoid surprises.
Connect with classmates and support systems. Study groups can help cut down time, and just talking to others who “get it” can lift the weight off your shoulders.
And don’t forget—the experience you’re gaining through this builds real professional maturity. Good Luck!!
Poorvi Mehta
Business Account Manager
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Poorvi’s Answer
Create a Ruthless Weekly Schedule
Map out all non-negotiables (classes, clinicals, work shifts, family obligations).
Practice Micro-Study Habits
Break studying into 30–45 minute chunks.
Communicate With Family & Employer
Let family and your job know your priorities. Ask for flexibility where possible:
Learn to Say No
You simply won’t be able to do everything — and that’s okay.
Say no to optional social events, extra shifts, or tasks that can wait.
Protect Your Mental Health
Prioritize sleep, basic meals, and moments of calm.
You can do this!
Many nurses have walked this path — parenting, working, caregiving — while getting through school. The key isn’t perfection. It’s persistence, prioritization, and self-compassion.
Map out all non-negotiables (classes, clinicals, work shifts, family obligations).
Practice Micro-Study Habits
Break studying into 30–45 minute chunks.
Communicate With Family & Employer
Let family and your job know your priorities. Ask for flexibility where possible:
Learn to Say No
You simply won’t be able to do everything — and that’s okay.
Say no to optional social events, extra shifts, or tasks that can wait.
Protect Your Mental Health
Prioritize sleep, basic meals, and moments of calm.
You can do this!
Many nurses have walked this path — parenting, working, caregiving — while getting through school. The key isn’t perfection. It’s persistence, prioritization, and self-compassion.