We all seem to be working toward improving ourselves today. Because of reimbursement and hospitals seeking Magnet status, many in the healthcare industry are leaning towards the Bachelors of Nursing Science (BSN) as an entry-level degree in nursing. And even more nurses are returning for Masters of Nursing Science (MSN) degrees. As such, it seems the only way to keep up and improve is to return to nursing school as an adult nursing student.
However, only a precious few of us can afford to stop our lives, career and families to return to our golden collegiate days. The demands on us increase daily in all aspects of life. So how do we juggle middle-age career demands, sandwich generation parents, spouses, raising children, and education while maintaining our sanity?
Here are some of my first-hand thoughts on surviving, and potentially thriving in nursing school.
DO’S:
- Attend class.
Attend every class as though it is a religious experience. There is something to learn from every instructor every day. That’s even if it is the type of nursing professional you don’t want to become.
- Read the syllabus.
Know what is expected of you. You can plan ahead for large tests, quizzes and papers. I like to scan the chapter to prior to attending class to know what material to expect in a lecture or lab.
- Take notes.
Take notes during class, review notes after class. It’s okay to write in the book. You already paid for it. Then, if you want to make note cards, go for it.
- Get some sleep.
You will concentrate better if you sleep than if you “cram” all night. Have a bed time routine. Keep study materials away from the bed. Set your alarm. Put a pad and pen next to the bed, for the inevitable midnight note.
- Exercise.
School is frustrating! Some type of exercise for nurses will help you let out some of that stress. Find a study buddy or go alone. Take your review cards and take a walk daily. It is simple exercise and makes sure that you review daily.
- Have a life.
An hour for coffee to catch up will not break your GPA. True, a nursing degree takes sacrifice; you have to choose your moments. While I have had to turn down many invitations, I also prepare to see people. I make regular “dates” with my husband, have a family night, and dinner with friends. I do not subscribe to the theory that “nursing school means no life.” Keep your support systems available.
- Finish your homework.
Do it on time and regularly. It will keep you from falling behind and decrease stress due to nursing school in the long run.
- Budget your time and money.
These are more precious than ever during nursing school. I track all of it using a calendar. Some use a spreadsheet or smartphone. I use it to budget my time, such as planning the drop-off and pick-up of my kids. Spouse schedules, school and work schedules, monetary paydays, when bills are due, even when the dog needs its heartworm pill. I don’t leave things to my memory when I have so much to remember.
- Drink water and eat healthy.
This is the perfect time for a good nurse to start a healthy habit. Keep a pack of water in the car. Healthy snacks such as a can of nuts or trail mix will help keep up your energy. It will also keep you feeling positive about yourself.
- Keep it positive.
We all fall into this trap. Instructors are yelling, papers are due, kids need shoes, work is insane and you just can’t take anymore. Keep an eye on the goal. Stay close to positive, encouraging people. Keep a journal or a study group of friends.
DON’TS:
- Skip classes.
Nothing else will be more important in the long run. The kids will have another play. There will be another birthday party. Your education is an opportunity, make the most of it. Once you fall behind, it is very difficult to completely catch up.
- Arrive unprepared.
Speaking as an instructor and a fellow student, it is an annoyance. I wonder why one student feels more entitled than another. It is disrespectful to the instructor and fellow students to think your time is more or less valuable. Entering an adult education will not hinder your work and family life. Respect the nursing instructors enough to do the work assigned. If you need an extension, ask for it in advance.
- Be disruptive.
Don’t regale the class with talk of your weekend parties at the club, how you did things at the last job, or how the instructor should do their job. After all, the rest of the class usually goes to the instructor after class to complain. Those who don’t are making bets on how long until you flunk out.
- Text during class.
It’s disrespectful and you may as well not be in class.
- Lose that balance between nursing school and fun.
Find out how the line works for you, allow for variations and adjustments, but keep your life in balance.
The decision to return to school takes a lot of dedication. I made the decision several times personally, prior to the actual execution, of returning to school. The adult learner has to have a plan and back-up plans. After all, nursing school is unlike most educational opportunities. And there are many benefits to adult education. Keep focused, keep balanced, and keep a good support system.