I'm nervous about starting Nursing School...How do I balance my studies and find time for loved ones & myself?

Question

Okay, I'm 22 and fortunate to have been accepted into nursing school at the University of Alabama after years of hard work. I'm excited but also very worried and nervous about doing well and keeping my grades up to stay in the program. Now, i'm overstressing about doing well and finding the time to balance studying with time for my family and loved ones and not to mention myself! Also, I want to lose weight and find time for the gym but I know when push comes to shove I always get stressed more over schoolwork and put it off and dont want to get in that habit. How do I balance everything and be the best nursing student I can meanwhile finding time for my loved ones and myself so that I won't go crazy. Me and my fiance are fulltime students and have parttime jobs and are sharing an apartment so we should be able to find time to spend together. I'm one of those people who have to have some sort of outting away from everyday stresses of school or I will not do good and can't concentrate. Any suggestions on how to handle everything??

Answer 1

you will cope and manage just fine. Your having anxiety and that is normal. JUST REMEMBER THIS.. Please stay in school now and finish it. It is MUCH harder when you get older and have more to deal with than just a fiancée.  I wish I would have gone to school when I was 22, instead of waiting until 35. I could have all of this done and be on my way with life, instead of juggling kids, job, wife, etc.  

Answer 2

First, congratulations on being accepted into UA's School of Nursing!  I'll be a few hours down the road from you at AU :-)  

I don't have answers for your question, as I'm just starting too, but I wanted to let you know that you are not alone.  I'm worried about the work load/time management, and I'm definitely not one who can be consumed with school 24.7 with no outlet.

I'm sure it will all be just fine once we get into a routine.  I plan on making a detailed schedule for myself the first day of class and doing my best to stick to it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Congratulations on your acceptance into nursing school!  I've heard that nursing school is quite intense.  Perhaps plan out one's meals the day before as to not overeat and keep a calender of assignments and upcoming exams and such.  Perhaps there is a study group on campus or can look into a 'study buddy' (safer in a public place :)

http://forums.studentdoctor.net is free to register and has message boards on various medical and allied health fields including nursing.

Answer 4

Not sure how to juggle all those things. I am asking myself that question as well. I have been excepted into Nursing school  and will start next week. I am very scared, but sure that it will all work out in the end. Best wishes to you and your  soon to be family.