Is it possible for a nursing student to get good grades while working in nursing school? How to get through nursing school while working full-time? How can you juggle the demands of both? This is one of the most frequent questions I get from people. Well, It’s not as impossible as it seems!
We all know It’s not easy being a nurse. Not only do you have to be one of the most compassionate people on earth, but you also must juggle intense coursework and long hours at the hospital.
It can be hard enough to get through nursing school while working full time, so it helps if there are some tricks that help make your workload.
According to a study, 50.9% of nursing students work while studying, out of which 45% work 20 hours per week, and their risk of failing is more than other students.
In fact, a study shows that students who work while studying also tend to have health and safety risks which definitely demonstrates that there is a lack of self-care.
There might be many reasons if a nursing student is working while in nursing school. The most common cause is to help pay for their education. However, working while studying can also have other benefits, such as teaching time management skills and assisting students in developing a solid work ethic.
Despite these benefits, working full time can also be challenging. But with the right approach, it can be made accessible.
Are you interested in learning more? Here are some tips that might help you figure out how to make it work for you.
10 Tips For Balancing Studies While Working In Nursing School
1. Create a schedule
A schedule is essential to have when you are trying to balance full-time work and nursing school. When you have a set schedule, it is easier to plan out your days and make sure that you are getting everything done that you need to. You can also use your schedule as a tool to help you stay organized and on track.
You will want to keep a few things in mind when creating your schedule. First, you will want to make sure that you include enough time for studying and completing homework.
If you are having a hard time creating your schedule, there are a few online tools that can help you. Some great apps can help you stay organized and on track. Using a tool like this, you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your time.
2. Get organized to manage time
If you’re like most people, you’re probably juggling many responsibilities. It can be tough to find time for everything between work, school, and home life. One way to make things a bit easier is to keep your work and school supplies organized. This way, you’ll know where everything is, and you won’t have to spend time looking for things.
Here are a few tips for keeping your supplies organized:
1. Keep a desk organizer on your desk. This will help you keep track of everything that’s on your desk.
2. Use a calendar to keep track of due dates and appointments. This will help you avoid any overlap between work and school.
3. Label your supplies. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for, especially if you have a lot of supplies spread out across your desk.
4. Use a file cabinet to organize your papers. This will help you keep track of everything and makes it easy to find what you need when you need it.
5. Use a storage container to store your supplies. This will keep them all together and make it easier to transport them from one place to another.
You can make it through nursing school while working full time without too much stress by following these tips.
3. Take advantage of online opportunities
There are several excellent online resources and apps that can help you make your life as a working nursing student easier. For example, online flashcards can be a great way to study for exams, and online course materials can help you stay organized and on track.
There are also several helpful apps available that can make studying and tracking your progress more straightforward, such as flashcard apps and study planners.
Utilizing these resources and apps can help you make the most of your time and stay on top of your studies while working in nursing school.
4. Prioritize your sleep to improve your health
It is crucial to get enough sleep if you want to succeed in nursing school. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased cognitive function, reduced productivity, and increased rates of illness and injury. To get enough sleep, you should make a schedule and try to stick to it as closely as possible.
You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed and try to relax before bedtime by reading or doing something calming.
Most importantly, get into the habit of going to bed and waking up simultaneously each day. This will help your body to settle into a routine and make it easier to get the sleep you need.
By getting enough sleep, you’ll be able to stay focused and productive in nursing school.
5. Prioritize Your Health
The rigors of nursing school and full working time can be demanding, but by taking care of yourself and making time for breaks, you can make it happen.
Make sure you’re eating healthy and exercising, and try to take a break from studying or working every once in a while. This will help you stay focused and energized throughout the semester.
By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to handle the challenges of nursing school and work.
6. Develop a strong support system
Nursing school can be a lot of work, and it can be difficult to juggle it with a full-time job. But it is definitely doable!
Lean on your support network, whether it’s family, friends, or a nursing study group. These people can help you stay on track and motivated when things get tough. With their help, you can get through nursing school without sacrificing your work life!
Friends go a long way in nursing school. There are study groups, activities you can do with friends, church ministry opportunities that can help support you, and more – take advantage of them!
Consider making friends who have had similar experiences to yours so as to lessen the burden of schooling.
Utilize social media to communicate with other nursing students; there are many groups that have been created for this specific purpose. You can also join forums and post questions/comments, or start a blog and document your journey through nursing school.
Last but not least, take advantage of campus resources. Most campuses have a writing center, academic advising, tutoring, and other services that can help you succeed. Do not be afraid to ask for help when needed!
7. Be realistic with your goals
Being a working nurse is hard enough; trying to do it while attending nursing school is even more challenging. However, it’s not impossible. You just need to be realistic with your goals and take things one step at a time.
Start by assessing your current situation. How many hours can you realistically devote to school each week? Then, look at your work schedule and see when you can fit in studying time. Try to schedule your classes for the same days of the week to have some continuity.
Celebrate each accomplishment along the way, such as earning the highest grades in clinical rotations and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Commit yourself to work hard and always push forward.
8. Make time for fun activities while working in nursing school
It’s essential to make time for fun activities, even when busy. When you’re stressed out, it’s a good way to relax and take a break. Here are some ideas for fun activities:
- Watch a movie.
- Take a nap.
- Play with a pet.
- Read a book.
- Go for a walk.
- Listen to music.
- Spend time with your friends or family.
No matter what you choose to do, make sure you take some time for yourself every day. Relax and enjoy yourself!
9. Communicate with your employer for better understanding
The best way to ensure that you can get through nursing school while working full time is to discuss your situation with your office boss. Let them know what you are studying and why you choose to do it. This will help them understand why you may need some time off or flexible hours, and they may be more willing to work with you.
Additionally, it can be helpful to have a clear plan in place for how you will be able to complete your schoolwork while still meeting all of your work commitments.
10. Consider other options
If you’re struggling to keep up with your full-time job and nursing school, it might be time to consider downsizing to part-time work. This will give you more time to focus on your studies, but it will also help keep your sanity intact. Remember, your mental and physical health is more important than anything else.
If part-time work isn’t an option, you might want to consider freelancing on the side. This can be a great way to make extra money and still have plenty of time for your studies. Just be sure to set some boundaries to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Finally, if you’re really not comfortable working full-time and going to school full-time, you might want to consider taking out a loan. This can be a bit of a last resort, but it’s definitely better than putting your schooling on hold. Just be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions so that you know what you’re getting into.
No matter what route you decide to take, just remember to stay focused and stay the course. With a little bit of hard work and perseverance, you’ll be a nurse in no time!
Summary – Working In Nursing School
Nursing school is challenging enough, and working while in nursing can seem impossible.
However, with the right tips and a lot of hard work, it’s definitely possible to get through nursing school while working full time. In this article, we’ve shared some great tips on how to make it happen.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a successful nursing career!
FAQs
Is it hard to work while in nursing school?
It certainly can be difficult to work while attending nursing school full time, as there are often many demands on a student’s time. However, it is possible to manage both school and work commitments if you are organized and efficient with your time.
What is a good job to have during nursing school?
There are a few things to consider when looking for a job during nursing school. First, you want something that is flexible and will work around your schedule. Second, you want something that is in the medical field so you can get some experience and knowledge under your belt. And lastly, you want something that pays well!
So what are some good jobs to have during nursing school? Click here to get some ideas.
Should I get a job in nursing school?
If you are considering a career in nursing, then getting a job in nursing school is a great way to get your foot in the door. Not only will you gain valuable clinical experience, but you will also get to know the ins and outs of the nursing profession. Plus, working while attending school can help offset the cost of tuition. So if you are highly motivated and have your sights set on becoming a nurse, then getting a job in nursing school is definitely worth considering!
How do you survive financially during nursing school?
There are a few things that you can do in order to survive financially during nursing school.
First, you should make sure that you clearly understand your expenses. This includes both tuition and living expenses. Once you know how much money you need to support yourself, you can start looking for ways to reduce your costs.
Secondly, you should consider working part-time or getting a loan to help cover your costs.
Finally, remember that nursing school is an investment in your future, and stay focused on your long-term goals. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can make it through nursing school without breaking the bank!
