Group Forums >> Determined to Be a Nurse >> Working, Family, School.. how to balance it all
Working, Family, School.. how to balance it all
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Posted about 3 years ago I am working full time, just had a baby a year ago and was a full time student. I am down to only two classes, but I have to drop one. Anatomy and Physiology 1. I just can't seem to get it. This is the second time I'm dropping it. I feel so discouraged. I don't know what to do. I think my way of studying is not effective at all. Any suggestions? Anyone been through this? How did you keep it all together? |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago My biggest hurdle in school the past several years has been trying to balance work, school, and home life and I have dropped so many classes that I am now on progress probation at the JC right by house. Going back to school is so important that I have made it my mission to re-arrange my schedule and finances so I don't have to work quite as much. I finally finished my first semester last spring in 12 yrs!!! Time to study is definitely the key though. |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago I totally agree with what was said earlier. Putting in the time to study is definitely the key. I don't have any children, but I do work full time and go to school full time. There are going to be disappointments in life, but if this is really what you want to do, you will find the time. The courses are demanding, but I took Anatomy, first and then Physiology and then Micro. I made sure that what other classes I was taking at the time, were not as demanding. Just a suggestion because this worked for me.
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| Posted almost 3 years ago I have had many students struggling as well, and the first thing that goes for them is sleep! Something that is essential. if you are not, use a planner to note down what is to happen when, then when did it happen? This will help you see if it is the schedule that is no realistic or if 'things just happen." It will also show you when you have some open time. Identify when you read and retain the best - maybe that means getting up early in the am or when the kids are napping - tho here, I usually recommend you nap as well to keep up! I am a list maker through I have converted them to electronic lists - it gave me so much satisfaction to cross off the task from my list. Finally, keep at it realistically - do not set yourself up for failure and you will succeed. |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago I am a married mother of 2, one is a 5 year old boy and the youngest is a 9 months old baby girl. I am going to start clinicals this fall after completing all my pre req. The way I see this challenge is one way and way only. Sacrifice, I watch the movie 'In persue of happiness' and if he can do it, well I guess I CAN too. I am not working, I belive if the basic nesesities are met it is all it matters. My husband and I are alone in this town but the only force that help us the most is our faith. We are setting an example for our babies so they too can go to school one day. good luck |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago I was told early on in my school career that for every hour spent in class you need to devote 3 hours to study, I know that sounds excessive, but it does seem to work. The one thing that I found helpful when taking A & P 1 & 2 was note cards, note cards, note cards. I used them to make flash cards of muscles, bones, respiratory, etc. They were small enough to fit into my purse and went with me everywhere and any time I had a minute, I reviewed my flash cards until I knew them by heart, then I would shuffle them up and go again. In addition, to the flashcards, I found that glancing over the chapter before lecture (basically, just reading the headings and subheadings), attending lecture and taking notes during lecture, as well as, having a microrecorder to record the lecture, in case there were things that I missed during class and then reading the chapter after class and taking notes as I read. I also found that, if your lab instructor will allow it, it is very helpful to take pictures of the lab models to use for studying for lab practicals; it is much easier to learn utilizing the same materials that will be used to test you than the odd pictures that are in your textbook and lab manuals. It got to the point that I could even take pictures of the tissue slides thru the microscope lens. In the end, there is no one way to study that fits all learning types, you just have to find the one tool that works best for you.None of the prereq's are easy, but you can do this. When I started school to pursue my nursing degree, I was a 41 y/o widow with a 10 y/o son, here I am 5 years later about to start Nursing school this fall, so it can be done; it's not easy, but then again, nothing worth achieving is ever easy. And you really do appreciate the destination if the journey has been a little rough. Good luck, you can and will find a way to achieve your dream. |
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| Posted over 2 years ago Wow, thank God I found you guys, I just found out that I have more school to attend after graduating the MA program. I have 4 sons!! how do yall do it?? |
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| Posted over 2 years ago I have 4 sons and just graduated from an Med. Assitant program, I want ti become RN-Midwife, with school and family, hw do you guys do it??? |
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| Posted over 2 years ago DeborahR says ...
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| Posted over 2 years ago Hi I am new to NL, I agree with a lot of what has been said already. I am a single mother of 3 children aged 12, 9 and 2. I am also in my final year of nursing school. I graduate in December. It has not been nor continues to be an easy road. The classes are daunting there is a lot of information to study and learn. I have used several methods to study from, flash cards to re-writing notes to just studing NCLEX questions with the rationals for what ever subject I am on. I spend a lot of nights studying after the children go to sleep. When I took A&P I used a website: purpose games.com the website has a lot of anatomy games to play showing the part of the body it pertains to. I just kept playing and playing until I got it. I also use studystack.com which has tables, matching games flash cards etc... all online. I am definitely a visual/ hands on learner so these things work well for me. There is also a website to figure out your learning style you take a quiz and based on your answers it tells you the style of learner that you are. The website is metamath.com/lsweb/dvclearn I wish you luck! I am sure that you will get it. BTW just so you know I am also a 43 year old career changer, it took me 5 yrs part time while working to get pre-req's done and I had my son during that time as well. If I can do it you can too!
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| Posted over 2 years ago ruffjewel says ...
When I was taking those classes I too found it easier not to take more than 1 hard class a semester. I made the mistake of taking my A&P1 with a required chemistry class in the same semester. It was a really hard semester. I made it through ok, but it was rough. After that I made sure that I took an easier class with one of the hard classes so that it wasn't so bad. I have known people that have taken A&P or micro with their nursing classes. I do not recommend that! They had a really hard time keeping up and they barely passed! So to answer your question take 1 demanding class each semester try not to take 2 together and don't leave any of them for nursing school. Nursing classes are hard enough by themselves. Sorry if I was long winded |
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| Posted over 2 years ago wow! Some awesome discussion starting here! Welcome to NL, and I am glad you all have found a support here! Joyce Harrell, RN, OCN
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| Posted over 2 years ago betty67 says ...
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| Posted over 2 years ago You weren't long winded. You had very good things to say. Joyce Harrell, RN, OCN
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| Posted over 2 years ago Finding a good balance between work, school, and family life is pretty important. I know some people who make meals for the entire week and freeze them so when it comes time to eat, all they need to do is reheat the meal. Saves time on thinking of what to cook and having to prepare it all! Also wanted to share this article on ways to destress that are affordable! • 22 Affordable Ways for Nurses to Destress!
Anything helps when you're having an overwhelming day Editor, NursingLink.com
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| Posted over 2 years ago That's great, cooking ahead! I have done that a lot in the past. I think I may start doing this again, with my new responsibilities. That's also a great article shared by Head_Nurse! Good luck to you! Joyce Harrell, RN, OCN
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