Did you know? In the United States, the average salary for a registered nurse is $68,450. That’s an incredibly impressive wage, especially when you consider the apparent fact that nursing is a challenging and demanding profession. However, if you’re like most nurses, you probably don’t work a traditional nine-to-five job. Nurses are often called on to work odd hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. It can make it difficult to balance work with other responsibilities, such as studying for exams.

If you’re like most nursing students, you’re probably working while in school. Juggling work and academic endeavors can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Below, we’ll discuss a few valuable tips to help you manage your studies and work simultaneously.

Utilize the resources available to you

There are several valuable resources available to nursing students trying to balance work and school. For example, various academic institutes offer tutoring services. If you’re struggling with a difficult subject, ask for help. The same goes for work. If you’re having trouble with a project, ask your supervisors for help. Likewise, if you’re facing financial constraints, opting for scholarships is a viable idea. Nowadays, nurse practitioner scholarships are available for students striving for nurse practitioner careers. 

Similarly, check whether your organization is willing to cover up some portion of your tuition fee. That’s how you can limit your burdens and improve your academic profile alongside practical work exposure. 

Set priorities and be realistic

It’s important to set priorities and be realistic when juggling work and school. You can’t do everything, so you must focus on the most critical tasks/activities. For instance, if you have a test/exam coming up, ensure to study for it in advance. Don’t spend all your time working. 

Likewise, if you have projects due at work, don’t spend all your time studying. Balance is key, and you need to find a way to balance your responsibilities.

Make a schedule and stick to it

When juggling work and school, it’s crucial to make a schedule and stick to it. It will eventually help you stay organized and remain on track. It’ll also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. However, don’t forget to be flexible. There will unarguably be times when you’ll be compelled to adjust your schedule due to work or academic obligations. 

Also, take into account your sleep schedule. You don’t want to overwork or exhaust yourself and end up battling burnout.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Don’t hesitate to seek help when struggling to balance work and school. Your family, friends, and colleagues are all a resource you can use. If you find it taxing to manage a particular task, ask a coworker for help. Chances are, they’ll be happy to lend a hand. However, don’t rely on others too much since it could hamper your productivity. 

Take breaks

All in all, take breaks when trying to manage work and school. When you’re working, take a break every hour. Get up and move around, have a snack, and take a few deep breaths. In contrast, while studying, take breaks every 30 minutes, as they’ll help you stay focused and productive. 

Although balancing work and school can be exceptionally challenging, it’s possible. With a little bit of hard work, consistency, and organization, you can succeed.

Don’t stress out

Stress can be counterproductive when striving for a balance between career and academic life. When you’re stressed, it’s difficult to focus on anything. A viable way to deal with stress is to relax. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, or listen to music. Also, don’t forget to get sufficient 7-8 hours of sleep and recharge yourself. When you’re well-rested, it’s easier to deal with stress. 

Stress can be a major obstacle when balancing professional and educational responsibilities. But take it one step at a time, and don’t stress out.

Don’t procrastinate

One of the biggest enemies of nursing students is procrastination. It isn’t easy to focus on anything when you procrastinate, and the tasks at hand seem daunting. A guaranteed way to combat procrastination is to break down the task into smaller parts and set a deadline. 

When you have a deadline, it’s easier to focus on the task at hand.  

Utilize technology

Technology serves as a significant resource in managing work routines and everyday life, especially when you’re getting your nursing degree online, like from https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/programs/rn-to-msn.aspx. Many helpful apps and tools can make your life easier. For example, some apps can help you organize your time and tasks. Others can help you stay connected with your professors and classmates. 

So, utilize the technology available to you, and you’ll be able to accomplish more.

Take care of yourself

It’s exceptionally critical to take care of yourself even if you’re struggling to keep up with work responsibilities or school assignments. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to forget about your health. So, ensure eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising. These things will help you stay fit and focused. 

However, don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Relax and enjoy your free time. 

Celebrate your accomplishments

When you achieve something, it’s important to celebrate your accomplishments. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed out, and exhausted when tackling school and work responsibilities. However, don’t forget to take time to celebrate your successes. Reward yourself with a night out with friends, a weekend getaway, or something else that you enjoy. 

When you take time to celebrate your accomplishments, you’ll be more motivated to continue working hard.

Don’t give up

It’s easy to give up when struggling to balance work and school. Nonetheless, don’t give up on your career aspirations and advancement prospects. Remember that it will take persistent effort and dedication to achieve success. Persevere, and don’t give up on yourself. 

Likewise, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. When you’re working hard, it’s easy to forget to take time for yourself. Balance is key, so make sure to find a healthy balance for yourself.

Bottom Line

Balancing work and school can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible. Diligence and perseverance can help you navigate career and academic hurdles. But don’t forget to take it one step at a time, and don’t stress out. Leverage the available resources, seek help from your colleagues, utilize technology, and avoid stressing out. Similarly, take care of your physical and mental well-being and reward yourself for every achievement. Eventually, you’ll master the art of juggling work and academic activities effortlessly.