How to Balance Work and Study in a Registered Nurse Online Program

While working while pursuing an advanced nursing degree isn’t easy, it is possible with the right mindset and careful planning. Nurses can use scheduling apps and physical planners to create a weekly schedule that allows adequate time to study and fulfill work obligations.

Building a support network of family, friends, and professional colleagues is also a good idea.

Plan Your Schedule Ahead of Time

The key to balancing work and study while earning a registered nurse online program is planning. When you know crucial assignments are due, create a weekly schedule with specific time blocks for reading and watching lectures or completing assignments. Then, add those to your calendar or planner app.

It’s also a good idea to communicate your academic goals with your employer and let them know that occasionally, you may need some flexibility with your schedule. Many employers support their employees pursuing higher education and may even offer ways to make it easier for you to meet your educational goals.

Another way to plan is by creating a support system to help you manage stress while juggling school and work. This could include friends who will babysit or share household responsibilities so you can have time for studying and class. It’s also helpful to set aside time each day for self-care, including exercise, a long bath, or a relaxing reading session.

Set Up a Study Space

Keeping on top of course assignments and studying while working and balancing other life commitments requires many organizational skills, time-blocking, and productivity tools. It also requires a dedicated study space, free of distractions.

Creating the right study environment is vital to success in an online program, and it can be achieved in various ways depending on available space and personal style. The best study spaces are where you feel emotionally and physically comfortable. It should be quiet, clear of clutter and noise, and have a view to help promote focus and concentration.

Some students find adding a calming element like plants or photos of family members helpful; some even prefer music and white noise apps that help them concentrate. Consider incorporating a recurring ritual like tidying up the space at the end of each session, as this will keep your study supplies organized and ready for your next study block.

Time-Block

Keeping track of multiple deadlines for class assignments, exams, and papers can take time and effort. Using a digital calendar or planner to time block is one way to manage your workload. This technique helps you stay on top of the work you have to do and avoids procrastination.

Identifying how you learn can also help you study more efficiently. Learning styles vary from person to person, so it is essential to understand what works best for you. Knowing your style can help you remember information better, increasing your overall performance as a nursing student.

Minimize distractions by creating a dedicated study space and blocking time to focus solely on schoolwork. If you live with a partner, family, or roommates, let them know your schedule and the importance of studying. This can help you maintain your motivation to pursue an RN degree in an online program like William Paterson University and improve your quality of life.

Stay Motivated

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the demands of work and school. Fortunately, there are small steps you can take to help make the transition more accessible and more manageable.

For example, it’s a good idea to create a study space that is free of distractions like bills, books, and pens. This can help you feel organized and prepared for the extra workload of your nursing program.

Additionally, it’s helpful to have a support system. This may be as simple as reaching out to friends and family who can provide childcare or errand-running services while studying. You could also join a study group with other students in your program. This can help keep you accountable and motivated to complete your studies on time.

Ultimately, staying positive and remembering why you started this journey is essential. Even though nursing school can be challenging, it’s worthwhile in the long run. By planning and implementing these tips, you can successfully balance your RN to BSN program with a full-time job!