Effective Time Management for Nursing Students
Denise is a senior nursing student from a certain medical school in Illinois.
After almost four years of nursing study, at first glance you can say that
she surpassed everything, from accomplishing all the requirements of her
academic subjects up to practical affiliations in the hospital. You will
say that she is now ready to face the real world of nursing other people’s
health.
Just like other baccalaureate degree students, nursing students also find
similar problems especially when it comes to time management. They are also
having difficulty in studying for their examination; moreover, they also
tend to cram up during their on-duty training at the hospital. Although our
country produces a large population of nursing graduates it does not suffice
to the large number of nursing workforce required.
Nursing Shortage
As previously mentioned, time management problems tends other nursing students
to shift to other baccalaureate degree courses. They cannot cope with the
time pressure in their studies. As a result, there is nursing shortage in
the country.
Although several demographic factors affect the nursing population, nursing
students are still the bottom line—they are the future nurses. The lesser
the population of a certain country, the lesser the need for nursing work
force is in that country.
According to the National Student Nurses’ Association, there are
different keys that a nursing student must have in order to succeed
in their profession. They must have:
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The academic ability to pass all the required subjects
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Deep sense of responsibility to their chosen profession
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Acceptance and caring
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Eagerness to learn
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Enough confidence and determination to pursue their nursing career
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Proper time management skills
Maybe it is the last key, but it is a top priority among nursing students
and must include it in their studies. That is why college counselors and
nursing faculties formulate time management strategies to help their nursing
students—both regular and the distant learners—cope up with the
possible pressures of nursing study.
Professional Nursing Program
All students taking up nursing degree courses undergoes professional nursing
program. It includes extensive clinical practice component that demands more
energy and time from students.
One important thing that time counselors remind to their students is to undertake
a work schedule that will not jeopardize the completion of the program. Stick
to the schedule they have formulated. If an unavoidable circumstance comes
within their schedule, it is better that they can make it up to avoid further
delay on other activities.
Effective Time Management Skills
What are the skills that you, as a nursing student needs in order to complete
your professional nursing program and at the same time being successful in
your chosen career? Look on the following items:
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Be organized
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Organize your activities according to your priorities. Use timesaving tools
to keep track of your activities. Time calendars, appointment notes and file
folders are some of the timesaving tools you can utilized. o An organized
workplace will also help in using your time efficiently.
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Plan Ahead: Make a Realistic Schedule
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Early in the semester, study and clinical duty schedules are already planned
by your college administrators. It will be your basis on planning your other
activities. Making a realistic schedule will help you to complete the necessary
programs without bumping into other activities as well.
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Avoid Overloading
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Nursing is a serious degree course. You also need to have a break in the
midst of your school activities. You can include breaks of at least 10 to
15 minutes. Unwind yourself occasionally.
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Practice Effective Study Techniques
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It is better to be prepared rather than to lose in a fight. Consider your
nursing classes as a battle: have your complete battle arsenal by being prepared
on unannounced examinations and recitals. Develop your study habits especially
before sleeping.
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Always be Flexible
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Expect the unexpected. In case you are sick, (especially on those times that
you need to be on duty in the hospital), you must know how to rearrange your
schedules according to necessity.
It is difficult to be a nursing student. With the keys of success and proper
time management skills and strategies, you cannot regret the decision of
taking a nursing college degree.
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