Are you trying to work, raise a family, and attend nursing school at the same time? That’s a lot. If you’re in the thick of this challenge, you’re certainly not alone. There are plenty of people who have the same things going on —but somehow, they make it through nursing school. It’s difficult but not impossible. All you need to do is get the right tools, have the right mindset and a whole lot of patience.
So, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense and feels achievable. Here’s what works and what doesn't when you are trying to do everything at once.
Start with the Right Program
First things first: you absolutely must select a nursing program that fits into your life. Many traditional nursing programs require you to be on campus for lectures and clinicals full-time. That can be really tricky if you’re already working or raising a family.
That's where flexible online programs, such as an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, come in. These are popular, especially for those who have another degree and are looking to change career paths. Such programs are fast-tracked but allow you to earn a degree to enter the nursing field more quickly — some in 12 to 24 months.
Even better, for online ABSN programs you need to take your classes online, and then you can complete your hands-on training at a healthcare facility near you. It’s a perfect balance because you still have practical experience but you can study at hours that suit you. So if you’re the type of person who likes to do coursework after the kids are in bed or before going to work in the morning, this flexibility will be really helpful.
Become a Time Management Expert
Let’s be real — time management is everything when you’ve got this much to do. You cannot go with the flow and wish for the best. You’ve got to have a plan, even if it’s a bare-bones one.
Determine your best time to be productive. Do you get more work done in the mornings or are you more of a night owl? Choose a time of the day that works for you and make that your study time. Maintain a digital calendar or an app that sends notifications so that you don’t forget things such as assignments or clinical shifts. It becomes difficult to keep track of everything once your schedule begins to fill up.
It also helps to divide your tasks into smaller chunks. Studying for a big test? Do not attempt to get everything right in one go. Do a little every day. Got a bunch of errands? Find out what you can hold off on and what just has to happen now. The more you simplify things, the less stressed you will feel. It’s about working smarter — not harder.
Consult with Your Boss and Your Family
This is the part most people skip, but this really matters: talk to your employer and your family. Don’t expect them to get what you’re going through — tell them.
If you have a job, inform your boss that you’re in nursing school. Inquire if there is any way to modify your hours, shifts or even work from home a little if that’s possible. Some employers are very supportive of people going back to school, particularly if it's in the healthcare field.
Your family needs to know too. Let your partner, children or siblings know your schedule. Tell them when you need quiet time to study, or when you might need help around the house. If you have small children, perhaps create a study time when they’re at school or. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from family and friends. You can’t do everything all on your own, and you shouldn’t have to.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
You’re working, studying, and caring for others — and in all of this, it’s easy to neglect yourself. But that is the last thing you want to do.
So find time for things that make you feel fresh. That could be some small things like going for a walk, putting on a show you enjoy, or simply getting a whole night of sleep. And if all you need is a day off, take it.
If that helps you de-stress, you could also try short breathing exercises or mindfulness. This is something that will clear your head. Even short breaks between work make a huge difference to how much energy you have left at the end of the day.
Find People Who Can Understand and Support You
One thing that really helps is being around those who understand what you’re going through That might involve joining an online group for nursing students, starting a study group or even just texting a classmate every now and then.
It helps when you know others are going through the same issues; it lightens the burden. You can trade tips, swap notes, and vent when it all gets too much.
And don’t underestimate the power of a mentor. Some programs have a nurse mentor or faculty available to help. Talk to someone who’s been through this before. They’ll have a wealth of knowledge and advice, and may even be able to help you get through some of the more challenging classes or clinicals.
Moreover, build a support system with friends, family, and coworkers — these people can take care of things when you’re studying or just tell you you’re doing a great job.
Nothing will test our patience, focus, and flexibility like working while in nursing school full time with a family. But it’s also possible with a proper plan and support system. Choose a program that meets your needs. Stay organized. Don’t stress about things and take breaks when you need them. And have people around you who believe in you — even on the days when you don’t quite believe in yourself.
You’re working on something meaningful, and that is something to be proud of. It is a process, and you have to keep moving, one step at a time.
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