To minimize stress and overwhelm, organizing your time will be key in helping you be successful in nursing school!

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Nursing school is an intensive time where to be successful and have less stress, you have to make some changes in your life. That means letting go of some of the things you’ve always done – at least for a temporary period.

Set Expectations

You may need to set different expectations with your family and friends regarding what you need to let go of, what you might still consider doing, etc.

• Concentrate on things that you can control or negotiate!
• Take a temporary time-out from church, civic, or professional obligations.
• Set a time to talk with family and/or friends about their expectations of you and your expectations for this time in your life. (Then control or negotiate!)

A (Temporary) Season of Sacrifice

Professional nursing practice is reflective and intentional. You will have to set expectations for yourself, too! To be successful, you HAVE to DEDICATE TIME for reading and taking notes, reflecting on what you’ve learned, working on assignments, library time, practicing in the skills lab, gathering patient data at the hospital the night before clinicals, and going to your actual classes! 

• You will HAVE to plan and organize your school life first and then fit in work and the rest of your life around school. (You may not have any time for a “life” – but realize that this is a temporary situation.)
  • You should invest in a planner and/or a calendar.
    • You can use a paper and pencil system or an online system – or both! You probably know how you function best. (Check out Amazon or Etsy or Pinterest or your favorite retailer for planners and calendars.)
  • Free your schedule of other obligations.
    • Review your current obligations and think about what you might be able to stop doing for a while or at least do differently.
  • Do NOT take on any more voluntary obligations while you are in school! 
• I suggest you use erasable gel pens in different colors to organize your calendar. I use Frixion and buy them through Amazon.

Check out my blog posts on productivity for more specific tips (use the search function). Being deliberate and intentional about scheduling and organizing your school life and work will help you minimize stress, tame the overwhelm, and move toward your goals.

Coming Soon: How to organize your time. 

How to Cite this Blogpost in 7th ed. APA*:  Thompson, C. J. (2024, September 10). Minimize stress and overwhelm: Set expectations for yourself and others [Blog Post]. Nursing Education Expert. https://nursingeducationexpert.com/minimize-stress-and-overwhelm

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