If you’ve decided to return to the classroom and study to be a nurse, then you’re not alone. Thanks to online-based and distance learning programs that allow students to complete their degree programs from home, more and more busy moms are now earning the qualifications that they never thought they’d have the time to get after falling pregnant. If you’re about to enroll on an online nursing degree, then the main factor that you’ll need to worry about is finding the time to study and fitting it in around all your commitments as a mom. We’ve put together some top tips to help you balance it all out.
Three Tips for Balancing Motherhood and Nursing School
Tip #1. Sleep and Wake Earlier
Like many moms, you might like taking a couple of hours to yourself in the evenings after the little ones have gone to bed. However, the problem here is that if you try to study during this time, then you might end up finding yourself unable to relax and drift off, which can cause all kinds of problems with your sleeping patterns and energy levels. Instead, going to bed earlier in the evening and waking up early in the morning to study can be an ideal solution as you’ll be fresh, energised, and able to enjoy a couple of quiet hours before your family starts to wake.
Tip #2. Designate Study Days
When it comes to fitting your studies around your family life, it can help to have a couple of days throughout the week that are designated for your study purposes. If your children are school-age and you’re working part-time or a stay-at-home mom, this will be easier for you as you’ll be able to simply pick the days that you’re free when the little ones are at school. If not, then it’s a good idea to arrange something with friends or family members who can babysit whilst you take the time to get on with your bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Tip #3. Get Help and Support
Studying for a degree is no easy task, and it’s definitely made harder if you have to be a mom to little ones at the same time. Because of this, it’s important to seek help and support from every avenue available to you. If you are struggling, the best thing to do is speak to your college’s support services – even as an online student, they will at least be able to offer helpful advice for coping and balancing your work. If you are employed, you may also want to let your employer know about your situation so that they can offer support in terms of more flexible working hours or offering time off when you need it for submitting assignments or taking exams. You may also be able to find online groups, blogs and forums for online nursing students where you can find support and advice from like-minded individuals.
Did you find these tips helpful for your situation? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
