Tips for Time Management in Nursing School
Nursing school can be challenging and time-consuming. However, with some planning and organization, it is possible to succeed while maintaining a healthy balance between your education and other aspects of your life.
Looking for some tips on managing your time in nursing school? Keep reading below.
The Key to Time Management in Nursing School is Making a Schedule
One of the most important things you can do to manage your time in nursing school is to create a schedule and stick to it as closely as possible. Creating a schedule may seem daunting, but a few simple tips can make it more manageable. First, sit down and map out everything you need to do in a given week. Include schoolwork, studying, clinical hours, and any other commitments that you have.
Then, start block-scheduling your days. Dedicate certain days to specific tasks, and leave some free time each day for relaxation and fun. It can be helpful to set daily or weekly goals to keep yourself on track. Finally, remember to be flexible. Sometimes life happens, and you won’t be able to stick to your schedule as closely as you’d like. That’s okay! Just do your best and try not to stress too much.
Don’t Procrastinate in Nursing School
There always seems to be more material to cover than time in the day. One of the most critical aspects of time management in nursing school is not procrastinating. When studying for exams, it’s always best to start early and not wait until the last minute. Starting early gives you adequate time to review the material and assimilate the information. It also allows you to identify any areas that need further clarification. When it comes to completing assignments, again, it’s best to avoid procrastination. Begin working on assignments as soon as they are given, so you don’t feel rushed at the last minute.
Take Advantage of Your School’s Resources
Many nursing schools offer a variety of resources to help students succeed, including tutoring. Tutoring can provide much-needed support in challenging classes and be a great way to build relationships with classmates and faculty. Be sure to take advantage of these resources, as they can help you thrive academically and personally during your time in nursing school.
At Stanbridge University, some of our student service offerings include:
- Tutoring
- Access to our Learning Resource Center
- Student Service Officers
- Student Assistance Program
Set Priorities and Learn to Say No
Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day or a week, and focus on the most important tasks. That doesn’t mean that everything else can wait, but it does mean that you need to be thoughtful about where you invest your time and energy. Sometimes it will be necessary to say no to friends or family to focus on school, and that’s okay. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t get overwhelmed by competing demands.
Get Plenty of Rest and Exercise
Between classes, clinical rotations, and studying for exams, it’s easy to let your health fall by the wayside. However, to succeed in nursing school, it’s necessary to make time for rest and exercise. Adequate sleep will help you stay focused and alert during lectures, and exercise will help you release stress and stay energized. It can be as simple as fitting in a thirty-minute walk several times a week. Do your best to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be able to manage your workload better.
Time Management in Nursing School Includes Taking Breaks
Take breaks when needed, but make sure they’re productive breaks! Get up and move around, stretch, or take a quick walk. Moving and increasing blood flow can help you stay focused and refreshed.
Find a Study Buddy or Group
Help and be helped!
Finding a study buddy or forming study group with your peers can help you stay on top of your workload by sharing resources, exchanging information, and providing motivation.
Additionally, studying with others can help you build relationships with fellow nursing students in your cohort. These relationships can be beneficial both professionally and personally.
Set Realistic Goals – Don’t Attempt Too Much at Once
Last but not least, don’t be too hard on yourself. With so much to do and so little time, taking on more than you can handle can be tempting. Setting realistic goals for yourself is essential so you don’t get overwhelmed and bogged down in all the details. Managing your time in nursing school is all about taking a step back, figuring out what’s important to you, and setting some achievable goals.
Nursing Programs at Stanbridge University
If you’re looking for an LVN or BSN program in Southern California, discover Stanbridge University.
For more information about Stanbridge University’s other programs, click here.
Nursing students can start by listing all responsibilities including classes, clinical rotations, study sessions, work hours, and personal commitments. Use a planner or digital calendar to block time for each task and add short breaks to stay refreshed. Building flexibility into the weekly schedule helps balance nursing school demands in California programs.
Break larger projects into smaller tasks and set early deadlines to avoid rushing before exams or clinicals. Starting assignments early and reviewing notes regularly reduces stress. Consistent study habits are one of the most effective strategies for nursing students to prevent procrastination.
Prioritize critical academic tasks first, such as clinical preparation and exam study. Use daily to-do lists or priority charts to stay organized and focused. Limiting non-essential activities outside of school allows nursing students to dedicate more time to academics and clinical readiness.
Stanbridge University supports nursing students with academic advising, free tutoring, faculty office hours, and skills lab assistance. These resources help students in California nursing programs improve time management, stay on track academically, and prepare effectively for clinical training.
Unexpected changes such as family responsibilities, health needs, or clinical schedule adjustments can disrupt a rigid plan. Flexible study schedules allow nursing students to adapt quickly without falling behind in coursework or clinical preparation.
Short-term goals, like completing readings or preparing for weekly labs, keep daily progress steady. Long-term goals, such as preparing for clinical rotations or the NCLEX exam, provide motivation and direction throughout the nursing program. Balancing both helps nursing students in California stay focused and organized.
1Source: Niche.com, 2023 Best Colleges for Nursing in California. https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-nursing/s/california/. As viewed on September 28, 2022.