How to Say Farewell to Your Social Life as a Nursing Student Before starting nursing school, you will hear horror stories about never having time to do anything that doesn't involve your degree. To an extent, this can be true, but there is a little leeway with your schedule. It might become difficult to keep relationships with some people, as you will be busy constantly. However, this is nothing far from the norm. It's common for people to lose touch over the years, especially if you're in school. Don't get discouraged; just because a few friends leave doesn't mean you won't be able to make new ones. Managing your time is really all it takes to have a healthy social life. Related: Is it Ethical to Refuse a Patient? Compromise Some people just might not get it, and that is okay. If they are not willing to make time for you when you do have it, there is no reason to squeeze in what little free time you do have to see them. Friendship is about compromising, and true friends understand your busy schedule. It is up to you to make sure you're available enough, and it is up to them to see when you are truly available. It is likely that you will make friends in your field, as you'll probably have the same classes with the same people. Although people grow apart, do not let it get you down. Focus on yourself and focus on building relationships with others. As long as there is a healthy balance, you're friendships will be OK. Time Management It is entirely possible to balance school and your personal life in a healthy way. If you are studying for hours on end and do not feel like you have any time, you may want to focus on your time management skills for a little while. Being able to juggle work, school, and life can be hard, but it is not impossible. Related: International Nurses Association - Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
Being able to manage your time is critical.You are going to be working in a busy environment once you graduate, therefore, you will be better off learning how to manage your time in school in order to prepare yourself for the future. Think about these things and plan your life accordingly. If something does not fit, change it as much as you can to make it work. Moving Forward If you are dreading the start of nursing school because you think there will be no time for anything, fear not. As long as you are able to schedule your time efficiently and keep to your schedule, you will definitely be able to have a social life. Making priorities is important, and your wellbeing should not be on the bottom of the list. If you do not let yourself have a break every now and then, the stress may become too much. The International Nurses Association recommends that you make time for yourself every once in a while to find a healthy balance between your life and school. What tips do you recommend to nursing students who struggle to find time for their friends? Related: Skilled Nurse Rosemary Ndikum-ajide, RN, BSN, to Be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter