I have heard about how student nurses find it hard to maintain relationships. As a student nurse, it is definitely tough to strike a balance between academic and personal life but it is very important for a student nurse to strike that balance. It’s funny how nurses preach what they don’t practice honestly.
Firstly, demanding nature of studies. With the rigorous coursework, clinical rotations and study commitment, it can be challenging to find time for personal activities and relationships. Many student nurses experience high level of stress and majority may even feel overwhelmed. The long hours for studies, and clinical shift may leave no time for self care and relaxation. This can lead to feelings of burnout, isolation and even strained relationships.To curb these challenges, it’s important for student nurses to prioritize self-care and set boundaries. Taking breaks, engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. It’s also helpful to communicate with loved ones about the demands of nursing school and ask for their understanding and support. Finding effective time management strategies, such as creating a schedule and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, can also help in maintaining a balance. Seeking support from classmates, professors, and academic advisors can provide guidance and alleviate some of the stress.
Secondly, irregular schedules can definitely make it challenging to balance personal life and academic life for student nurses. Since nursing programs often involve clinical rotations and shifts that can vary in timing and duration, it can be difficult to establish a consistent routine. With irregular schedules, it becomes harder to plan personal activities, spend time with loved ones, or even schedule study sessions. It can lead to feelings of being constantly on the go and
struggling to find time for oneself.
To manage this challenge, it’s important for student nurses to be flexible and adaptable, prioritize and plan; Make a schedule that includes both academic and personal commitments. Identify the most important tasks and allocate time for them accordingly. Be open to adjusting your schedule as needed. Student nurses should also learn to use their time between clinical shifts or classes wisely. Break down your study tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and work on them during available pockets of time. This way, you can make progress even with an irregular schedule. Let your loved ones know about your irregular schedule and the challenges it brings. Communicate your needs and ask for their understanding and support. They can help you carve out time for personal activities and provide encouragement along the way. Most importantly, Self-care is crucial, even with an irregular schedule, prioritize self-care. Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining balance and managing stress. Remember, it is okay to be flexible and adjust your plans when needed
Thirdly, emotional and mental stress. Student nurses often face high level of emotional and mental stress due to the demanding nature of their academic program and the responsibilities they have in clinical settings. This stress can have a significant impact on their ability to maintain a healthy balance between their personal life and academic life. Dealing with emotional and mental stress can drain a student nurse’s energy and make it difficult to concentrate on academic tasks. This can lead to decreased productivity and hinder their ability to effectively manage their coursework. The emotional demands of nursing, such as dealing with patients in distress or witnessing challenging situations, can take a toll on a student nurse’s emotional well-being. This emotional exhaustion can make it harder for them to engage in personal activities and relationships outside of their academic responsibilities. When student nurses are overwhelmed with academic work and clinical rotations, they may find it challenging to make time for self-care, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
The constant pressure to meet deadlines and perform well academically can leave little room for personal activities. Emotional and mental stress can impact a student nurse’s relationships with family and friends. They may have less time and emotional energy to invest in these relationships, leading to feelings of guilt or isolation. Prolonged emotional and mental stress without proper coping mechanisms can increase the risk of burnout. Burnout can have a significant impact on a student nurse’s ability to excel academically and enjoy a fulfilling personal life. To manage the impact of emotional and mental stress, Here are some strategies they can consider:
– Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise.
– Seek counseling or support from mental health professionals to help navigate the emotional challenges of nursing school.
– Establish boundaries and learn to say no to additional commitments when feeling overwhelmed.
– Engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-care, such as hobbies, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones.
– Build a support network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and understanding.
Student nurses should always remember that it important to take care of yourself while pursuing nursing education. Nurses serve as counsellors to their patients and people around them. I think it’s high time nurses started practicing what they teach.
Email: abimbolaadetutu2021@gmail.com
Abimbola Oluwasemilore Adetutu is a passionate and hardworking 200- level nursing student. She is the current general secretary of the OOU Nursing Journal. She is an avid reader and loves to write, and she is excited to launch the journal and share her writing with the world. Adetutu’s dedication and passion for nursing and writing are inspiring, and she is sure to make a difference in the field. Adetutu believes that writing is a powerful tool for connection and understanding. She hopes that the journal will help nurses to feel more connected to each other, and to their patients. She believes that by sharing stories and experiences through writing, nurses can create a sense of community and support for each other.