If you are anything like me at all - you'll attest to the fact that one of the hardest things about school is your schedule. I know I'm constantly running around trying to find time to get something, anything done. Because I've always been so busy - I've adapted over the years to squeeze in some study time where you'd least expect it. So here are a couple tips for you to not lose your brain when you are just trying to pass school.
1) Buy a planner - no really... it may sound trivial but it honestly helps so much. There are going to be little things bouncing around in your head and you can't possibly be expected to remember them ALL. Plus, if you find yourself writing little sticky notes everywhere or jotting things down on your phone, it's a lot easier to put it all in one place in a planner. If it makes you get a cute patterned one like me! In the beginning of the semester, write down all important due dates for each class and dates of exams and quizzes. I like to color code this by class. This will help you stay on top of things and not get behind.
2) Prioritize. This can be one of the hardest things to do, especially junior year, because EVERYTHING is important. The fact of the matter is - just how important is it to your grades? I like to look at it like this: how many days to I have before this is due/ the exam is, how long do I need to complete it fully, how much of my grade is it worth, and how am I doing in that class. If I have something lengthy due but it is only worth 3 % of my grade, and I'm doing fairly well in the class - chances are I'm going to push that to the backburner and - as much as I hate turning sloppy work in - I'll probably "wing it" the night before. Which leads me to my next point.
3) DON'T. I repeat, DON'T think you can study the night before an exam. Unless you are a superhuman with photographic memory I promise you it's not going to work - or it might for the immediate exam but you are going to forget it right after. The whole goal of nursing school is to take everything you learn with you, so that when you graduate you actually know something :) There are some helpful tips on how to break up your study time on my study skills page!
4) Cut back on the work hours. I know this might be impossible - like me because I have to pay my rent or I'll be living in a ditch. But honestly think about it - if you need to take out just a little bit more money for a loan or something, that is way better than failing a class and having to repeat a year. Also, don't try to start a new job (like I did) during school. The added stress of trying to succeed there too can break you.
5) Make lists of (reasonable) tasks to do every day, or every week. I like to start the week off on Sunday night by looking at everything I have to do coming up, and prioritizing and thinking of what I need to do, and on which days. I'll write a little note for what I want to get done on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. Then, when I've completed all of the things for that day, I feel really accomplished.
6) Set goals for the semester, but make sure they are within reasonable limits. You don't want them too low either. For example, you don't want to think: I want to pass all my classes. No, that is a minimum amount of work and you should be expected to pass your classes. If not well... SOS. In any case, one of my goals this semester was to not get below a B in any class. I thought that was fairly plausible, and it goes into prioritizing and helps me make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep my work up across the board for all of my classes.
7) Leave enough time in your week to actually get stuff done. Don't think - oh I have 20 minutes this day I can do this project then. I know for a fact I do my worst work when I'm rushed. Really make sure you are planning your schedule around the time you need to dedicate to school. Then, when you have extra time, it's even better. Also, if you cram for too many things it really does start to pile up. I've had those weeks where I envision myself as a tiny little human trying to climb out from under an Everest-sized mount of papers and books. It's awful, and when you are stressed you are more likely to be unhappy and it really does weaken your immune system. The last thing you need is to get sick.
8) Pencil in enough time for sleep. I know my roommate literally cannot operate unless she has 8-10 hours of sleep a night. For me it's about 5-7. Figure out how you feel best, and make sure you get that much sleep at night, especially before exams. If you stay up really late to study and can't even focus, you are really just wasting your time because you could be sleeping, and you're not really going to retain the information anyways.
9) Set aside time for downtime. This really depends on you and your preferences. It could be watching your favorite show, reading a book, or spending money you probably shouldn't shopping or out to eat. It could be going out with your friends on the weekend. Do something fun, and do something for yourself. Try to put a little bit of time aside for yourself daily. Honestly this is what will help you keep your sanity. I couldn't keep working day in and day out this rigorously without a break, it's just not plausible. Don't feel guilty about it either, like I do sometimes. When you give yourself a chance to relax and just sit back and enjoy life, you'll find it easier to get back to work and your crazy schedule. Don't forget, college is supposed to be fun too :)