We know undergraduate nursing students are busy with classes, clinicals, studying, and life. It’s a lot to fit into a day. At the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing, we want you to succeed every semester.
Managing your time wisely has several benefits and will help you become a better nurse. You’ll become more productive, have less stress, and have more free time. These skills will transition smoothly into your nursing career or into a higher nursing degree.
Get Organized
This is perhaps the most important part of time management: know what your schedule looks like!
Put your class and clinical schedule, tests, clinicals, study sessions, and appointments in a planner, either on your phone/computer/tablet or a paper planner, so you know what you have for the day, week, or month. This will also help you prioritize what needs to be done throughout the day.
And check your schedule at the end of the day so you know what you have the following day. Did something change? Do you need to add a study session?
Learning effective ways to stay organized can help in the future, too.
“I learned efficient ways to study and organizational skills,” BS in Nursing alumna Lenae Aragon says. “I was able to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and I can use those skills when I pursue a nurse practitioner degree.”
💡CU Nursing tip: Color-code different activities (for example, blue for classes, green for clinicals, orange for studying) to easily see what’s on your agenda.
Make a To-Do List or Set Reminders
Do you need to block out extra time to study? Do you have a meeting with a professor? Do you need to review an assignment or make a study guide? Do you need to buy groceries?
Put notes in your planner about what you should prioritize each day. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget anything.
“What helped me was taking things one day at a time,” BS in Nursing alumna Madison Mey says. “I finished one assignment first, then moved on to the next one. It’s important to write down what assignments you have so you know what your semester is going to look like.”
Schedule Times to Study
As a nursing student, it’s critical to schedule your study sessions. Not only will this help you manage your time, but it will make sure you don’t end up cramming for an exam (bad idea!).
One strategy for managing your study time is to block out 25 minutes for a task, then take a five-minute break. Planning breaks helps you refocus, increase productivity, and stay motivated.
And, have a plan when you study! Know what you need to review, what study materials you’ll need (your computer, a snack, water, flashcards, etc), and topics you need to focus on to make the most of your study sessions.
"Find your people," BS in Nursing alumna Michelle Fernandez-Hazoury says. "Having a group that you can study with and lean on for support and just bounce ideas off is everything after the first exam. I realized there's no way I can get through this program alone. Having a study group completely changed my experience."
Setting up a study routine with my cohort was huge for me,” BS in Nursing alumna Lara Lewis says. “We would study together every Sunday, and creating that schedule and being held accountable was the most helpful to me to stay on track.”
💡CU Nursing Tip: We have a helpful guide with study tips to make your study sessions more efficient.
Make Time For Yourself
It may seem odd to schedule time for yourself, but this helps you take a break from school and feel reenergized. Schedule time to grab coffee, call your family and friends, read, go for a walk, and do other activities.
Nursing students need to maintain boundaries when managing the demands of school, life, and other obligations. Scheduling time for yourself lets you prioritize your mental health, preventing burnout and reducing stress.
💡CU Nursing Tip: Need help managing your mental health? CU Nursing’s Kerry Peterson shares how you can focus on your well-being.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Nursing school can be stressful – and at times, overwhelming. You might need some additional help learning how to manage your time, especially when you’re starting school or during final exams.
There are people who are here to help you," BS in Nursing student Claudia Pinedo says. "Reach out as soon as you can if you're struggling or fail an exam. If you don't feel confident taking an exam, just reach out and get help through peer tutors or other resources."
The Academic Success Team at CU Anschutz Nursing is among the resources available to students. They’ll help you sharpen your time management skills so you can thrive at CU Nursing. You don’t have to do this alone, and they want to see you succeed during your nursing journey.
