Nursing Resources - Time Management

Nursing Resources - Time Management

Time management involves understanding how you spend your time, setting goals and prioritizing, and having the motivation to change your behaviors. We all have the same amount of time each week – 168 hours. To become a better time manager, reflect on how you are currently spending your time. Complete the following Time Management Assessment to get an estimate of how you spend your time during a typical week of the semester.

Time Management Assessment

For activities listed per day, multiply the daily number of hours by 7 to estimate your weekly total.

Daily activities (multiply each by 7)

  • Average hours of sleep per day: _____ × 7 = _____ weekly hours

  • Grooming (getting ready, hygiene) per day: _____ × 7 = _____ weekly hours

  • Preparing and eating meals per day: _____ × 7 = _____ weekly hours

  • Travel time (to school, work, errands) per day: _____ × 7 = _____ weekly hours

  • Chores, errands, or family responsibilities per day: _____ × 7 = _____ weekly hours

Weekly activities

  • Regular activities (exercise, worship, clubs, etc.): _____ hours per week

  • Socializing (including texting and social media): _____ hours per week

  • Work hours: _____ hours per week

  • Class time: _____ hours per week

  • Study time: _____ hours per week

Add your totals

  1. Add all of your weekly hours from the activities above.
    Total hours accounted for: _____

  2. Subtract your total from 168 (the number of hours in a week):
    168 − your total = _____ hours remaining

Reflect

Is there a large difference between your total and 168 hours? Why might that be?Many students are surprised by how their time adds up. Once you understand how you are currently spending your time, you can begin making intentional decisions about how to use your time.

As a nursing student, your goal is to complete the nursing program successfully. This program is very academically demanding and time consuming, with students averaging between 35-40 hours per week in studying, attending lectures, and clinical. Successful nursing students must learn how to balance school with other life activities (work, family, etc.). 

Academic Goals and Prioritizing

As you prepare for the nursing program, it can be helpful to reflect on your goals and commitments. Many students find that adjusting priorities and reducing lower-priority activities allows them to focus more effectively on their academic work.

You may also want to share your plans with family members, friends, and, if appropriate, your workplace. Letting others know about the time and effort required for the program can help them better understand your schedule and how they may be able to support you.

Support from family and friends can make a meaningful difference during this time. When possible, consider asking for help with responsibilities such as household tasks or other commitments. While many students try to manage everything on their own, accepting support can make balancing school and other responsibilities more manageable.

Developing a Weekly Schedule

One helpful way to get an overview of your semester is to create a weekly schedule at the beginning of the term. A sample Weekly Semester Schedule is shown below, and you can download a blank Weekly Schedule Grid from the Tutoring Center website. Writing out your schedule in advance can help you see your commitments and identify blocks of time that may be available for studying. Many nursing students find it useful to approach the program much like a full-time job by setting aside specific times for classes, studying, and other academic tasks. As the semester progresses, be prepared to adjust your schedule based on your needs and experiences in the program.

In addition to a weekly schedule, consider using a monthly calendar or to-do list (electronic or paper) to keep track of exams, appointments, and other responsibilities. Recording important dates can help you plan ahead and avoid scheduling conflicts. Checking your calendar or task list each day can also help you stay organized and prepare for upcoming commitments.

It is also helpful to build flexibility into your schedule. Each semester can bring unexpected changes, so you may need to adjust your plans as new responsibilities or challenges arise.

Some students find it useful to share their weekly schedule with family members by posting it in a central location at home. This can help others better understand your time commitments and may open up conversations about sharing household responsibilities during the semester.

If you would like assistance developing a weekly schedule, please schedule an appointment with an academic coach in the Tutoring Center.

 

Top