Time Management as a Medical Student: Balancing Nursing School Life as an Irregular Student

Time Management as a Medical Student: Balancing Nursing School Life as an Irregular Student

By Kara Pauline Rigodon, 1st Year Nursing Student, Davao Doctors College

As an irregular nursing student at Davao Doctors College, my journey is slightly different from the usual path. With a mix of schedules and eight subjects to manage—three major courses (Health Assessment, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, and Microbiology and Parasitology) and five equally important minor ones—effective time management is my key to balancing my academic responsibilities and personal well-being.

Study Strategies

Being an irregular student means my schedule can be unpredictable, so flexibility is essential. I plan my study sessions around my varied class timings, ensuring I dedicate focused time to both major and minor subjects.

For my major subjects, I use early mornings or quiet evenings to deeply study concepts like patient assessment and microbiological processes. These require detailed understanding, so I use techniques like active recall and concept mapping.

My minor subjects, while often less demanding in content, are no less important. I allocate specific times each week to review and complete assignments for these courses. They help strengthen my general knowledge, which supports my major subjects in unexpected ways.

Time Management Tools

To stay organized despite my irregular schedule, I rely on Google Calendar to track my varied class times, exams, and deadlines. My planner complements this by breaking down daily tasks into manageable steps.

I also use the time-blocking method, adjusting blocks as needed to fit my changing schedule. This approach ensures that I make time for every subject, personal errands, and relaxation.

Self-Care Routine

Balancing nursing school with personal well-being is challenging, especially with an irregular schedule, but I’ve learned to prioritize self-care. I make time for physical activities like short home workouts or a brisk walk, even if it’s just for 15–30 minutes a day.

Sleep is non-negotiable for me. Despite the demands of my schedule, I aim for 7–8 hours of rest each night, knowing it’s vital for my mental clarity and energy. On weekends, I indulge in hobbies like journaling or watching movies to recharge.

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge of being an irregular student is the lack of a fixed routine. This sometimes leads to overlapping tasks or feeling disconnected from a consistent flow. To overcome this, I keep a detailed weekly plan and constantly update it to accommodate changes.

Another difficulty is maintaining motivation when my schedule feels out of sync with my peers. I’ve learned to remind myself of my goals and focus on my personal progress rather than comparing myself to others.

Motivation and Mindset

Staying motivated as an irregular nursing student means embracing the uniqueness of my journey. I often reflect on why I chose this path: to make a difference in people’s lives as a compassionate nurse.

I keep a vision board on my desk with inspiring quotes, reminders of my goals, and photos of what I’m working toward. When stress arises, I take a moment to pause, breathe, and remind myself that every step, no matter how irregular, is part of my progress.

Time management as an irregular student requires adaptability and determination. By staying organized, prioritizing self-care, and staying focused on my goals, I am confident in my ability to thrive both academically and personally.