The Academic Path of Group 8 in GE English
Ryza, Swaye, Funa
This collection of outputs under GE-ENGLISH 102 Functional Literacy Across Disciplines showcases how we, as students and future professionals, use our communication skills in meaningful and practical ways. From personal reflections to health advocacy and collaborative planning, each piece highlights how literacy goes beyond reading and writing—it becomes a tool for connection, change, and service.
BLOGSITE ENTRY
"In our blog entries, we—Ryza, Swaye, and I—open up about what it truly feels like to be nursing students. We talk about the pressures we face, the purpose that keeps us going, and the small moments that give us strength. Through our stories, we want to show that behind every uniform is a real person—learning, growing, and striving to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives."
Time Management As a 1st Year Nursing Student
Balancing the Nursing Clock: The Ultimate Time Management Guide for Student Nurses
Being a nursing student is no joke. It’s not just challenging—it’s a marathon filled with countless hurdles, unexpected detours, and moments that push you to your absolute limits. Every day feels like a race against the clock. Between attending classes, completing clinical rotations, studying for exams, and managing endless assignments, it can feel impossible to keep up. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s life outside of school—family, friends, and personal responsibilities that demand your attention.
Some days, it all feels like too much. I’ve had moments where I questioned how I could possibly manage it all. Time management became more than just a helpful skill for me—it became a lifeline. Learning to prioritize, stay organized, and manage my time effectively didn’t just help me survive nursing school; it allowed me to thrive in the chaos. Over time, I’ve discovered a few strategies that made a huge difference, and I want to share them with you.
1. Identify Time Wasters and Set Goals
Let’s be honest—distractions are everywhere. With gadgets glued to our hands and endless notifications popping up, it’s so easy to lose track of time. I used to scroll through TikToks or Instagram, thinking I was taking a quick mental break. But those breaks often spiraled into lost hours, leaving me feeling even more stressed when I realized how much I still had to do. I knew something had to change. So, I asked myself two key questions:
What’s stealing my attention?
What can I do to stop it?
For me, the culprits were notifications and the habit of mindlessly opening apps. To fix this, I turned off notifications for non-essential apps and set specific times to check my phone. I also started creating daily goal lists to stay focused on what needed to be done. These small changes made a huge difference in helping me stay productive and regain control of my time.
2. Plan Your Day with a To-Do List
There’s something incredibly satisfying about crossing items off a to-do list. Planning ahead helps make even the busiest days feel manageable. I start each morning by listing everything I need to do and then prioritizing tasks based on deadlines or importance. Whether it’s a simple list or a detailed schedule, having a plan keeps me focused and helps prevent last-minute chaos.
3. Stick to a Routine
Building a routine wasn’t easy at first, but it’s been a game-changer. I’ve created set times for studying, preparing meals, and even relaxing. Sticking to these routines has added structure to my day, making it easier to stay on track. Over time, these habits became second nature, and I no longer waste time figuring out when to start or finish tasks.
4. Use Your Time Wisely
One technique I’ve found incredibly helpful is the Pomodoro method. By focusing on tasks in 25-minute bursts with short breaks in between, I’ve been able to stay productive without burning out. This simple system helps me manage my time effectively, especially during long study sessions.
5. Take It One Step at a Time
Time management isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding what works for you. Small, intentional changes can have a big impact. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small—ask yourself what you can improve, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this, and remember, you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this journey together.
Managing time as a nursing student can be tough. There are so many things to do, like attending lectures, working on assignments, and balancing personal responsibilities. Sometimes it feels like there’s not enough time for everything. But over time, I’ve learned some strategies that help me stay on track and feel less overwhelmed.
One of the most helpful things I do is prioritize my tasks. I always check my homework or to-do list and figure out what needs to be done first. I usually start with the assignments that are due soonest, so I don’t risk missing deadlines. If I have some free time, I try to work on the harder subjects or tasks first. This is because they take more time and focus, and I feel accomplished when the hardest part is done. After that, I can focus on the easier tasks.
To keep track of my tasks, I don’t use anything fancy. I stick to the Notes app on my phone to list everything I need to do. It’s simple, and I’ve been using it for a long time, so I’m comfortable with it. Some students use other apps to stay organized, like digital planners or to-do list apps, but I like to keep things straightforward. I also have a Reminder app on my phone, but I don’t use it much because the Notes app works just fine for me.
Taking care of myself is something I’m still learning to prioritize, but it’s really important. My self-care routine isn’t complicated. I make time to listen to my favorite music, take short walks outside, or watch shows that help me relax. Even small breaks like these make a big difference because they help me recharge after a long day of studying or attending clinicals.
I’ll admit, I’m a procrastinator. I often find myself waiting until the last minute to start my tasks, which isn’t great for my stress levels. But I’ve noticed that when I’m under pressure, I get a lot of ideas and motivation to finish the work. Even though this works for me sometimes, I know it’s not a healthy habit, so I’m trying to change. I’ve started breaking big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and setting my own deadlines to help me stay ahead of schedule.
One thing that keeps me motivated is an app called Medium. It’s full of articles about positivity, productivity, and personal growth. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or stuck, I open the app and read something inspiring. It reminds me of my goals and helps me stay focused on why I’m putting in all this effort.
Nursing school can feel like a lot, but it’s also a rewarding journey. Staying organized, finding time for self-care, and staying motivated have helped me get through the challenges. If you’re a student like me, I hope these tips and my experiences can help you find your own ways to manage time and succeed.