Study Tips to Help You Become a Practical Nurse

Posted On April 14,2025

Nursing offers a rewarding career, balancing the fulfillment of helping others with the challenges of working in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Whether you’re considering becoming a practical nurse to make a difference in people’s lives or open new career opportunities, you might face a common challenge—balancing school with your already busy life. Taking on a new educational endeavor can feel overwhelming if you work full-time, care for your family, or simply manage a hectic schedule.

But here’s the good news: becoming a practical nurse can be done in a relatively short time frame, and with the right approach, you can juggle your studies with your other responsibilities. In this article, we’ll explore why pursuing a career as a practical nurse is worth the effort, offer practical study tips to help you manage your training, and give you the encouragement you need to make your nursing education fit into your busy life.

Is a Practical Nursing Career Worth It?

Before diving into study tips, it’s essential to address a question that may be on your mind: Is a career in practical nursing worth the time and effort it takes to get there? The short answer is yes, especially if you’re passionate about healthcare and want to help others.

As a practical nurse, you’ll provide essential care to patients in a variety of settings—whether in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or even at patients’ homes. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with people, making a tangible impact on their well-being by assisting with daily tasks, administering medications, and monitoring their health.

In addition to the personal satisfaction of helping others, practical nursing also offers job security and growth potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is expected to grow by 9% over the next decade. This means there will be a continued demand for LPNs, especially as the population ages and healthcare needs increase. The salary potential is competitive, making it an appealing career choice for those eager to start a healthcare career without extensive schooling.

How to Fit Practical Nursing Studies into a Busy Schedule

While a career in practical nursing is incredibly rewarding, you may be wondering how you can balance studying with the demands of your current lifestyle. The good news is that you can succeed in practical nursing school with the right strategies, even with a busy schedule.

Create a Structured Study Plan

One of the best ways to manage your studies is by having a clear plan in place. A carefully planned study schedule keeps you focused and ensures you effectively cover all key material. Start by reviewing your course syllabus and breaking down what you must learn each week. Be realistic about how much time you can commit to studying based on your work and family commitments. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, consistent study time will make a big difference in the long run.

Make sure to schedule time for both studying and relaxation. Burnout is a real concern when balancing school with life, so make sure to leave room for breaks and self-care.

Utilize Online Resources and Study Groups

In today’s digital age, countless online resources support your learning. Take advantage of these to supplement your textbooks and lectures. You can watch instructional videos, join online nursing forums, and use apps designed to help you study effectively.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of study groups. Even if you can’t attend in-person study sessions, you can join virtual study groups with classmates or online communities. Sharing notes, discussing complex concepts, and quizzing each other can help reinforce your understanding and keep you motivated.

Prioritize Your Most Challenging Subjects

Nursing school covers a lot of material, and some topics may be more challenging than others. Be sure to spend extra time on subjects that are more difficult for you. For example, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology can be particularly challenging for many students.

By identifying your weak spots early on, you can dedicate more time to mastering them. It’s also a good idea to seek help from your instructors or tutors if you struggle with specific topics. They can provide clarification or additional resources to help you understand the material more clearly.

Stay Organized with a Calendar or Planner

Staying on top of assignments, tests, and clinical requirements can be overwhelming without a system in place. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of deadlines, upcoming exams, and clinical hours. A digital planner or app can be beneficial, as it can send reminders to keep you on track.

Make sure to update your schedule regularly to adjust when unexpected events arise. Being proactive and organized will reduce last-minute stress and help you focus on your studies.

Focus on Practical, Hands-On Learning

One of the advantages of nursing school is the emphasis on hands-on, practical learning. Clinical rotations are essential to your education, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world healthcare environments.

When studying, try to focus on practical applications. For example, practice taking vitals, performing basic patient assessments, or reviewing medical charts. The more you link theoretical knowledge to practical experience, the better you retain information and feel confident during your clinical rotations.

Break Up Your Study Sessions

Staying focused for long periods can be challenging, especially when juggling work and other responsibilities. Divide your study sessions into smaller, manageable intervals to maintain focus and avoid burnout. The Pomodoro technique is one effective method—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four study sessions, take a longer 15–20-minute break.

Short study bursts can help improve focus and prevent mental fatigue, making it easier to get through the material.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

It’s important to recognize when you need help, whether with a specific concept or managing your workload. Don’t hesitate to contact your instructors, peers, or academic advisors. They are there to support you and can offer advice, clarification, or additional resources to help you succeed.

If you’re struggling with balancing work, family, and school, speak with your school’s counseling services. They can provide time management resources, mental health support, or even help you explore options for adjusting your schedule if needed.

Stay Motivated by Keeping the Goal in Mind

Finally, it’s important to stay motivated throughout the process. The road to becoming a practical nurse may have its challenges, but remember why you started this in the first place. Each study session, clinical hour, and exam brings you closer to becoming a licensed practical nurse and starting a career that makes a meaningful impact on others.

If you ever feel discouraged, take a moment to reflect on your goals and how much progress you’ve already made. Surround yourself with positive influences—supportive friends, family, or fellow nursing students—who will keep you motivated and focused.

Making Your Practical Nursing Dream a Reality

Becoming a practical nurse is achievable, even with a busy life. By following these study tips, staying organized, and focusing on your end goal, you can successfully complete your nursing program and start a rewarding career in healthcare. If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives and ready to put in the work, practical nursing could be the perfect fit for you.

With the right mindset and support, you can turn your dream of becoming a practical nurse into a reality, regardless of the challenges life throws your way. Athena Career Academy offers flexible training to help you become a practical nurse—contact us today to learn how to get started.