Jeredy Wood shares an inside look at life as a senior UCF nursing student in the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion and clinical days at UCF Pegasus Partner Nemours Children’s Health in Lake Nona.
What is a typical week like?
A typical week is a mixture of class, simulations and clinical days, and the amount of each depends on the semester.
In general, class days are typically twice per week. Clinical shifts vary from 8 to 12 shifts total, and each shift can be 8 to 12 hours.
We also gain hands-on learning in the community with service learning. This semester (fourth semester) it was 10 hours.
Labs is typically once a week in the first semester. Toward the end of the program simulations are once or twice a semester, and virtual simulations vary by semester as well.
How early do your days start?
Clinical days start the night before, as I get everything prepared since I wake up 4-4:30 a.m. At 6:15 a.m., I begin my clinical day with pre-conference with my instructor and peers and receive my unit assignment for the day. Then I start my shift at 7 a.m. and listen to the hand-off report from the nightshift nurse.
On class days, I arrive at the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona by 8:45 a.m. and classes start at 9 a.m. Simulation days begin between 7:30 and 8 a.m.
What are clinicals like?
My current clinical rotation is at Nemours Children’s Health. My days have a lot of variety. I help conduct rounds and assessments, provide medications (not IV), give shots, change wound dressings, set IV pumps and more with my supervising nurse.
I also can independently provide hygiene care, feed patients, change linens and get supplies. I also work with patients and families to answer questions and provide comfort.
Our clinical group will break mid-shift for lunch together and to meet with our instructor. After we complete our shift, students attend a post-conference with our instructor to discuss the day before heading home.
Once I arrive at home, I finish my patient report sheet and complete my clinical day reflection journal.
How long are class and simulation days?
Both class and simulation days typically end mid-afternoon. Last semester I took families, which covers pediatrics and obstetrics, nursing research and health policy.
In an average week, how much time do you spend studying?
It depends on whether I have tests or not. When I have tests, I typically study around 24 hours over one or two weeks – for finals it’s typically 48 hours of studying over a few weeks. When I don’t have tests, my class assignments can take three to eight hours per week.
How do you manage your time effectively?
My calendar is my life. And lists — checklists, to-do lists, and priority lists. Everything goes on my calendar or my notes app. I also set alerts for important tasks and alarms for really important tasks.
I would tell any new student to give yourself grace as time is never going to work for you perfectly. If you make mistakes or have setbacks, just adjust and keep moving!
How do you balance school, work, and life as a UCF nursing student?
It is difficult, but I try to just take things one month, week, day and hour at a time. I also plan and make mental backup plans in case of changes, which helps me be organized but flexible.
Also, school comes first for me. I always try to make sure I don’t sacrifice important study time or assignment times. Also, if you get assignments done ahead of time, you have way more flexibility for the rest of your week!
I also love to study with my friends because that combines social time with study time, which maximizes my packed days.
Most of my fun social times is during break, on my rare days or nights off, or after class because I can maximize time since I’m already up and out of the house. I also maximize my time at home. I like to do my grocery shopping and errands after class on my way home, so I don’t waste time leaving the house once I get back.
The biggest thing I’d say that helps with balance is just taking care of yourself. Take breaks, don’t be too hard on yourself, talk to your friends, sleep well, eat well, stay active, and stay hydrated. Take care of your mind and body. We spend so much time taking care of others, but we can’t take good care of anyone if we aren’t putting our health first.
Article by Julie Harper ’01
Header Photo by Melanie Cedeño-Lopez
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