It’s been a few weeks since I last stepped foot in a hospital. And it really kind of sucks. I miss being in the hospital. I miss patient interactions. I even miss being a little bit stressed because “ohmigosh, everyone has 8am meds!”.

I’ve been studying a lot for the NCLEX lately. I decided to do the review produced by the NCSBN[1. National Council of State Boards of Nursing] because it was significantly cheaper than all of the other online review programs. I like the idea of self-study because sitting in the classroom having someone talk at me just does not sound like a good time. So far it’s been going well. I study Mondays to Fridays for 6 to 9 hours a day, depending on which lesson I’m on (I’m following a suggested study schedule, which is outlined by the lessons).

Studying is possibly one of my least favourite things in the world to do, but I find giving myself the weekends off really helps! It gives me time to relax, to regroup, and to just not think for a couple of days about the NCLEX. I know some of my classmates that are studying every single day and I think my brain would just be all “Pfft, eff you, I’m going to play Blank Space for you on repeat for the next hour'” or just give up altogether.

The thing is, I learned a lot over 3 years. And having to review all of that stuff is a lot to digest. So, daily studying, plenty of breaks, and weekends off does the trick for me. I know that a lot of people on allnurses.com are probably rolling their eyes at me because I should be studying 12 hours a day for 7 days a week or something equally horrendous. My brain likes breaks! And sometimes it’s nice to just relax and watch an episode of something on Netflix and not think.

Speaking of weekends to regroup – I did just that. I roasted marshmallows in a backyard fire pit, got harassed by a Boston terrier, and slipped down a flight of stairs. Oh, and that was just Friday night. For Saturday, I hit my head against the wall trying to sit up. Cue laughter from the boyfriend because he just thought I was hilarious (he witnessed me slipping on the stairs too).

Hopefully next weekend will be a bit tamer – I’m going out for an afternoon tea on Saturday!