The Ultimate Nursing School Study Schedule (That Actually Works!)

So, you're about to start nursing school, and you're already feeling overwhelmed? Or maybe you're deep in the trenches, drowning in lectures, clinicals, and exams, trying to figure out how to balance it all without losing your sanity?

Trust me, I’ve been there. When I was in nursing school, I was juggling classes, clinicals, and exams—all while being a wife and a mom to five kids. (Yes, five. No, I don’t know how I survived either.) But guess what? I figured out a study schedule that actually worked, one that helped me stay on top of my classes, prep for tests efficiently, and still have a life outside of school.

And today, I’m handing that schedule to you on a silver platter. You’re welcome.

Why You NEED a Study Schedule (Or Else…)

I get it—you’re motivated, you’re excited, you’re ready to dive into textbooks and take all the notes in rainbow-colored highlighters. But let me save you from making one of the biggest mistakes nursing students make: studying the wrong way.

Nursing school isn’t just about putting in hours. It’s about studying smart—using active learning techniques, planning your time wisely, and avoiding the biggest time-wasters (looking at you, passive rereading and pretty notes with no actual retention).

So, let’s get to it: the nursing school study schedule that will help you get straight A’s and pass the NCLEX with confidence.

Your Nursing School Study Schedule (Hour by Hour)

Sunday: Plan & Prep Like a Pro

• Review your test blueprints/syllabus – Know what’s coming up this week.

• Download topic-specific podcasts – Listen while commuting, working out, or doing dishes.

• Time-block your schedule – Plug in your classes, study sessions, and clinicals.

• Create a playlist on Picmonic – Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Monday-Friday: The Study Grind

Before Class:

• Watch a short Picmonic video on the day’s lecture topic.

• Make Anki flashcards (or Quizlet if you’re fancy) based on Picmonic visuals.

• Watch a Nursing.com video for a deeper understanding.

During Class:

• Sit in the front row (Yes, be that person. You’ll learn more.)

• Engage and ask questions – You’ll remember things better!

After Class:

• Review PowerPoint slides – Make additional flashcards ONLY on key concepts.

• Do a quick Picmonic or Nursing.com quiz – Reinforce what you just learned.

• Anki flashcard review (every. single. day.) – Spaced repetition is your best friend!

Clinical Days (Usually Once a Week):

• After clinicals, take 15 minutes to reflect – Jot down key experiences for future job interviews.

• Rest! (Clinicals are exhausting, give yourself a break!)

Weekends: Light Review & Self-Care

• One hour of flashcard review on Saturday & Sunday – Don’t let your brain turn to mush.

• Plan next week’s study schedule – Stay ahead of the game.

• Have a life! – Go outside, touch grass, see the sun, remind your family you still exist.

Click here for the Full editable Nursing School Schedule!

The BIGGEST Study Mistakes (Avoid These!)

🚫 Highlighting everything like a human highlighter factory – This is NOT studying.

🚫 Rereading your notes over and over – Just… stop. Your brain is snoozing through it.

🚫 Cramming the night before an exam – You’ll retain nothing and cry in the process.

🚫 Ignoring self-care – Burnout is real. Schedule free time so you don’t go completely crazy.

🚫 Skipping active recall methods – If you’re not forcing your brain to retrieve information, you’re wasting time.

What Happens Right Before an Exam?

The last two days before a test should be all about reviewing and reinforcing what you already learned.

✔ Go through ALL your Anki flashcards for that exam topic. ✔ Retake Nursing.com quizzes (read the rationales!). ✔ Use Picmonic quizzes for rapid recall. ✔ Simulate test conditions – Do timed questions to train your brain for exam mode.

By the time the exam rolls around, you won’t be cramming. You’ll be confident and ready because you’ve been reinforcing this information for weeks.

You’ve Got This! (And If You Need More…)

If you follow this step-by-step nursing school study plan, you WILL see results. You’ll feel more organized, less stressed, and way more prepared for exams and the NCLEX.

Want even more details on how to make this study schedule work for you? Listen to Season 4, Episode 9 of Nursing School Week by Week, where I break down my Insanely Effective Study System in even more depth!

And if this post helped you, share it with a fellow nursing student (or leave me a review on Apple Podcasts – because, you know, karma). 💙

Now go conquer nursing school like the boss you are! 🚀