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If you're taking nursing CEUs online, the flexibility can be great, but if you're
not going to a classroom at the same time every week and being reminded of deadlines,
it can be easy to think "I'll do that later" and then fall behind in your work.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself on top of your
classes.
Study at the same time each day
Your schedule may be busy, but finding time every day to study is important. And if
you set your study time to the same time every day, it will become a habit, and you
won't have to worry about remembering to study. Instead, it will become second nature
to you.
Get your coursework online on a regular schedule
Along with studying at the same time every day, put regular time in your schedule to
get online to get the materials you need or respond to discussion questions or whatever
your class requires. It may not be every day, and it may have to be at midnight, but if
you set aside the time regularly, you won't forget or be tempted to leave it until later.
It will simply be a part of your schedule.
Connect with your classmates
This may be a little harder to do in nursing CEUs online, but if you can get to know
any of your classmates, even through email, you can help keep each other accountable
for the class. A classmate can become your virtual study partner. You can remind each
other of assignments and deadlines, bounce ideas off each other, and even try to match
your schedules so you're studying at the same time. This will help it feel more like a
traditional class and less like it's only you and the professor for the entire term.
Push to meet deadlines early
Just as with any class, nursing CEUs online will have assignments, tests, and exams on
a certain schedule. If possible, try to meet your deadlines early. This will keep you
pushing forward in the class rather than waiting until the last possible moment to get
things done. If you're pushing for an earlier deadline, it will also give you a little
cushioning in case you forget about an assignment, which will help you from turning
anything in late.
Remember that even though the course is flexible, it is still a course that will be graded!
Many people see online courses as "fun." And while it may be a fun experience to take
your nursing CEUs online, it's important to remember that it is a course that's required
for your career. It's not that you shouldn't have fun, but you have to remember to take
it seriously, as well. Keeping in mind that the course isn't only for your education but
for your career, too, will help you stay on top of what needs to be done to complete the
class.
Nursing CEUs online can be a great way to fulfill your continuing education requirements
for nursing while still giving you the flexibility of working full time. But to keep from
falling into the trap of getting behind or procrastinating your assignments, do what you
can from day one to stay on top of your coursework. In the end, you'll just be making it
easier for yourself.
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