As a healthcare worker, you have a lot of responsibilities. Add a master's degree into the mix, and it might feel like you don't have enough time to sleep, eat, shower, or even take a breath. Many people have managed it, though, and come out the other side with an excellent career. If you're a healthcare worker who is also pursuing a master's, use these eight top tips.
1. Study an Online Masters
Studying online makes it far easier on your schedule, as you can study whenever, wherever, and you don't have to travel to and from a college campus. Plus, there are plenty of healthcare masters to choose from, depending on your specialty. If you want to advance into leadership in healthcare, the best degree to choose is a Masters in Health Sciences. In the course, you will learn about business operations in healthcare, how to improve healthcare quality, and much more.
2. Set a Schedule
As you have both working and studying to do, you must set a schedule at the beginning of each week and follow it diligently. Start with your healthcare shifts, and then work your studies around it to fit everything in.
3. Focus on Your Goals
Studying and working will be challenging at times. Sometimes, you'll feel like throwing your textbook across the room. The best way to overcome these moments is to take a step back and think about your goals. Look toward the future and picture yourself after you've gained your qualifications and advanced your career, and you will find carrying on much easier.
4. Study During Breaks
Your breaks during your shifts are a good time to fit in any studying you need to catch up on. This is especially helpful during exam season or when a deadline is looming. If you feel overwhelmed with the work, though, it is just as important to take a break from it all – it's all about balance.
5. Don't Multitask
Multitasking won't make the work go by faster. Instead, it will jumble your brain and make you feel overloaded. Instead, tackle one task at a time and put all your effort into that. Your work and your studies will benefit from it.
6. Talk to Your Supervisor
Had a tough few days? Need to take a few days off to focus on the assignment that's due next week? Talking to your supervisor may help you work around some of the more challenging times, ensuring you don't end up working too much overtime while you are already busy with your studies.
7. Ask for Help
It is OK to admit you need help, especially when you have so much on your plate. Whether you need advice on an assignment or you need someone to go over the last lecture, you should reach out and ask those around you for help. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to lend a hand!
8. Find Time to Relax
Amid it all, you must find the time to relax. Otherwise, you might drive yourself to burnout. Take a drive, walk around the park, or spend twenty minutes absorbed in a book to give your mind and body the chance to recover.