Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging for many college students, but for nursing majors who are also student-athletes, the pressure is even greater. Quincy University students in the nursing program at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences who compete in sports must learn how to manage demanding schedules filled with classes, clinical hours, practices and travel.

For senior Acheampomaa Danso, this semester marks the end of her college career and the beginning of her future as a nurse. Danso, who has played on the women’s basketball team for four years, said learning how to balance both academics and athletics has been one of her biggest challenges.

“It’s a lot of time management, just prioritizing assignments and exams, and then making sure to communicate with my professors if we are leaving for a game or if I’m missing class or clinical. It’s about staying on top of things and getting as much work done as I can on my off days, so I don’t have to stress later,” Danso said.

Danso said communication and organization have helped her stay focused. By planning ahead and working hard, she has been able to succeed in the classroom while continuing to compete at a high level.

Junior wrestler Maddy Barton also faces the challenge of balancing nursing school with her athletic responsibilities. With early practices, long class days and clinical experiences, Barton relies on organization to stay on track.

“It can be very overwhelming to balance both nursing school and wrestling, I use a planner every day. At the beginning of each semester, I write down all of my assignments, exams and clinical simulations and color-code everything, so I know exactly when things are due,” Barton said.

Barton said having her schedule planned out helps reduce stress and keeps her motivated. She added that staying organized allows her to focus on both her academics and her sport without falling behind.

For younger students, adjusting to college life while managing a sport and a demanding major can feel overwhelming. New nursing student-athletes often have to learn quickly how to handle their time and responsibilities.

Karly Peters, a newer nursing student and athlete, said she is still learning how to manage her schedule but is beginning to find her routine.

“The hard classes haven’t started yet, but working on time management now will help in the future, it can be hard to make time for studying with long hours in the gym, workouts and film sessions, but planning early really helps,” Peters said.

Peters said she is focused on building good habits that will prepare her for more difficult classes and future clinical work.

Although their schedules are busy and demanding, these student-athletes say the experience is helping them grow. The discipline, responsibility and time management skills they learn now will benefit them in their future careers.

By balancing their roles as athletes and nursing students, Quincy University student-athletes are preparing themselves not only for success in competition, but also for success in the medical field.