Succeeding in a PhD Nursing Program While Maintaining Full-Time Work as a Nurse During the Pandemic

You know what's tough? Completing a PhD. It is especially tough finishing a PhD during a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, feels like a distant dream now—a memory fading faster than we care to admit, thanks to our collective short attention span. It’s as if the global crisis was a dream we all shared, but now that we’re emerging from it, we’ve already moved on to the next crisis. But for those of us still navigating the residual chaos—juggling a full-time nursing job with the demands of a PhD program—those pandemic-induced challenges linger. The fatigue, the trauma, the overwhelming shift in healthcare dynamics may not be as vivid now, but the weight remains.

For nurses pursuing a PhD while working full-time, the journey has become a balancing act that feels like an endless tightrope walk, with academia, nursing, and personal life constantly shifting underneath. It’s a daunting challenge—especially in a profession that has faced unprecedented demands during the pandemic—but it’s one that can be overcome with the right mindset, a strong support system, and a community that inspires you to keep going. In this new world, success in a PhD program doesn’t just come from academic prowess; it comes from leveraging a network of social justice-minded nurses and finding strength in the larger community working to transform healthcare.

1. Building a Support System: The Foundation of Your Success

The key to succeeding in a PhD program while working as a full-time nurse during this unprecedented time lies in building a robust support system. This system includes your family, peers, mentors, and the larger network of nurses who share your passion for advocacy and advancing nursing theory.

Family Support: The Pillar You Can Lean On

A PhD is inherently challenging, but trying to balance it with full-time nursing responsibilities—especially as we continue to feel the aftershocks of the pandemic—is a different kind of pressure. Family support becomes not just helpful, but necessary. Your loved ones can be the first line of defense against burnout, offering both emotional support and practical help. Whether it's lending a hand with childcare, preparing meals, or simply listening to your frustrations after a long shift, family support is crucial in helping you stay grounded.

It’s also important to keep family members involved in your PhD journey. Regular communication about your academic and professional goals helps them understand your needs and how best they can help. They can offer you a sense of stability in an otherwise turbulent time.

Building a Network of Action-Oriented Nurses

While family is essential, professional support from other nurses is equally important. Connecting with a community of nurses who share your values—especially those focused on social justice and nursing theory—can provide the encouragement you need when times get tough. These action-oriented nurses understand that nursing is about more than just patient care—it’s about changing systems, fighting for equity, and advocating for the voiceless.

Nursing organizations like Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia (NNPBC) provide an invaluable space for nurses to share knowledge, engage in professional development, and foster a sense of belonging. Being part of such a network reminds you that your work, both in the clinic and in academia, is part of a broader movement that goes beyond your individual experience.

In addition, organizations like Canadian Nurse and platforms like Nursology.net offer resources and inspiration for nurses working on the frontlines and those engaged in nursing theory. Nursology.net, in particular, provides a space for discussing and contributing to nursing theory, offering a community where your work in nursing and research can have a real-world impact. These connections help foster both academic and professional growth, reminding you that you’re not alone in your pursuit of nursing excellence and social change.

2. Effective Time Management: Balancing Work, Study, and Life

Time management becomes a make-or-break skill when you’re balancing a PhD program with full-time nursing shifts. Throw in the uncertainty of the pandemic, and the challenge intensifies. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to excel in both areas without losing your sanity.

Setting Realistic Goals and Priorities

The first step in balancing these two demanding worlds is setting clear, realistic goals. This means breaking your PhD tasks into manageable chunks and setting aside specific time blocks to tackle them. For instance, if you have a research paper due, focus on completing one section at a time rather than trying to finish it all in a weekend. It’s about managing expectations and being kind to yourself when the inevitable disruptions occur.

Flexibility is key. The demands of nursing during a pandemic are unpredictable, and you must be ready to adjust your academic schedule accordingly. However, while flexibility is necessary, you must also set boundaries—whether it’s dedicated study time or ensuring you take care of your physical and mental health outside of work and school.

Time-Blocking: Maximizing Available Time

Time-blocking is one of the most effective ways to balance multiple responsibilities. Designate specific hours during the day for different tasks: research, writing, clinical shifts, and personal time. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you are making progress toward your PhD goals without burning out.

However, remember that balance doesn’t mean perfect time management all the time. Life happens. If you need to take a break to recharge, do it. Burnout is far more detrimental than a missed study session or postponed meeting.

3. Drawing Inspiration from Nurses Who Do Theory and Philosophy

One of the most powerful ways to stay motivated in a PhD nursing program is by engaging with nurses who are pushing the boundaries of theory and philosophy. Nursing theory and philosophy are often the intellectual driving forces behind clinical practices, and when it’s easy to feel disconnected from these ideas during the pandemic’s daily demands, reconnecting with these foundational concepts can reignite your academic passion.

The Power of Theory and Practice

The intersection of nursing theory and practice provides a unique opportunity to influence not only the way healthcare is delivered but also the systems and policies that govern it. Nurses who engage in theoretical and philosophical work demonstrate how research can directly influence patient care, healthcare reform, and the broader healthcare system. These individuals serve as models for how you can integrate your academic pursuits with real-world advocacy.

By engaging with platforms like Nursology.net and participating in academic discussions, you can learn from those whose work is driving change in both healthcare and nursing theory. Their example can remind you of the long-term impact your work can have on transforming healthcare and social justice.

4. Self-Care: Preventing Burnout and Maintaining Balance

The most critical aspect of succeeding in both your PhD program and as a nurse during a pandemic is prioritizing your health and well-being. The reality of managing a full-time job and a doctoral program can quickly lead to burnout if self-care isn’t prioritized.

Prioritizing Rest and Recovery

Recognizing the signs of burnout is essential. Whether it’s mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, or emotional depletion, addressing burnout proactively is necessary for long-term success. Incorporating regular rest and recovery routines into your life—whether it’s through exercise, mindfulness, or quality time with family—will allow you to remain focused and motivated.

Sleep, in particular, should never be sacrificed. It’s tempting to work late into the night to meet deadlines, but proper rest is critical to maintaining cognitive function and emotional balance.

Summary and Inspiring Next Steps

Navigating a PhD nursing program while working full-time during a pandemic is no small feat, but with the right strategies, support, and resilience, it is possible to succeed. Building a solid support system through family and a network of socially conscious, action-oriented nurses, managing your time effectively, engaging with nursing theory, and taking care of yourself are all key factors in your success.

Next Steps:

1. Strengthen Your Support Network: Reach out to family, communicate your needs, and connect with action-oriented nurses and scholars who share your passion for social justice and nursing theory.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your PhD tasks into manageable steps, be flexible, and prioritize self-care alongside your academic responsibilities.
3. Engage with Nursing Associations: Connect with organizations like NNPBC, Canadian Nurse, and Nursology.net to stay grounded in the nursing community and draw inspiration from those who are driving change.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Make rest and recovery a non-negotiable part of your routine, and remember that your well-being is as important as your academic and professional success.

It's a game of colonial chess built within a system that is deeply entrenched in patriarchy. Don't forget that! The journey may be long and difficult, but remember that your work—both in nursing and in theory—has the power to change the world. Keep pushing forward, knowing that you are part of a broader movement to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate healthcare system.