Choosing to pursue a nursing degree means you have a very exciting and rewarding career ahead of you. Nursing is one of the most highly respected jobs, not just in the country, but around the world. They make it their job to care for others and make a difference in the world. However, to get to that rewarding career, you first need to get through your degree program.
Here’s a look at some basics tips and advice for designing the ultimate home study space that will allow you to excel in your nursing degree program.
Choose a Space That Offers Privacy
The first factor to consider is where your study space will be. Ideally, it should be in a separate room that is self-contained with a door. This allows you to block out any outside noise in the house and distractions. Even if you live on your own, distractions can still be an issue.
So, what happens if you don’t have a spare room that you can convert into a study space? This is when you need to be a little creative. You can create the illusion of a separate space by using bookshelves, a folding screen, large house plants, file cabinets or playing with the furniture placement.
Having a separate space that acts as your study area isn’t just about productivity; it can also help with your mindset. When you’re in that area, your brain will switch over to study and learn mode, helping to create excellent study habits.
Your Desk Set-Up Plays an Important Role
While it’s great to design a home study space that looks stylish and welcoming, the main focus needs to be on functionality and productivity. This means that the desk set-up requires thought and planning. As you shop for the perfect desk purchase the sit-stand desks. Here are a few things to question:
- Is the desk the right size for the study space? Ideally, you want to go as big as the space will allow.
- Does the desk feature a storage option such as drawers or shelving?
- Can you fit a computer on the desk and still have room to spread out books and a notepad/papers if needed?
- Is the chair adjustable in height? This ensures it will work with any desk.
- Does the chair feature lumbar support?
- Does the chair have armrests?
- Is the chair padded, allowing you to comfortably sit in it for hours at a time?
- Does the chair fit in the space?
These are some of the most important questions to consider regarding your study space furniture that take ergonomics, functionality and practicality into account. Likely the budget and finish/material of the furniture will also play a role in the decision making.
Factor Your Computer/Laptop into the Design
The computer or laptop you choose will also factor into the design. It needs to fit on the desk you purchase. You may actually want to choose the computer or laptop first, so then you’re aware of the measurements, and then shop for a desk.
If you’re having a hard time shopping for a computer or laptop and are unsure of what to get, ask yourself how much use it will get. Will you be doing your program completely online? The accelerated BSN online program through Baylor University is almost entirely online. This means you’ll be using your computer for long hours at a time, and likely daily. You want to be sure it’s got everything needed that will allow you to be productive and efficient.
Choosing a laptop of course gives you the ability to be mobile with your device, so you can take it to campus with you but, depending on the course and where your work will be done, that may not be a top priority for you.
Make the Most of Natural Light
Another tip is to make the most of natural light in the study space. Not everyone will have a study space with a window beside their desk, but wherever that nearest source of natural light is, you want to encourage it to flow into the space. Natural light not only has a functional purpose; it also acts as a mood booster, energizing you, filling you with positive energy and helping you to focus and concentrate that much better.
Even if you do have a window in your study space, chances are you’ll still need to think about overhead and task lighting. If you plan to do any studying in the evening hours, adequate lighting will be necessary. That includes overhead lighting and a desk lamp.
Give the Space Some Personality
To help the study space feel welcoming and encourage you to spend time in it, you’re going to want to give it some personality. This can be achieved through your décor choices. Just because it’s a study space, doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and trendy.
Some of the ways you can give the space personality include:
- Painting the room a calming and soothing color
- Hanging artwork
- Displaying natural greenery through indoor plants
- Choosing modern looking light fixtures
- Getting an ambient noise machine to help create that calming vibe
- Adding a decorative area rug to anchor the desk and chair
Have Snacks and Beverages Handy
The final tip is to think ahead and ensure that everything you need while working and studying is at your fingertips. Each time you get up from your desk to go and get something or do something, it will break your concentration and flow. For that reason, it can be wise to stock your study space with basics snacks and beverages so there is no need to walk away from that room.
You could purchase a mini-fridge, set up a coffee station with a single-brew machine and have a basket of high-energy nutritious snacks handy such as granola bars, dried fruit and nuts.
Now that you’ve got the perfect study space set up, it’s time to hit the books and work towards earning that nursing degree.
