Relationships in Nursing School

I often am asked by other nursing students my opinion on relationships in nursing school and whether it’s possible to have a boyfriend while in enrolled in such a rigorous program such as Liberty’s. My response in the past was to smile and remind the nursing student who asked the question that God is in control of everything, including her love story. While I used to point out that I knew several nursing students who had boyfriends, were engaged or even married, now I can testify from personal experience that it is possible to have a boyfriend and still be a successful nursing student, which was the real issue my nursing friends were getting at with their questions.

Desire for companionship and love is a natural longing deep-seated within the heart of a woman; nevertheless, it is dangerous to want a boyfriend just for the sake of having one. One of my friends told me recently that her goal for the year was to “get a boyfriend”. The problem with this thinking is that if you seek to make something happen—like getting a boyfriend—you may miss out on a better plan that God has for you. Solomon shares some insight into this in Ecclesiastes; “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: . . . a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose; . . . a time to love, and a time to hate” (3:1, 5b, 6a, & 8a). The Song of  Solomon also speaks about waiting on God’s timing in your life; “I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (3:5).

To all the single nursing students, guys and girls, this is just a reminder to let God write your love story. Seek the Lord in prayer before entering any romantic relationship—just like I hope you do with every other decision you make. If there is no one in your life right now, do not be discouraged. Jesus is your Bridegroom King (Isaiah 54:5, 10), and He loves you with a love no other human being on this planet could ever match (Jeremiah 31:3). Rejoice in His love for you, and be content in waiting (Phil 4:4, 12).

When that special person does come into your life, be sure to have good time management. I used to joke before I was courting that I was dating my textbooks—not really an exaggeration for how much time I spent with them. Since I still study a lot, I have to be intentional about taking time to just be with my boyfriend and talk or do something fun. (Yes, having fun is important for single nursing students too! You should try it sometime). When the time comes, remember you can—and I often do—spend time with your significant other while studying. You both have to be able to stay focused, but it is possible to get a lot done and still be in the same room.

On a final note, I want to remind you all not to fall for the nasty Liberty rumor that you have to meet your spouse at Liberty University or you will never find anybody. One of my friends graduated from the nursing program single and unattached over a year ago...she's getting married this Saturday to the man of her dreams, who she met after graduation! So, if you graduate with no one in the romantic sphere of your life, trust the Lord. He may have a surprise waiting on the other side of graduation.