What are some strategies for maintaining a positive work-life balance while also pursuing advanced education or certifications in nursing?

Been there and done that - twice! It isn't easy, and requires you set clear priorities for your time, energy and know how to set healthy boundaries with others. REmind yourself that if you do not give time to yourself, you will burn out and will not be able to give the care to others -either patients or to friends and family - when they need it. And you will be less able to keep yourself healthy. That said, expect to feel tired A LOT. Sleep/rest/relax when you can. In my first graduate program I was burning out, hated my life and was too tired to do anything but drag myself through work and school. Then a very wise friend sat me down and said she could see what was happening. I told her I couldn't find the time to care for my own needs and she replied "You will NEVER "find" the time. You must MAKE it!" She was right, and by reclaiming just 10 or 15 minutes daily at the start, I began to take my life back. I tell the story to my nursing students because it's easy to get swamped with school and work and personal stuff. SET PRIORITIES! SET BOUNDARIES! This will make it much easier for you to take care of the immediate needs of school/family/work and to also carve out time to renew yourself. Good luck in your new endeavor!