[amm80]

I'm in the process of taking the required prereqs for Spalding's accelerated BSN program. I really need some opinions about the intensity of the program. I work full time days making $30,000 per year. I have an elementary age child and I can't afford to just stop working. My fiance is willing to pick up some of the load financially, BUT he can't do it all. I have always worked full time and went to school full time. I HAVE to work atleast 25 hrs per week while in the nursing program. During my last year of school while completing my first bachelor's degree I worked full time days, took 27 hrs per semester in classes and still managed at 3.7 gpa. I need to hear from people that are going through an accelerated program, Spalding if possible. What time are clinicals generally? How many classes did you generally take per session? How much clinical time do you have to do per session? Any advice is wanted!!!! I would also like to hear about places to possibly work while in the nursing program.

[savingangels]

I will be graduating this August from Spalding. I worked close to full time about 32 hrs a week as a single mom with 3 kids. It can be done, the thing is that at Spalding the profs may change the days of clinicals, classes and tests at the last minute; making it almost impossible to work. I worked at a local hospital and the schedule is made out a little over a month a head, which is great if you know what your school schedule will be like. Many times I had to find someone to cover my shift, call in sick or leave lecture early. In some classes that doesn't float with the instructor. some instructors were very understanding wand was willing to work with you , others simply did not care about the burden the schedule change placed on the students. Some of my classmates have encountered the same problem. I was stressed and frustrated a lot and had to cut back my hours at work which has placed a financial burden on me and my family. Luckily I only have a couple of months to go. Hopefully, you will not encounter the problems and frustrations that I had, again many instructors are understanding and will work with you.

Good Luck

[amm80]

Thank you for your reply Saving. I'm going to start applying for jobs early next year at the area hospitals. I currently work at Humana and what would be ideal is if I can get a work at home position - that would be the best case scenario for me because I wouldn't lose benefits or pay.

[BBFRN]

Originally Posted by amm80

Thank you for your reply Saving. I'm going to start applying for jobs early next year at the area hospitals. I currently work at Humana and what would be ideal is if I can get a work at home position - that would be the best case scenario for me because I wouldn't lose benefits or pay.

amm; have you considered working for SHPS? You can work from home after 6 months with them, if you do CM, DSM, UR, or UM. They also have 4 day/week (10 hr day), and 32 hr/week options.

[amm80]

I didn't realize SHPS had work at home. Thanks for the info. I will definitely be looking into that. We actually have work at home in my current position - but whether or not they are going to allow additional associates to do it is up in the air. I'm really hoping that it all turns out for the best.

[BBFRN]

Good luck to you- I'm working from home, and I absolutely love it.