[maryann667]

I'm thinking about going for the RN full-time without working (and pay off my loans after graduation). I'll be living at home during that time to save money. My question is: After I graduate from a BSN program, would potential employers be turned off if I haven't worked during the 2-3 years that I was going to school? I definately want to be a full-time student, so if that's the case, any suggestions on the type of work that wouldn't interfere with my studies? I would think it's better to focus on being a great academic nursing student than being drained by work and school. Any advice/tips would be appreciated.

[jlsRN]

I think you're smart to concentrate on your studies, and lucky too!!! I can't imagine an employer holding it against you.

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by jlsRN

I think you're smart to concentrate on your studies, and lucky too!!! I can't imagine an employer holding it against you.

Ditto.

[Bayley]

I don't think they would see any problem in you not working during nursing school, it's really like a job in itself. You could always look into working a couple hours a week or over the summer as a CNA if you wanted. That way it would give you some relevant experience as well as some income, but if you just want to focus entirely on school I don't think that should be a problem. Good luck!

[surehands2]

I concur.

[mcbismark]

The Accelerated BSN that I have been accepted too tells us that we will *not* be able to work and get through this program.

Go to school, get excellent grades, work later.

Mark

[maryann667]

I want to thank everyone for their advice. I'm finishing up the pre-req's at the moment at NCC, and I can only imagine how arduous the nursing program will be (for a BSN program in the fall).

[karen230]

Originally Posted by maryann667

I'm thinking about going for the RN full-time without working (and pay off my loans after graduation). I'll be living at home during that time to save money. My question is: After I graduate from a BSN program, would potential employers be turned off if I haven't worked during the 2-3 years that I was going to school? I definately want to be a full-time student, so if that's the case, any suggestions on the type of work that wouldn't interfere with my studies? I would think it's better to focus on being a great academic nursing student than being drained by work and school. Any advice/tips would be appreciated.

Look at it this way, NS is a full-time job and most healthcare agencies would know that or have an idea of it being the case. I guess NS is a huge demand so if you are able to not work and just concentrate on school, then do it and don't worry about what a prespective employer will think. If an employer is leary of you for staying home and concentrating on NS then maybe you should be leary of working for that employer, KWIM?

[NewYorkGirl]

I'm graduating with my BSN this May and I've been interviewing and looking around. Basically, when you are a new grad they seem to have a pretty set pay rate for new RN with no (RN) experience. They'll add a differential for being a BSN but having experience as an LPN or a CNA or in my case, an EMT, doesn't seem to matter at all. I haven't been working while in school and no one even seems to notice or care - a new grad is a new grad! Good luck!

[nurse educate]

I think it's okay to not work during school. It actually gives you the opportunity to do a summer externship. There are many students who cannot do them, because they already have full time job, that they are not willing to give up. If you do one, the hospital will usually keep you on part time during the school year as a CNA or a student nurse intern. To me, it's a win-win situation, you get experience and you get paid.