[Tamarita]

Hello to all,

I am a 42 year old business management major looking at a career change to nursing. My question - is it possible to attend nursing school and work at the same time? I am single and own a home and am not looking to go as far as selling my home and moving in with my parents to attend school.

I am interested in the CNL program offered at the Toledo Health Science campus for those with a non nursing Bachelor's degree, but they are saying you will be lucky to work even part-time while pursuing this degree. How can people live without an income for 2 years?

I am also looking at the RN program at Owens Community College which looks like it offers lots of the classes - even clinicals - in the evenings. But wondering if the classload and full-time work is even possible then.

Any input on this subject would be appreciated!

[MR.nurse2U]

Hi,

I'm not sure how many credits the programs are per quarter you are looking at, are they part time or full time programs?
I graduated from the Columbus State LPN program which is a part time program (6-10 credits per qtr) and worked 40 hours per week along with being married and trying to raise 3 boys to boot, but I still made it. It took every minute of every day and a lot of lost sleep and much help from family with the kids etc...
One of the things you need to remember though is that nursing classes are rated different than most other classes, by this I mean for each credit earned you will actually be doing more hours of studying, classes and clinicals than for different courses.
You can do it though, once you start don't let up and success will be yours.

[sassy7cassy]

I would start looking into your financial aid options. I am new to financial aid so I don't know the ins and outs, but there must certainly be options there to fit your needs.

[jaylynn67]

I am about to graduate from a two year program. I worked full time the entire time. right now i spend eight hours a week in the classroom and 16 hours a week in clinicals (weekends) Almost every student works in my class. it is definitely possible, especially if you are single with no kids. It is hard but you can do it. I have no life outside school and no time to clean or anything like that. but I am almost done now. It has been extremely stressful and crazy, but the time has flown by. I'm sure you can work full time and do it.

[Tamarita]

Thank you for your replies. It is encouraging knowing that others have succeeded in working and completing nursing school. I am not afraid of hard work - but it certainly helps to know others have "been there, done that!" Thank you for your input!

[jazz404]

Just some food for thought - while it is possible to work pt/ft while attending nursing school, you should also consider what your future plans might be. I know a lot of students who are working while in school - I know very few who are doing well. This is not a knock on those who really have no choice in the matter - some people just have to work. But if you want to go on to higher education, you'll want to have a high gpa. Also, I'm actually using my "free" time to volunteer, shadow or do some pt work in the areas and hospitals where I hope to work after graduation. While this isn't necessary, it might help if you want to get your foot in the door in a particular facililty or setting. After meeting and spending time with many nurses, I decided I didn't want to be one of those that just got by - but for me, that meant not working and making financial sacrifices for the next two years.

Only you know what you are truly capable of - but if you do decide to work, just make sure you don't get too far behind. It can happen quickly. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

[wsuchic1]

Hey there-

If at all possible, I would suggest that you take out loans. If you're not eligible for federal student loans (due to being a 2nd time Bachelor degree student, like me), look into alternative loans that have a decent interest rate.

I am in a BSN program (full-time) and also work full-time. Although I am single, having to go to school full-time (and get decent grades and retain what I'm learning) on top of having to work full-time, has definitely stretched me to the limits. I can honestly say that this is one of the toughest times in my life.

People often say, "Well, you don't have any children, this should be easy!" Well, it's not. I work 3rd shift 7p-7a at the hospital and then soon after getting home from work, I have to jump in the shower and head off to school. Somewhere in between I also have to find time to study. Thank you Lord for energy drinks!!!

Ofcourse, this is just my humble opinion. Others may have other suggestions. I just keep on looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel...also known as, Graduation Day!

Good Luck