[fascinoma]

Greetings folks,

Wondering if anyone has had a job while going to one of the one year private LVN programs?

I'm presently a home health aide for medically "higher maintenance" consumers, presently licensed as an EMT-Basic and phlebotomist though the latter lapsed and I've never worked in it. Planning to become CNA soon and renew my phlebotomy.

What I'm wondering about, is working as a CNA or tech while going to an LVN program.

[Jules A]

I went to a community college but I worked at least 30 hours a week through LPN and now RN school Good luck.

[chesara]

My program is a year long and starts tomorrow. At orientation they really put the fear in us that we shouldn't work while in school. I don't think that is a realistic expectation for a lot of people. There are many people who don't have financial aid or the ability to go through school without an income. I'm married and we still need the extra income, although I'm not employed right now. I recently got my CNA and was hoping to do something with it while in school because I'm going to have to pay for my classes without financial aid. I sort of resented the instructors telling us not to work although I understand they are just letting us know how demanding the program is going to be. I think it depends on the person and their study habits. So I still plan to find a job but I too am wondering if it's doable to work at least part-time and still make good grades. I'm also guessing not all programs are the same so that probably has a lot to do with a person's success too.

[Jules A]

It also irritates me that they feel they have a right to tell people that they can't work and be successful. I could have quit work and lived off savings but sheesh I was almost 40 years old when I started LPN school no way was I going to lose a whole year of income.

I have seen some students without jobs struggle so I would imagine having a job wouldn't be feasible for them but for me it hasn't ever been a problem. In both my LPN and RN class the students that work get grades as good if not better than those that don't work.

I'd down play it until they know you are a good student thats what I did and I never heard a peep from them. I have found that if they think you are a sure thing when it comes to passing NCLEX the first time they don't hassle you too much. Good luck!

[Fiona59]

Personally, I didn't. But that was a choice that I made with my husband and kids. I financed my education with student loans.

Having said that, many of my classmates worked. Most found that working Saturday and Sunday full day shifts was better than a couple of short shifts during the week. Most picked up their jobs during second semester when the LTC facilities we had done clinicals started asking us to work for them.

[Browneyes98]

I am 3/4 of the way through my year long LPN program and I have worked part time with no problem. It all depends on how much time you put into your studies on your days off. Also it helps if you have a health care back ground. I have been a CNA for almost ten years so that has helped me to understand the material as we review each section, but if you have never worked in health care setting, then you might find it a bit more challenging. I recommend you see what kind of homework load and expectations you will have and then see if you can manage a work schedule in there. Good Luck with your program!!

[fascinoma]

I'm actually really scared because I have ADHD and have struggled even to go to school part time while working part time. But, I don't have a choice in this case. Am just hoping I can have enough of a support system in place.

[mrsraisinkain]

At orientation my school told us that those who worked full time would have more of a struggle, but not that it would be impossible. I myself am also funding my education with private loans because with a husband and two kids I don't think I could handle a job.

[newbie26]

It's pretty hard but it is possible. I started out full time in the fall but now only work 16 hours a week. My job isn't that flexible. If the agency your with is flexible I don't see a problem in working at least part time

[AngelKisses]

Hi there,

I'm working and in an LPN program at a private school. I work 30 hours a week. And I'm not working as a CNA or a Tech, either, it's at a job I've had for a few years. Good luck to you, it's hard to work while in school but it can definately be done!!