[happynewLPN]

I am a full-time employee at a local hospital on 2nd shift as a unit clerk in labor and delivery. So far, so good. I also attend classes every Tues and Wed, and we just added clinicals on Thurs and Fri.

I find that keeping myself organized is a godsend, and it really helps to keep me on task and motivated.

What really gets me irritated is hearing instructors tell us that we should seriously consider quitting our jobs or cutting our hours to almost nothing if we want to pass this program.

Huh?

I really believe I can do both. I'm fortunate enough to work at a hospital where I see the inner workings of both nurses and physicans, along with all the ancillary staff. I find it to be a great benefit.

Do instructors say this to scare people? I'm 38 years old, married and the mother of one son. My family simply cannot afford me to quit my job. Besides the money, I like my job!

Anyone else here employed full-time and going to school?

[Soup Turtle]

They scared me at orientation, too! I didn't quit my job, but I did cut back to 4 days a week instead of five. I can also shorten the days I work if I need to.
I start classes tomorrow, so I hope the work/school thing goes all right for me, too.

[happynewLPN]

I'm very fortunate that my boss is extremely understanding regarding school. I'm able to come in late and take time off as needed, pretty much. For the most part I've been able to maintain my schedule, but I have taken a day off here and there.

[BVFD 333]

Of course you can work while going to school, most of use do and we will graduate in May. It is at times very bussy and sometimes I go for month without having a day off.
Remember every thing has an end and it will go by sooo fast.

[koati]

Over a year ago I finished my studies with Special Degree of Psychiatric Nursing, which took 45 weeks. During that time I worked full time, and I managed it . It was hard though, specially for two last months. I wish you luck, and if you feel you can deal with all that and like your job, don't let your instructor scare you to do against your own opinion and knowledge!

[nurseofalltrades]

I work full-time and attend school.I work 12 hour days every other sat and sun and every wed and fri.I attend class mon,tues,thurs and one weekend a month.Tough but worth it.I graduate in August!

[krazy_coconuts]

I've seen plenty of people do it- if your 100% dedicated and stay organized, you can totally do it.
And hey TurtleSoup, tomorrow is my first day too!!

[noIcan]

I started school in Jan. 07 and my instructors told us the same thing, four people who kept on working FT in a hospital as well failed BF of Nursing and now they have to try again next year, I did quit my job and I work once in a while and the work only gets harder there is not enough time in the day.

[catnip]

It can be done, i work the grave yard shift 5 nights a week with class monday morning and clinicals wednesday and thursday, its a royal pain but i only have 8 more weeks of it till im done . We were told the same thing and though my grades did slip a little, not nearly enough to do me in, i respect the fact that it is hard and i just try harder. Good luck!!

[kmarie724]

I do. But I'm in a part time program for people who already have a B.A. in another area, so I only have class Monday and Thursday evenings and two Saturdays a month. I work night shift as a CNA, and I actually get a lot of studying done at work, so it's working out pretty well.