Nursing Question

webbiedebbie · Mar 31, 2003

When I went to nursing school, it was full-time. I could only work part-time. It was very hard financially...I was married and had 3 small children. That is why I only got my ADN. Sorry, I don't have any suggestions.

Katnip, RN · Apr 1, 2003

A BSN is an RN once they take their licensing exam. So is an ADN. The BSN and ADN are the types of degrees. The BSN is generall 4 years and ADN is 2 years.

If you have a lot of the prerquistes from your first degree, look at how long each of other two will take. Most schools will allow you in on a past time basis. If not, you won't be wanting to work full time, raise a family and take nursing classes full time too. How about student loans? Scholarships?

sjoe · Apr 1, 2003

Not unless you can find a school that will let you attend part-time, in addition to a part-time job. It would be a poor idea to plan to work enough to put yourself through as you go, otherwise, even if you had NO other life.

blue280 · Apr 1, 2003

I am a single mom with no child support. I went to school full-time for my ADN and I had to work full-time so I could keep my health insurance. I had NO life for 2 years but it was truly worth it. My boss was fantastic, and was able to let me work a flexible schedule. My kids were fanatstic, they are now 14 and 15 and when I tell them I want to get my BSN and go for my masters they tell me that I must be out of my mind! If you are willing to give up a social life and/or you have very supportive freinds and family it can be done. Its not easy, but it is doable

memphispanda, RN · Apr 1, 2003

I was able to work full-time while I took all my college courses needed, and during my first semester of nursing courses (It was only 7 hours because I had the other done alread). I didn't/couldn't/wouldn't work the second semester. This semester I have started working very part-time as an extern, and it's tough trying to fit in even 16 hours/week with studying, projects, paperwork, and mom responsbilities.

I would check out your financial aid options. You can get yourself in the best possible financial position before starting school also. Pay off what you can. Stock up on things like canned goods and deodorant. If you don't use coupons, start using them. There are ways around the money issue most of the time, it's just hunting down what needs to be done and doing it that's hard.

Disablednurse · Apr 1, 2003

I bet your BBA degree will cover your pre-reqs if you got that degree in the last 10 years. You may have to take maybe one or two other classes, i.e. anatomy and physiology. Talk to a counselor and find out. If that works out, then you could work part time.

colleen10 · Apr 1, 2003

Hi Rollins,

I have a BS in Agricultural Science and will begin my clinicals for an ASN program this coming fall.

Check to see what credits you have from your first degree that might be applied towards your RN, whether it be BSN or ASN. My school will allow you to transfer classes that have been completed within the past 10 years.

Then, see if any of your local schools offer an Evening/Weekend option or any other program for adult students. With the shortage many schools are offering special options for adult students. The school I am attending is an Evening/Weekend option where all classes are held in the evenings during the week and clinicals are held on Saturdays, so, if you have to work a full time, regular job, class will not interfere with that.

Which ever route you go, I would suggest that you take all of your pre-and co-requisites before you start taking your "Nursing" classes and clinicals. It will still be tough, don't get me wrong, but it will be less stressful and you'll have more time to work, study, etc. if those are out of the way.

A lot of people on this board have gone through Nursing School and worked full time plus many raised their families during this time too. It can be done but it is a personal choice and is dependent on how hard you are willing to work, what types of things you have on your plate (house, spouse, kids, $$, etc.) and how well you are able to cope with everything. For me, I have decided that I will stick it out and try to work while in my first year of school but after that, I'll try to find a part time or less than part time job as an intern or PCT during my second year and make do with whatever money I have.

Good Luck!

Col