Do you have a day off/free time?

heather1024 · Jul 18, 2011

Many students in my class waitressed. I worked only Friday and Sat. nights, but some classmates worked more than that. We had lectures on Mon and Fri mornings, clinical days on Tues/Wed and Thursdays off. I spent most of Sunday and any other off time I could find studying. My family was very neglected.

Having a set class schedule helps a lot. Our clinical schedule did change though so it got tricky sometimes.

But most people have no choice but to work, so you just figure it out.

Good luck!

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 18, 2011

You have zero work experience and are in college? How does that happen?

I had a job since I was 13 and didnt have one in NS and it was great for me. I had friends that worked full time, it worked for them. You kind of have to know yourself.

Certifiable, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

You have zero work experience and are in college? How does that happen?
I had a job since I was 13 and didnt have one in NS and it was great for me. I had friends that worked full time, it worked for them. You kind of have to know yourself.

I actually think that it's not such a bad thing that she hasn't worked before the age of 18. If her parents supported her so that she didn't need to, leaving her time to focus on her high school academics--- what's so bad about that?

Maybe she spent her time volunteering? In scouts? whatever!

Good luck with the job hunt!

mangopeach · Jul 18, 2011

Free time? What is that? I have not seen that since starting nursing school. LOL! I'm so looking forward to the end of this semester. My first year of NS will be complete. The way my program is set up, the first 2 semesters are pretty hectic, not much free time. By 3rd semester we've completed all of our skills so no more lab or checkoffs so that frees up some time for me to try to get a tech job.

ClassyChristina · Jul 18, 2011

Depends on your program. I know in the ASN program I am in I barely have time to breath! I have Sat and Sun off, but usually have papers to write, projects, videos, and assignments to do. I have school Mon, Tue, Wed, and clinicals 6AM-6PM Thur and Friday. It comes out to an average of 45 hours of mandatory time at school/clinical not inculuding study or homework time! My priority is school, and I would rather be poor than failing... I work as much as I can, but it is definitely not much!

I have heard that BSN students have more free time though.

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

i would suggest a per diem position if you can get one.. it works out well for me. requirements are only usually one weekend a month or so, and you pick up shifts when its convienent for you.. on breaks from school you can put in more hours and make money, and during school you can schedule around class and tests. many hospitals/nursing homes have a need for per diem employees to fill in for call offs or when people take vacation.

good luck!

miyhaka · Jul 19, 2011

@that guy..

Well, I used to babysit for 6 months but that doesnt really count as a work experience..My scholarship and financial aid took care of my pre-nursing classes so I don't have to work and I have to get a 3.5 for my scholarship (for some people 3.5 is no biggie but for me it is :

@ALL

Thank you guys, its really helpful. I guess I really have to know myself if I really want to work or not .I am just really concerned about not having some health care related experience after I graduate because of the competition and stuff.I'm also concerned and nervous about Nursing School itself. I do believe I can make it even If I'm going to work part-time since I also know many people who are going to work part-time too but it requires careful planning and time management.

@ashely

Per diem sounds awesome, I'll probably check that out. I think that's what I really want.

CaptScrubs13 · Jul 19, 2011

I worked for a few years in High School (retail) and continued in college. As a freshman (18, turned 19 in November of that year) I got a ride home and worked every 3 weeks while I lived at school, and as much as I could on breaks. Then, at the end of my sophomore year I got a new job, and began working twice a week, every week. It definitely was hard, because I wasn't used to the frequency of work, but I dealt (in hindsight, it was a terrible time to make that switch.. during Med Surg I in which half of my class failed, plus Pharm, and 12 other credits.. but I survived!)

I worked all through out the summer, and continued a minimum of two days per week, but sometimes I covered for others and worked every day. It is definitely a challenge to work while you are in classes and clinicals, but like others have said, it is possible.

Our schedule changes each semester (plus depending on what other non-nursing classes you take can really mess things up) but for example, this fall I will be in classes all day on Monday, Tuesday afternoon/evenings we go to the hospital to get our clinical assignments, clinical most of the day Wednesday, class Weds night, clinical most of Thursday, and nothing school-related from Friday-Sunday, so I will be working Fri + Saturdays. Sunday is my true "day off" but really, any time not in school, clinical, work or driving somewhere is time spent studying, reading, writing, etc.!

If you're worried about the time management aspect, why don't you just focus on school for your first semester, then afterwards seek out a per diem position as a nurse's aide since you'll have the experience. I have many friends who do per diem work and if they can swing extra shifts at certain points during the semester, they do, and their employers are pretty good about giving them time off when they need it!

Good luck! :)

tech1000 · Jul 20, 2011

I think you'll have time to work. During my first year, I worked up to 36 hours a week (I worked in a hospital). During the second year, I had to cut back to 12-16 hours a week. I didn't have a life outside of school and work, but it was worth it for the money and the experience (and the job after I graduated). Since you're a new college student, I wouldn't work TOO much at first, but I think you'd be fine as long as you don't work an insane amount.

inthere · Jul 21, 2011

I am in my first semester of nursing, I work 36-44hrs a week....I have been working since I was 15yrs old (when I began university I quit my job to concentrate on school....my stint @ that university was mediocre @ best). The rest of my education I have worked basically full time....my grades were much better....from what I have learned about myself is that I work best under extreme pressure...go figure that eh? Anyway working while in school is great experience, if you caan just work one or two days a week for the hell of it cause with all the support you have you can just concentrate on nursing....which is good for. Some first semester students. In my class most of us work...like 90%....I think thatmust be some record or something and 90% of my class is actually passing.