First day reality check

Nursing Students General Students

Published

So today, I sat in my very first nursing class all fresh faced and ready to rock. And then my professors drop the bomb- "those of you who try and work full time will be the ones who do not make it in this program." They were perfectly nice about it, but I totally froze. I have a full time job that, for financial and insurance reasons, I HAVE to keep at full time. I don't want to fail out, because I've worked so hard to get here, but I also can't afford to not pay my bills.

So for those of you who are/have been in this situation- advice? Words of wisdom? How did you pull it off- or not pull it off?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

You won't get A's. But you can pass.

Say goodbye to extracurricular activities, fun with friends, and any other social activities.

You will work and study and go to school and that's it. I did it last year and made it through -- but only one A out of five classes.

What type of job do you have? Can you bring your books and study? At the very least, make flash cards and study whenEVER you have a spare moment. If you have a smart phone, download apps that will allow you to take nclex style questions about whatever you are studying.

You can do it. It will be hard, and it's easy to get discouraged when you hear people talk about the fun times they are having when you feel like you neeeeeeever get a day off, but it's worth it. Some of us don't have the luxury of not working. You are not alone! Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

It's not desirable, but it can be done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health/Substance Abuse.

I just went through an 18 month BSN program while working full time. For the first semester I even worked full time and held a part time job, out of financial necessity. Like you, I wasn't able to quit or only work part time. Like the above posters said, it is not easy and you will miss out on most things you used to do. Friends calling to go out to dinner? Gone. Taking a Saturday morning to just relax? Maybe once in a blue moon. You have to prioritize. I had calendars everywhere - in my purse, in my planner (which made it have 2, but that is what worked for me), in my car and at work. On my lunch breaks I studied. I didn't sleep much; I would have clinicals until midnights on Tuesday and have to be up at 530 to get to work on Wednesday. I didn't get very many A's, but B's were not out of the question. Partner up with another student or two and make study guides for the exams - that was one of my saving graces. Good luck, and you *can* do this!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's scarey as I am in the same situation. I also have a niece that expects me to drop all to come help her with the new baby too, but refuses to come to me. Other than my husband, there has been very little understanding of my schedule from family. It's stressful to say the least and I feel they have alienated me for it. But most of my friends are in my cohort, so we get it and our social times revolve around flash cards. I'm also lucky to work nights where I can study when patients sleep. I'm ever conscious of call bells though and some nights my books don't get cracked open. But they are there to open on the occasion that I do have opportunity.I rarely take breaks because of this downtime allotted by sleeping patients but on days I am falling asleep standing up, I take my break and take a power nap.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I heard the same quote at the beginning of every semester. I graduated last May, worked full-time throughout, I've got three kids and I even had time for many things in my life other than work and school. Is it ideal? No. But, prioritize, manage your time and you will likely be fine. However, there were other people that couldn't handle that schedule, so I think it's just a blanket statement made in most programs. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in the same situation. Keep a planner and plan time to study and get assignments done. Most of all stay positive, if you think you can do it, then you can!! Keep you chin up and stay focused!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I worked 32 hours per week as an LPN/LVN at a nursing home while attending an RN completion program full time. When there's a will, there's usually a way.

BTW, the program director recommended that students not work during the program. This is a recommendation that is not rooted in the reality of today's nontraditional students who have obligations and bills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

did you work full time during your pre req's? if so you can most likely pull it off. you will have no life besides work and school but it can be done. I work full time and do just fine. in fact i was the only A in the class my first semester. my advice is dont watch any tv, and cary notecards in your pocket. you will be surprised how many opertunities you have to look at them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh please. While I will fully acknowledge the fact that nursing school is challenging, time consuming, and sometimes overwhelming... I do believe that when our instructors make these sweeping generalizations they are not telling us *facts*; they are just reveling in the glory of scaring the hell out of us. Like a superiority complex. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

^ what Rainbow said.

I heard plenty of this on the first day. I'm not letting it phase me. Don't let it phase you either! You gotta do, what you gotta do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are times during the semester where it won't be a problem but then there will be times where your grades will suffer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment