Got accepted into nursing school , any tips for working students ?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2012

sure. inherit a small fortune so you can quit your job.

seriously, though, nursing school is a huge commitment. you may find that working your regular hours will mean that you don't do as well as you need to at studying, or that you are totally neglecting too many of the quality of life things that make life bearable. leave yourself some wiggle room, have a plan b, think about how you could deal with life and a smaller paycheck for the chance of a better one down the road.

make new friends in school, support each other, study together (if that works for you-- some people study better alone), and rejoice in every little thrill. it's a great ride.

good luck! stay in touch!

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2012

learn how to sleep standing up. or develop really good time management skills. :)

ADAngel · Feb 2, 2012

I agree with GrnTea.. Make friends, you will be working with these people for the length of the program! Your fellow students will be a great resource and hey, you're now in the program so they are no longer your competition! As for working, it is doable but it is stressful. Some people have no choice but to work while in nursing school, I am struggling with this. I work as a server on the weekends and to supplement my lacking funds, I had to take out even more loans! So, if working becomes too much, don't let it affect your schooling. I would suggest finding grants or scholarships that you can use to supplement your income and try to cut down your schedule - loans are there as well, but those are not free! Good luck and congrats! We're almost there! I have 2 1/2 years left!

wtrang · Feb 5, 2012

Organize your time well and you'll do fine. Do not be lazy, get up early, have a plan and stick to it

theoj7 · Mar 10, 2012

It's only been a week and yes I see the struggle I'm feeling like a walking zombies

KTeacher2Nursing · Mar 12, 2012

I HAD to work through nursing school as a Full-time teacher and PRN Home Health Aide. I am single, live alone, and my closest family is over 4 hours away from the town that I lived in. My advice: if you have to work be prepared for long days, late nights, and stress. Looking back on it, I have no clue how I was able to do all of that and finish the program. However, I prayed on a daily basis, stayed up late studying, and 5 Hour energy became my friend.

When I first started the program I wanted to be like my classmates and shoot for high 90's on exams but mid-way through I was happy as long as my scores had an 8 in the 10's place. Im okay with being a B average student in the classroom however I made sure to excel in Clinicals since I am a hands on time person anyway.

So unless you are right out of high school, living with parents rent and bill free, and the only thing you have to do is go to school, trust me it is going to get harder before it gets easier. Find the schedule that works best for you. If you have to, you may have to even change jobs.

CruzanNurseRN, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2012

I'm in the same boat. Just got accepted to nursing school, I start in April and I have to work. I'm going to be done in a 1 1/2 years I know it's going to be hard, but I just got a job at a local hospital and the nurse mangager knows I'm starting school and allows self scheduling. So i'm just gonna pray and hope I can juggle both. GOOD luck Theoj7!!