How much should I work when I'm in the Nursing Program?

[tophthegoph]

Hey everyone. I am currently trying to finish up my pre-reqs to get on the waiting list for the ADN program. I recently moved back home to live cheaper while I'm in school, but I'm very tempted to move back to where I was. Right now I only have to work part time, and I know that I could handle a full time job with the two classes I'm taking this semester, but from what I've heard about the nursing program you should try to work as little as possible if at all. I was just wondering how many of you students in the program are working full-time or part-time, and how you are handling school along with work. Should I move back in with my friends or make the sacrifice to live cheaper with mom and the evil step-dad?!Thanks for your advice.

[CarVsTree]

I worked full time while in NS. I had to for my family. If you can work part time, than work part time. Some students require more study time than others. Only you know what type of student you are.

Here's the thing if you move in with your friends. If you start working FT and find it is too much, then what? Also, if you live with your friends (I assume you're a young 20 something) you will be distracted by your friends AND working FT. This will make studying difficult.

Stay home with Mom & evil Step-Dad. Is he really that evil???

[BlondieRN09]

Don't move back in with your friends. Make the sacrifice and continue to live with your parents. There will be some semesters that you can work more than others. If you can live cheap with your parents, take advantage of it... that way, if you're in a semester where you think you can't work at all, you don't really have to. But if you feel like you CAN work more, that's just extra money in your pocket. :)

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I'm currentally in my 4th semester of nursing school, just getting ready to start my specialty rotations. When I started school, I was working part-time and going to school part-time (I had transferred classes from community so I had a lighter load for the first two semesters). Then around the time I started being a full-time student (3rd semester), I started picking up more and more hours at work, eventually asking my boss to switch my status to flex full-time. With flex, I'm allowed to work 20-40 hours/week and still get full-time benefits. I typically work around 32 hours a week. Like others have said, I have had the few instructors that know how much I work say they don't know how I'm even passing my classes, how I can't be studying, etc. Yet I've passed every class so far. However, if you can get away with working less, it would be ideal. Oh, I guess I should add that I'm dependent on my hours now in order to pay my rent and bills, so it would be hard for me to cut back. I'm dreading what it's going to be like when I reach my ICU rotation next semester.

[lizzyberry]

I have kids and I could not work. When I did like 20 my grades started falling. Thats just me Im not working but I have two little ones. NOt working is best to make it!