Nursing school and working PT???

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2012

While attending an RN completion program, I worked 32 hours per week as an LVN at a nursing home. I worked two 16 hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday, and had Monday through Friday off. I attended school every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

I needed to work because I am a single female with no spouse, boyfriend, or anyone to assist me financially with my bills. Many people will say that nursing school is so hard, but it really was not that difficult for me. Some people will tell you that you cannot work and attend school at the same time, but I'm here to tell you that it can be done.

bigsick_littlesick · Oct 27, 2012

While attending an RN completion program, I worked 32 hours per week as an LVN at a nursing home. I worked two 16 hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday, and had Monday through Friday off. I attended school every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
I needed to work because I am a single female with no spouse, boyfriend, or anyone to assist me financially with my bills. Many people will say that nursing school is so hard, but it really was not that difficult for me. Some people will tell you that you cannot work and attend school at the same time, but I'm here to tell you that it can be done.

I applaud you, Commuter! Good for you! It's gotta be tough knowing that it's all up to you and it's all on you but I think you already know how rewarding that feels :)

I completely agree with you (Commuter) that working while in nursing school is possible. I am working while in nursing school as well but as a med/surg CNA. I am per diem/on call which is actually nice because I can pretty much dictate how many hours I want to work in a pay period. This semester, I've been working 24-32 hrs q 2 weeks (I work 8 hr shifts).

I live with my fiancee who works at the same hospital but as a patient transporter (we work opposite shifts). I am so thankful that we both have jobs right now bringing in two incomes; California is just so crazy expensive to live in, I don't know if I could live out on my own.

To the OP, I think you could do it. If your grades start to falter or you feel you aren't getting enough study time, cutting down work hours might be a wise idea. You can do it! I still manage to get good grades so it's not like I'm skimming by either.

soxgirl2008 · Oct 27, 2012

It's definitely possible. I wouldn't suggest working FT but PT is definitely possible. I'm a CNA in a hospital also starting clinicals in January and I will be working part time as well (20-24 hours a week). I know it'll be hard and I'll have to manage my time well, but it has to be done since I can't afford not to work.A lot of the RNs I work with worked through school, and many of my co workers are in clinicals as well. I know a few who even worked up to 32 hours a week! I definitely would not recommend that as they said it was incredibly stressful, but it goes to show you that it IS possible

jennannwarren · Oct 27, 2012

It is possible! I work 30 hours a week and am taking 5 classes, which includes a lab and a clinical. Time management is key. Taking a little extra time in the beginning of the semester to organize your classes and assignments is a huge help. I also have kids and a husband at home as well. I have managed to maintain an A average. Anything over 30 hours would be difficult though, as the homework load is huge.

kay_bee · Oct 27, 2012

I am in my last semester of an ADN program (47 days until pinning to be exact! :) ) and I have worked the entire time. I couldn't afford not too. We are definitely a 2 income household. I am married with 3 children. Work 8 1/2 hours Monday - Thursday, have class Mon, Tues, and Thur night, and clinical all day Friday. The weekends are my study time. In an ideal world, I would not have worked b/c I feel like my classmates that don't work definitely have that edge of study time; and while I no longer have the 4.0 that I came into the program with, I have never been in danger of failing and I am ok with that.

Good luck!

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Oct 27, 2012

Very possible and doable.. I worked 3 PT jobs, FT nursing school, married with 3 children..

Ash81386 · Oct 27, 2012

I think this just depends on the individual person! I worked as a PCT for only 8 hrs a week for 2 of the yrs and was ok. But senior year came along and knocked me on my bottom! I always felt faced with "should I go to work today, or work on my log/hw?" I found myself calling into work on the only day I worked. I would've stayed, had they been more flexible with my hours. I was working till midnight & taking tests the very next morning & not doing well. Anyway, that's just me. Some people are able to make As without lifting a finger and some have to work HARD for Bs & Cs. A girl in my class has a son and works 2 jobs, and I think she is actually an A- high B student.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2012

Well at least your husband works right? Í think yr husband should do the sacrifice and pick up a parttime job or add some hours onto his shift, and you work the minimum hours possible for just the first semester, from what I read first semester is most difficult and you can add hours later as you get into second semester. If care for kids and paying for daycare will not pay for itself with 2nd job then your husband getting a second job probably wont work. For me I think school is more important for you guys in the long term. If finances is a problem , its safer to add "managable" student loans considering projected increase in income once you complete schooling. At least your situation is not as bad as mine. I'm male, the only one working, we got 2 kids my nursing interview is next week, I got no idea how im going to do this and pay our mortage and other bills...men will always worry about finances.

In the mean time, cut bills that you can cut. We been 2 years without cable tv, just keep internet for school and get netflix and look for other bills you can cut. this might sound old fashonied but over the air antennas acutally pick up free local HD channels now, the picture is clear if you got a good antenna and a digital receiver. Most tvs shows are online now anyways. Next Cut the homephone get nettalk.com Next Chop your electric bill and get a timer for your water heater, you can get those at homedepot or have it profesionally installed ,our water heater only comes on about 4 times in a day, a total of 2 hours, and we dont run out of hot water, and you will see you electric drop by about $25-50/month I'm not exagerating.

As for working your school days off...keep one of those days free you will need it to keep your sanity...lol

kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 28, 2012

Search is your friend

mysquirrel · Oct 29, 2012

I am working and going to nursing school full time. I use my time wisely! It is hard but I make time for school, work and my social life...not much of one...lol! Everyday, I try to study an hour at least to review my notes. My job is demanding and frustrating at times. My social life is slim to none but try to go out once in a great while so I can unwind. Keep focus and know it will pay off in the end! Hard work will get you far and people will see that! Good luck to all my nursing students!

mom2ccg · Oct 29, 2012

Absolutely it is possible. I work full time as a CNA in a hospital on the weekends (nights) and have managed to make A's in my nsg classes. As someone has said, time management is key and lots of support from hubby. I actually think my job has helped me with school. I actually think that my job helps me relate things that are learned in class.

Hope that helps and good luck!!