Should I work weekends during nursing school?

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Hi, so I'm wondering what people on here think about working during nursing school? If you did, how did you manage it? How did you fit in time for studying? I'm thinking about working as a CNA on the weekends. I've heard several people say that you should stay away from working in nursing school, if you can help it. I don't need to work, but I would like to, so I can gain experience and also have my foot in the door when I graduate.

Growing up, I was always a quick reader (always finished reading assignments/tests before my peers) but in college, I've found myself taking like an 1-2 hours to read a chapter (maybe more, depending on the material). It's not that material is challenging, I guess I just subconsciously enjoy taking my time to read and I'm also trying to digest the material (connect the dots, remember terms/names, which I'm not the best at) in one go. I'm not sure what to expect of nursing school.

Does working weekends sound reasonable? Or will I most likely need the weekends to catch up on reading and studying?

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In my opinion, I would wait after your first semester to make that decision. When I started nursing school it was at the beginning where I was struggling because studying for nursing school is different from other classes because schools nowadays focus on the NCLEX and having a high passing rate, thus, really focus on NCLEX style questions. It takes a while to get a good handle on that and if you don't need to work I would focus on grasping the fundamentals of nursing school. Plus usually after the first semester you can work as a CNA without having to get a CNA certification (at least in my state).

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In my opinion, I would wait after your first semester to make that decision. When I started nursing school it was at the beginning where I was struggling because studying for nursing school is different from other classes because schools nowadays focus on the NCLEX and having a high passing rate, thus, really focus on NCLEX style questions. It takes a while to get a good handle on that and if you don't need to work I would focus on grasping the fundamentals of nursing school. Plus usually after the first semester you can work as a CNA without having to get a CNA certification (at least in my state).

Thanks for your input. I think that's probably the best route- wait until after I start my 1st semester of school so I can gage how my own studying and learning abilities will work.

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I would not recommend working unless you absolutely have to.

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If you don't have to then don't. I'm starting nursing school this Fall and I have to work. I did quit my full time job but I found an amazing part time job that allow me to work like 4 hours (8 hours on Sunday) on the weekends. So if you can find a job that allows you to still study and have a life outside school then take it!

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Specializes in Ortho.

If you don't have to work just focus on doing your best in your classes. Maybe closer to graduation you could consider applying for a healthcare position just to get your foot in the door. Best of luck!

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I would also suggest waiting until you finish fundamentals and then becoming a CNA. When I was in my BSN program I worked 2-3 12 hour shifts a week. I had friends who worked as CNAs or Unit Secretaries while they were in the program and they all did really well through school. In fact, I think it can be not only an advantage when job hunting post-NCLEX, but it'll help you through nursing school to work with nurses and other health care professionals. You're able to become more comfortable in a healthcare setting and you're given opportunities to witness and become more familiar with the nursing process/nursing skills/nursing interventions.

Plus if you work nights like I did as an LVN you can find plenty of time to study at work when its slow :).

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