Those who work FT and are Nursing Students...

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I am just wondering, how do you handle it?

I am taking a CMM class right now and have Micro in the Spring and I am hoping I get into the Fall 2007 program for Nursing at our school. I work Full-time and also have a 1 year old daughter (and a husband).

How do you handle it? Can you explain to me your schedule from day to day? Any advice?

I'm ok right now, but just worried about when the Nursing classes start next year.

Thanks,

Lori

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I don't have a life. I do school during the week and then generally work 3 12 hour shifts over the weekend.

A friend of mine goes to school morning/early afternoon and then works late afternoon/evening and does all of her homework on the weekend.

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

I don't work FT myself, but have classmates that do it. It's not easy for them.....something will end up having to give for you if you plan to attend nursing school and work FT. Whether that be time with your family, work, school, studying, or sleep (which is usually the first thing to go for everyone, working or not) will be completely up to you.

I wouldn't recommend it, no matter how much you need the pay/benefits. My girlfriend has virtually no life, has to work 3 12-hour night shifts each week plus we are in 15 credit hours of nursing courses. She manages, but she is also single with no children. I think the time you have to sacrifice with your family just to attend nursing school will be hard enough....add a full-time job in there and I predict that you will burn out WAY fast. It will most likely not be worth it, especially if you can get student loans to help you while in school.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

I don't recommend it either. I think that you should begin finding ways to cut back to the basic essentials NOW before you even start nursing...food, water, shelter, gas, and utilities! I did not work for my first two semesters, and have worked an avg of 24-32 hours a week for my next two semesters.

There were very few students in my class who worked full time that made it start to finish without having to repeat a semester...and the ones who did had an amazing support system.

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nursing school is a stressful situation at the very best..the more you add the harder it will be to get through..not impossible but if there is anyway you can swing try and get thru a couple of semesters w/o work

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Oh, I agree with those who don't recommend it.

If you are working so you can buy $200 shoes for a party next weekend I might rethink it.

I work for things like gas for 1982 subaru station wagon and food for my 3 kids. It's not always avoidable, and it is doable if you want to bad enough. Organization is a good thing.

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Oh, I agree with those who don't recommend it.

If you are working so you can buy $200 shoes for a party next weekend I might rethink it.

I work for things like gas for 1982 subaru station wagon and food for my 3 kids. It's not always avoidable, and it is doable if you want to bad enough. Organization is a good thing.

Thanks...you've given me a little hope.

Obviously I would not sacrafice time with my daughter and husband for a pair of $200 shoes for a party next week (not to mention there will be no times for parties!).

Nope, I work for the same reasons as you...I have things that NEED to be paid. If I could quit my job, I would and just move forward with Nursing...that would allow me much more time to study, spend with my family and just relax! It's not doable for my family, but I am still determined to make it through. I do have the support of my family (not only my DH, but also my mom and siblings). I think I will be ok...the hardest thing will be giving up time with my daughter, but I know in the long run it will be worth it. By the time I graduate she will be 3 1/2...not bad!

Thanks for your responses. I am praying that I can make it through as it will improve our lives and also I will be much happier at my job!

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I am in an accelerated BSN program and am working full time. It would be ideal to not have to work but unfortunately bills are bills and they need to get paid. The program is pretty intense and the amount of information covered is pretty extensive during lectures. I do the best that I can do. I neglect my husband but he knows that for right now my attention has to be on my studies. Maybe one day a week I will try and spend half a day with him but the majority is spent trying, emphasis on trying to catch up on reading. I have to say that studying is much easier for me in a program like this. I don't want to go onto that nursing floor having no clue what I am doing. I don't want to look stupid in front of the nurses, patient and my instructor. You sacrafice somethings right now, knowing that your future and your families future will be so much better. I have to say, though I work full time, I do spend time at work catching up on my papers where I can. GOOD LUCK and just about anything is doable if you have your mind set!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

Here are a few tips, since you must work:

Keep a family calendar with your hours of school (work in extra hours for study time in the library if you have small children). Also, plan ahead for meals...I usually put what each day's meal will be for an entire week, sometimes two...and if I am not home to start cooking, I tell hubby to do it. If you have teenagers, *gasp* they can cook dinner as well...just make sure that the meal/recipe is easy enough for them.

While you are at work, on break or at lunch...you can keep a stock of flashcards to study in your free time.

Assign chores to others in your house...even a small child can be given a little responsibility...like keeping their toys put away. Have a chart with stars...something visual...to keep them excited about it and make them feel like that job is important. Teenagers and Hubby are capable of laundry and ironing *gasp again*!

Keep reminding your family that getting you through school is a GROUP effort, and that the family as a group will reap the benefits when you finish. Keep them motivated about your progress so they feel like they are doing a successful job! Give praise often!

These are just a few tips! I hope they help. You said you had a very good support system, and that is a key to making it through school while working.

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I also appreciate the comments. I am not yet a nursing student but hoping to finish my pre-reqs in Spring and be in nursing school by Fall 2007. I have a young daughter to support and I know that not working is not an option. I know it is going to be very stressful, but I just pray that with my parents and husband along with countless other family members and friends I will make it. My daycare provider even said she would keep my child for free, as long as I am in school. How great is that?!!! That is one big bill I do not have to worry about. I hope I can just work 2 12's and "we" be okay. But if not, I must do what is in the best interest of my family. Right now that is focusing on putting us in a better decision 2 years down the road. I am excited for this journey, and just ask that you keep me in your prayers, and I will do the same. Good blessings!!

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I also appreciate the comments. I am not yet a nursing student but hoping to finish my pre-reqs in Spring and be in nursing school by Fall 2007. I have a young daughter to support and I know that not working is not an option. I know it is going to be very stressful, but I just pray that with my parents and husband along with countless other family members and friends I will make it. My daycare provider even said she would keep my child for free, as long as I am in school. How great is that?!!! That is one big bill I do not have to worry about. I hope I can just work 2 12's and "we" be okay. But if not, I must do what is in the best interest of my family. Right now that is focusing on putting us in a better decision 2 years down the road. I am excited for this journey, and just ask that you keep me in your prayers, and I will do the same. Good blessings!!

HI

I am a first year student, a single mom and I work full-time. It would be nice to not have to work, but I have no other options. IT is doable. It isn't awful, either. I am lucky that my work will allow me to go to school during the day and work on swingshift when I get out of school. I study at work on weekends and anyother time I can. I have given up every social activity except going to church on Sundays. It is only 2 very short years out of my life with the summer off in between! Like you said, Keep praying. I know that that is where I get the strength to do this!

Good luck!

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You can do this! I work full-time and go to school. Does your community have a 20-20 program at the hospital? You work 20 hours, get paid full time and go to school? I can't afford that as I am a single mom with a big mortgage. My kids are grown, youngest is 15, and they help out alot. You can do it! It is 2 very short years with the summer off in between. I have given up all social events and it is worth it! Study anytime you can get an extra minute!

Good luck

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