Working in Nursing School--is it possible?

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Hi All--

I'm posting on behalf of a friend. She's in her mid-20s and has been putting herself through community college pre-req classes by working midnights and taking 10-12 credits per semester.

She'll soon tranfer into an accredited college where she'll go through a traditional three-year nursing program. She's had a hard time saving up for this and is concerned about having to take out loans for living expenses on top of loans for tuition and books. She doesn't have family who can help her financially and is wondering whether she will be able to work during this period. Scholarships and grants will cover some of her school expenses, but she needs to bring in at least some money for the basics: rent, food, etc. She also wants to avoid being in a big debt hole when she graduates.

Is working during nursing school possible, or is the curriculum so intense that it precludes work? Also, at what points can nursing students start utilizing some of the skills they've picked up in school to earn a decent wage in a health-care environment?

My friend's working very hard and I know she'll make it, but any insight you might have would ease her mind and be a big help. Thank you!

I worked midnight to six am in radio as a DJ, then went to school during the day. I was so sleep deprived that I drove my car into the side of a convenience store on my way to buy a cup of coffee! :bluecry1: Broke my nose and the car needed a new radiator, but the stitches on my face impressed the scholarship committee I face the following day; they gave me a full scholarship, so at least my tuition/books/uniforms were paid for. My final year in nursing school my husband went to jail for four months and I had to work extra to manage without his income. My class voted me "least likely to graduate on time" and I think they were pretty shocked when I succeeded! :balloons:

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I worked midnight to six am in radio as a DJ, then went to school during the day. I was so sleep deprived that I drove my car into the side of a convenience store on my way to buy a cup of coffee! :bluecry1: Broke my nose and the car needed a new radiator, but the stitches on my face impressed the scholarship committee I face the following day; they gave me a full scholarship, so at least my tuition/books/uniforms were paid for. My final year in nursing school my husband went to jail for four months and I had to work extra to manage without his income. My class voted me "least likely to graduate on time" and I think they were pretty shocked when I succeeded! :balloons:

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Thanks, everyone, for these thoughtful responses. I've referred my friend to this thread for advice and inspiration. Seems like the general answer here is: "Yes, you can work in nursing school, but it ain't fun!"

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Yes you can but I wouldnt suggest full time or 12 hour shiifts either.

Again I will say it resturant work, server, cocktailing, bartenting is quick easy money.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

If it's any consolation, I'll be working while doing clinicals too.

May cut back some depending on how it goes.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I haven't decided if I will try to work during nursing school. Probably not, as I don't work now. But I will probably try to work as a CNA over the summer if I'm not taking a course.

A hospital near me has a student nurse extern program during summers. It's a hospital I would love to work at after I graduate, so I may look into that for next (2005) summer. That would be a sweet deal! :)

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.
I worked midnight to six am in radio as a DJ, then went to school during the day. I was so sleep deprived that I drove my car into the side of a convenience store on my way to buy a cup of coffee! :bluecry1: Broke my nose and the car needed a new radiator, but the stitches on my face impressed the scholarship committee I face the following day; they gave me a full scholarship, so at least my tuition/books/uniforms were paid for. My final year in nursing school my husband went to jail for four months and I had to work extra to manage without his income. My class voted me "least likely to graduate on time" and I think they were pretty shocked when I succeeded! :balloons:

WOW!!! I'm glad you're okay! What a way to get a scholarship! They probably thought they'd heard everything too. :chuckle

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I probably would moon the people that voted me "least likely to graduate on time" right on graduation day.

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

One of my classmates works 12 hours shifts, full time in the nearby prison and attends our full time program. He does get a bit tired occasionally on his first day in clinicals as he's coming off a 12 hours shift from the previous night. And he's got a child. But he's pulling one of the highest grades in the class, so it can be done.

I'm somewhere in the middle of our class, grade-wise. I have 2 small children who are NOT self sufficient, work 24 hours a week in the hospital, and am in school Mon-Thurs all day long. It sucks and I hate that I never seem to have time for ME, but I know it's only temporary. Oh, and I HATE the weight I've gained!!! I waited tables for 10 years prior to nursing school and all that running around really kept the weight off. I would NEVER go back to waiting tables, but I do miss the smaller sized me!!!

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Specializes in Bone Marrow Transplant.

Well, I'm working in nursing school, but I only work on the weekends. The key is find an employer that is willing to work with you, and don't take "no" for an answer because school comes first.

Good Luck

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