Working while in school?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 17, 2015

Hi there Rosie!

There are a couple of factors that will probably dictate whether you can work while in school. First of all, you'll need to find a job that can flex to accommodate your school schedule because nursing school is not flexible at all. There are very specific requirements that have to be met & basically no 'forgiveness' for being tardy or missing a clinical day.

The other big factor is your own learning ability. Some people have no problem keeping up with everything and ace all of their assignments and tests - while others have to put forth quite a bit of effort. If you're one of the fortunate former group, you won't have a problem juggling work and school. But if you're one of the majority of students that falls into the latter category, it may be difficult to work and keep up with school. This is something you're going to have to determine for yourself.

TexasRosiee90 · Sep 17, 2015

Hi there Rosie!
There are a couple of factors that will probably dictate whether you can work while in school. First of all, you'll need to find a job that can flex to accommodate your school schedule because nursing school is not flexible at all. There are very specific requirements that have to be met & basically no 'forgiveness' for being tardy or missing a clinical day.
The other big factor is your own learning ability. Some people have no problem keeping up with everything and ace all of their assignments and tests - while others have to put forth quite a bit of effort. If you're one of the fortunate former group, you won't have a problem juggling work and school. But if you're one of the majority of students that falls into the latter category, it may be difficult to work and keep up with school. This is something you're going to have to determine for yourself.

Thank you! I am probably going to be part of the second group. I currently have a pretty easy job, although some days the stress level is high (everyone has those days) and I've talked to my boss about my nursing school plans. He is very supportive and says they will do anything they need to do to accommodate my class schedule if I want to continue working there. It's an archery shop, and this is Texas so I'm sure you know the all too important high stress hunting season sales! Lol I'm just thinking if it's a full day at school I will only want to come home and study and maybe eat. Lol thanks for your input!!

J-Shut · Sep 23, 2015

I was literally going to ask the same question! I would definitely like to have a job, but maybe I should wait to see what my nursing workload/time will look like. My other question was going to be whether it mattered what kind of job you got? Would it be more beneficial to get something within the medical field, or does that really matter at all? I've seen people hold some sort of desk job where they get to study the majority of the time.

TexasRosiee90 · Sep 24, 2015

I was literally going to ask the same question! I would definitely like to have a job, but maybe I should wait to see what my nursing workload/time will look like. My other question was going to be whether it mattered what kind of job you got? Would it be more beneficial to get something within the medical field, or does that really matter at all? I've seen people hold some sort of desk job where they get to study the majority of the time.

I pretty much decided I'm going to try to not work and commit myself to school full time. I don't really want to risk failing any classes because I'm trying to give 100% at work and also at school... I don't half-ass stuff so I can't just go to work and not be concentrated there because I'm worried about a test id rather be studying for. I'm lucky to have a supportive boyfriend who has a great job, and whose willing to support me while I follow this dream! We've talked about the possibility of me not working while in school.. We shall see!

devhrt12 · Sep 24, 2015

I was working 32hours sat/sun and my nursing classes were from mon-fri by the end of the second semester I quit my job and saw improvement in my grades. It's your decision to either work while in school. The program suggests the student not work but life happens. A classmate of mine almost got fired for being late every Friday but she was able to work 3-12 hr shifts a week and was able to complete her nursing program. In the end it is still your choice and what you can handle. Best of success in your nursing studies.

barcode120x, RN, NP · Sep 24, 2015

It really comes down to you. I held 1 part time job and 1 per diem (totalled to about 36 hours per week) and did GE classes before nursing (though, both of those jobs were pretty easy/chillax). Throughout nursing school, I held 1 per diem job (one 12-hour shift per week) and did totally fine all through nursing school. I've had classmates that were working night shift/weekend shifts full-time + families + nursing school. Being a parent alone is a full time job (props to all you parents!). So yeah, it just comes down to what you've experienced in the past. If you're young, no kids, part time job, I think it'll totally be doable with nursing school. You can always quit your job when things get rough and focus on nursing school.