Working while in nursing program?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Is it wise to work while in the nursing program? I realize everyone's different, but is there anyone with experience who can offer the pros and cons?

Specializes in Operating Room.

I am someone who doesn't have to work and I am attending a 2 year accelerated BSN program but most of the people in my class have their own apartments, families, wives/husbands to feed so they have no choice but to work either full time or part time jobs. In my case I had a part time job before for the first full year of nursing school all the way through summer session II. Then I lost my job and I spent more time studying and focusing to keep my grades up. I find that not having a job leaves me with more time to study and focus on the necessary work for school. On the other hand, I am looking for work now in local hospitals as a nursing attendant/associate and/or PCA to help get hands on experience and to secure work after school

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I don't work. I have three kids and for financial reasons I really should work, but I just can't bring myself to. I would never see my kids and hubby and I know my grades would suffer - as would my mental health.

There are a few people in my class who wok and they amaze me. Wonderwomen(and wondermen) :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have no choice. I've worked 25+ hours a week to pay for nursing school and my bills. It's a struggle and I but off more than I could chew during a couple semesters. Just so what you think you can so. Many jobs work well with students schedules and can help you by giving you less or more hours. My best advice is to look ahead at your schedule and request off work or request less hours on weeks you have a test coming up or a busy week. That way you aren't stressed trying to do it all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry iPhone autocorrected a lot of my post!! Grr ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anything is possible if your heart is in it. I was a full time athlete and I worked a job on campus while I was a full time nursing student. You just need to make sure your employer or other commitments are willing to be flexible when nursing school demands pile up...and they will. There will be days you need to take a mental health day!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Anything is possible if your heart is in it. I was a full time athlete and I worked a job on campus while I was a full time nursing student. You just need to make sure your employer or other commitments are willing to be flexible when nursing school demands pile up...and they will. There will be days you need to take a mental health day!

I will add that I was also in a BSN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This past semester was my first semester of RN school (associate) and I worked full time. Now I've worked as a PCT in an CCU at the local hospital for the past 8 years so I work 3 12 shifts (every single weekend and then one day during the week, depending on my school schedule). I'm also a mom to two kids. My husband is also very supportive and takes a lot of the responsibility with the house and kids while I am in school. I don't really have choice in working because I carry health insurance for the family. It's possible you have to stay on top of your schedule and your assignment. As much as I tried to stay one step ahead I couldn't buy I never once fell behind or missed any assignments.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't have a choice but to work. I work FT Mon - Friday 9am -5pm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Whoops sorry. Anyway, it's difficult but doable. My biggest complaint is that it's taking me so long because I can only take one nursing process at a time

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CRRN.

It is totally doable. I worked full time while working on my AS degree. I worked full time while working on my BSN degree. Now I am in grad school, I am still working full time. Although, I will probably go down to PRN when I start my advanced clinicals. The trick is to get your employee to work with you. Let them know that you are wanting to better educate yourself and they will probably help you out and even pay for some of it. Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't work..I feel like I should but its just too much for me. My mom says I should stay home

and study because she would be upset if my grades started to slip because I wanted

some pocket money :/

I figure I will pay her back for housing me when I finish nursing school and land a job. ^^]

Your mom is right! If you have that type of support at home than it's okay not to work! The money you would be making now is nothing like the money you will make later. Just stay focus and keep hitting those books! GOOD LUCK!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Has anyone ever worked while completing an accelerated BSN program?

I did. My program was 2 nights a week with clinicals every other weekend, so I worked at least 24-30 hrs a week. I also made my own schedule, so I was able to schedule around lecture days, tests, and clinicals, since there was a flexibility to have weekday clinicals. I started in August 2009, finished December 2011. Completed my bachelor requirements by March, Graduated in May, Licensed in June.

I had no choice but to work. Even though I had no children, I have a mortgage, and financial aid DID NOT pay the bills. I finished the program with a 2.89 average, which I am proud of :) .

I start my new grad job in February.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment