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 HIV, Psych, GI, Hepatology, Research.

I start my bridge next month and will work full time while doing so. It's a online/evening/weekend hybrid program that's part time so it's 18months which makes it more doable than some programs. I worked through the last 6 months of my LPN program. It's not easy but having a job where you have flexibility helps. I am choosing to stay in the LPN position I am in now in a doctors office due to flexibility and I've been there a year so they are very willing to work with my schedule as need be. I got called to interview at a better paying and larger organization with great benefits at the same time I was accepted to school again but choose not to make that change at the same time I start school. I think it's in my best interest at this point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't have a choice. I have to work 30 hours a week in order to afford rent and school costs. If you can manage not to work, then that is ideal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I work in a hospital, so I have the luxury of 12 hour shifts. I am not quite in nursing school but am taking per reqs which most nursing schools have included in their program. I will continue to work through nursing school and work with many nursing students. If I had a choice I wouldn't work but we need my income. It all boils down to what you have to do. 3 12s a week leaves me with 4 days to attend classes and study. Most of the time I don't have time to do school work at work but occasionally I'll have a light assignment and can get some done. It can be done, grades will suffer a bit and you won't have a life but ya gotta do what you gotta do. Best of luck to you.

"No day but today"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CRRN.

I agree with that. If you can not work, of course you should not. I had a child when doing my AS degree.At that Time my husband was in schools too. During my BS degree, I had two kids. Although my husband is wonderful and made a good income as a engineer, our bills still required me to work. That is due to us buying a nice home and cars. The post was can you work and my response was yes. If you do not have to work, of course you shouldn't. It would make life so much simpler.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I start my ASN program Friday (OMG!!!) and I don't have to work, but I do have 5 children to take care of, as well as a house and piles and piles of laundry, cook dinner, etc. My husband works from home and has a very good job, but he is ALWAYS working so can't help out much. However, it's nice to have him home in case a kiddo gets sick and can't go to school, since I won't be able to stay home. IT's going to be a hard road, but I think it'll be okay...I'm hoping!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Internal Medicine.

It depends on you! I know some students who have graduated from my program and worked fulltime with children, but they were married and had help. I have more help now, but was a single parent I worked high part time (busy job with projects and dealines), school fulltime, and have a 7 year old with special needs. I don't know how I made it through with an 89%, but I did. You can make it. I feel for your situation because I also have to work because bills need to get paid. You just have to start and feel it out and adjust as bumps in the road come up. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment