Working and NP school

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jan 8, 2008

That can get really tough since you have two young kids. I also took 6 credits during my first semester of NP school. It was a theory course and Pharmacology. I also worked 3 12's on the nightshift. But I had no kids to worry about and that was tough for me. The classes were not on-line so that does add another dimension. However, even though your classes are on-line, I am pretty sure you will need to devote the same amount of uninterrupted time for each course which means you can't log on and do your classes while at work or while watching the kids. Maybe drop a course and see how you do with just one 3 credit course for now. Then, assess later if you can add another course next semester. This is how I would do it but the final decision is still up to you.

Just a reminder though that the second year will be tougher because you'll have to squeeze in clinical time. That's when most people saved up their CTO's and took vacation time to meet their clinical hours.

7starbuck7 · Jan 8, 2008

I am actually doing the program over 3 years, so clinical will come in that 3rd year. Right now I am taking Theory and Leadership. I planned on taking the summer off and taking Research and my elective in the Fall. Ugh! I may take Research in the summer to get it over with. I don't want to take 5 years to do this...but I don't want to have a nervous breakdown either:)

Thanks

D

kare321 · Jan 9, 2008

I quit working once I started my NP program. I am at a great school from which I received unexpected financial support. Some of my classmates have gone part time or weekends and it seems to work better for them. When clinical rotations start many have taken a leave of absence. Some have taken positions as GSI's to offset the cost of tuition. I have also taken several online classes, the difference between online and traditional is in the writing. The expectation of the online class is the ability to master computer skills, APA and staying tuned into the class-log in often. I love online classes, for me it was less work than traditional class with the added benefit of access to course material 24/7, which is a best fit I think for working moms. (Many a night in my pj's after the kids went to bed) Good luck to you, I am sure you will find balance for what works best for you and your family.

RuralNP4KIDS · Jan 9, 2008

I am doing a PNP program (online) and working 5 days/week as a director of Maternal Child Health. I had 8 credits last semester and I have 9 this semester. After this semester it will get lighter. I am married and have 3 kids. It is not easy. I do my clinical time in 2 half days. PM on Mondays and AM on Wend. I can also pick up evening hours if I need to. The light at the end of the tunnel and coffee/tea are what drives me. I will finish spring 2009. This is a post masters thing so I really just want to be done! This semester is pharm, peds lecture, and clinical.

Kathy

emtneel · Jan 15, 2008

I worked full time (32 hours) 2, 12's and 1, 8. some days some nights.. They worked pretty good with my schedule, but the nights really screwed things up sometimes.

i went to school full-time, like really full-time. took me 7 semesters and i took 10-13 credits a semester (except summer only like 5) with clinicals and work it was CRAZY.

Took me 7 semesters 2.5 yrs to finish going FULL-time. i just graduated dec.14th. and it is so nice to have a life again. i did an accelerated program (50credits in 1 yr, 3 semesters) before i directly started grad school.

I am exhausted.

I have no kids. And just just bought myself a puppy for graduation now i have time to take care of her.

i would take a bunch of online classes if you can. Also my work (peds unit) i was able to do a LOT of homework, papers, reading at work esp. during night shift. So that's what i would recommend.

Neelia

LA5616226 · Jan 17, 2008

It's doable. Get you a calender and make a schedule of what has to be read and done on each day. I work 3 12 hr shifts in ICU (I recover Open Hearts) taking 6 hours of classes and have a 3 yr old.

lifelong · Jan 19, 2008

I have to agree, it is doable, but tough at times. I am fulltime and banked most of the classes, this term, I am taking pharm and then start clinicals fulltime. I will graduate November 2008. Next week, I switch from 3-12 hrs to weekend option I work in CVICU and recover hearts also. My reason for doing this is I still have healthcare benefits, tuition reimbursement, provide a little financial support to the homestead and get through clinicals. I have 3 kids (14, 13, 9) all with after school events/sports you know all the fun stuff. My husband is awesome but at this time, he makes considerably more than me...and we need to keep him at work and I get to do all the running. So weekends hopefully, will be a good fit, but Iwill miss having my down time on the weekends. Short-term...looking to the future.

Hope this helps.

nurseaboveboard · Jan 19, 2008

I took a power weekend position. This freed me up Mon-Fri. Prior to this I worked Mon-Fri in a family practice clinic that was 250 steps from my door! Man, I wish I had that job back!

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jan 21, 2008

I am taking 6 classroom-based credits this semester, (3hrs on Mondays, 3 on Wednesdays) while working 3 7p-7a night shifts a week (Thu/Fri/Sat). Luckily I self-schedule at work, and there's always someone who will switch a Saturday night for a Sunday. I don't have kids, but do keep a social life. I plan on going per-diem this fall when my credits jump to 8-9 and clinicals start. I will have to work as much as possible and buy my own health ins, but at least I can work days with no shift requirements.

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 21, 2008

I am taking 6 classroom-based credits this semester, (3hrs on Mondays, 3 on Wednesdays) while working 3 7p-7a night shifts a week (Thu/Fri/Sat). Luckily I self-schedule at work, and there's always someone who will switch a Saturday night for a Sunday. I don't have kids, but do keep a social life. I plan on going per-diem this fall when my credits jump to 8-9 and clinicals start. I will have to work as much as possible and buy my own health ins, but at least I can work days with no shift requirements.

Good idea Steve, i am doing the clinical portion of my FNP program, I am almost done with the adult portion and I have cut back to working 24 hrs per week in either 3 eight hour shifts or two 12 hr shifts. I use the free time to study, review and relax or exercise. On top of that I am in the Army Guard, so that takes away a weekend.

efy2178 · Jan 22, 2008

I also posted this on the grad student forum..but I know a lot of NP students hang out here...
I am curious to know how many hours you worked or are working during your NP program?
I am starting an Adult NP program, I am taking 6 credits (online) and working 3 night 12s. I also have two young kids (ages 6 and 3). Just getting organized and started this week I am completely overwhelmed. I am thinking I need to go to weekends or drop a class.
Any thoughts/experience/advice?
Thanks
D

I am in the same boat. I made my program into a 3 year instead of a 2 year. I work 1/2 time and I have 2 boys aged 8 and 10. I started with 6 semester hours last year. I also work 1/2 time in a cardiology clinic in another city. It is doable and very daunting at first. But you will develop a way to get it done and it will not be so bad. Hoepfully, you have asupportive spous who can help with the kids or you will learn to do on-line studying when the kids are asleep.

Time flies when you are in school so hang in there!