Work and Nursing School

Natny23 · May 19, 2009

Mrsb04- IMO I think you can do anything you really put your mind to. A year ago I would have never thought I would be going to school full time, working full time, and keeping life normal for my two little boys and husband. Just like everyone has said you HAVE to manage your time. It's not easy everyday and there are days I don't want to stay awake and do homework... But this was my choice so I get it done and keep looking for the finish line. I'm 29 and this last semester was the first time in my life that I got an A in school. All because I kept telling myself that this was my goal and I really wanted it. You'll be just fine. :yeah:

coffeeaftermidnight · May 21, 2009

Would it be advisable to get a laptop to bring to lecture? My hubby said he'd get me one if I would use it. Also, I always feel like I can type faster than write and possibly organize my info better if it's on my computer. And save some trees...I had a professor who did everything online and everyone was printing the slides off and taking them to class...what a waste of paper!!!

I'm more of a computer girl than a paper kind of girl; so I prefer to take my netbook to class. I have both a full size laptop and an Acer Aspire One netbook - the netbook is my fav laptop. It's very small (which I got used to quickly) and very lightweight. It was also the least expensive of my two machines. It was only $300 vs. my larger laptop that was $1500. They both do basically the same stuff when it comes to my school assignments - the netbook is just easier to carry around.

I have found it doesn't work well for math. I still need to write my notes for my Algebra class. However, it works perfectly for my Nutrition and Ethics classes and both my professors for those classes have all assignments online.

I'd be lost without my netbook. :)

JewelLee23 · May 21, 2009

I was in a similar situation when I took my preq's. I bartend at night and went to school during the day. I have two puppies and I live with my boyfriend. At the time he had shoulder reconstructive surgery and I worked an office job in addition to bartending. I will be perfectly honest... I don't miss those days! I made it through and start my clinicals this fall. My best advice would be to try and manage your time and pay close attention in class and understand that it won't be like this forever. Good luck to you!

NursingGeek · May 21, 2009

I dropped down to 30-32 hours per week in the nursing program when I started my clinicals. They advised us to only do 20 or fewer hours of work per week, but I had to keep health insurance for my kids.

I don't think I could have done it without a spouse that was so supportive though. Many days I did almost nothing around the house or with the kids. He really shared my goal though and was happy to help, and that is key. He was not resentful for me to have school obligations, so it didn't hurt our relationship.

I did it - and I got one of the top GPAs in my program. But everyone is different - many failed who didn't even work during the week. You just have to know what you can do.

mrsb04 · May 22, 2009

I feel a lot better! Thanks for all your support!!! YOU GO GIRLS!!! If you can do it with kids and working lots, I KNOW I can!! WAY TO GO!! It's very inspiring to hear your stories!!! I am definitely not as afraid as I was before. I am actually REALLY looking forward to starting school, as crazy as that sounds!!! Any advice on other helpful study tools and what not for doing well in the pre-req's???

Kringe38 · May 23, 2009

This is a very interesting discussion to me right now. I just got my acceptance letter for fall 2009 and am trying to figure out what to do. So many things to get done and figuring out what to do about work is one of them. When I went to the informational talk for the ADN program last year, they said you should definitely plan on NOT working while in nursing school. They said after your first semester you would be eligible to do some part time work at the hospital but that would be it. Just don't know what to do! What if I quit my job and then I flunk out of NS and have no job and no prospects? But what if I try to KEEP my job and THAT makes me flunk out of NS? I'd probably have to get my hours changed at work and not sure if TPTB would let me do that. I'd need to go to school during the day and work all night. Awg! I don't have kids so that's one worry I don't have but I also have no hubby to help out.