Working while in school?

MommaTy · May 17, 2013

I just got a job offer as a PCT on the infant's and children's unit at the hospital near me. It's only part time 7p-7:30a (2 nights a week). I start the ADN program this fall. I know lots of nursing students who work either part time or per diem during the nursing program. They did well. I guess it all depends on how much you get the material. But the nurses are really helpful and at night studying is able to be done for at least a couple of those hours. So, I guess I will let you know how it goes. I have 5 kids so I have to work and do school. I did pre-reqs and worked and I didn't have a problem, but those aren't as intense!

hodgieRN · May 17, 2013

You have to balance your work and how much you need to study. I worked 8 hr shifts during the week in the beginning. I just went to school in the morning and then worked at the hospital until 11 at night. For the last part of school, I worked on the weekends and spent the week studying or going to class. The girl I dated at the time worked as a waitress when she went to nursing school. See if you can work as prn or part-time and your work hrs might be more flexible.

sharon4248 · May 18, 2013

I am working PRN and using student loans.

danielle11 · May 18, 2013

I have worked part time since I started my BSN program 2 years ago (1 year left!) and have always managed well. I usually work 2 days per week, for a total of 12-16 hours a week which is a good amount for me. Working during NS is very doable, you just need to manage your time wisely and you will do fine!

Baubo516, RN · May 18, 2013

The program I am in recommends working no more than 8 hours per week while in the actual nursing classes. I am working 16 hours a week - weekends only. (2 8-hr shifts every weekend.) I have class Tuesday through Friday (looks like it will be Mon-Fri next fall) and I use the weekdays to do schoolwork and study. On the weekends I pretty much just work. It has been tough having only one "real" day off per week (Mondays) but I did well in my classes. Classmates who work more than 2 days a week have struggled. I have taken out loans to help pay living expenses while I am in school. I don't have any kids but I am married and my husband and I have a house that we bought before I changed careers.... I also have to try to keep him happy so he will continue to be supportive, so being less poor (because I take out loans) helps with that!

rkretzma · May 18, 2013

I am getting ready to start my last semester for my BSN in the fall. I worked full time the entire time I went to school. If you need to work while you are in school it is important to be organized and have good time management skills so that you don't fall behind. Keep up on your school work and remember that school comes first!

MorganB · May 19, 2013

I am a second semester nursing student in an adn program. It truly just depends. The reality is that people have to work. There were people in our program that worked 40-60 hours per week believe it or not. Many were mothers who worked full time in addition to completing the program. Bills don't stop because you're in nursing school. The key is organization. I will work full time and attend school full time in addition to my 3 children. People do it in our program all the time though we are warned to work less than 20 hours a week. The vast majority of us have prior degrees, and are older so perhaps that helps. Bottom line it can be done just know your limits.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · May 19, 2013

People do it and get through it. It won't be particularly fun, but if it's what you've got to do, then that's that.

My roomie worked nights as a tele tech while we were in school. She was insane. She'd go to work overnight, go to class, and then come home and sleep for 12 hours before clinicals the next day. She was certifiable and caffiene-dependant, but she did it.

tigerlogic · May 19, 2013

There's a balance of how smart you are, how organized you are, and how well you can manage your perfectionism. And there's what type of program you're in. I'm working one 12hr noc in an AcBac program and my classmates and instructors think I'm crazy. But I get it all done quite well. The overload also means I don't see friends much or cook much. It contributed to breaking up with the bf.

It's worth it to me for the experience, networking and reduced reliance on loans, but everyone's different.

energy423 · May 19, 2013

I'm starting ADN in the Fall, and I just started a great CNA job ( believe it or not.) The money is amazing; however, the hours vary and some are over nights. Since its home care and my client sleeps most of the night, I could try studying then, but I tend to get really drowsy reading in the wee hours. I am really curious as to how it will work out, but worse comes to worse I can get a loan to manage... I wish everyone the best of luck

rubato, ASN, RN · May 19, 2013

I've successfully completed my first year of nursing school. Almost everyone worked prn while in nursing school, but some (maybe10-15) worked full time. We even had one woman who worked full time overnights, went to nursing school full time and had 3 children (I still don't know how she did it).

It can totally be done. However, you will need to be very organized, on top of things, and proactive. You will also have to give things up, like a clean house, or a social life or exercising regularly.

As far as your co-worker and your current situation, it doesn't sound like it will accommodate your school, so you'll probably have to try to find a different shift or something.