Working throughout a NP program?

TJFRN · May 25, 2011

I'm in a FNP program and I believe I'll have to leave my job once I begin clinicals. I currently work four 8/HR shifts (10/HR most days) with no weekends or holidays. I am either going to take time off or take a pool position so that I'm not locked into any hrs or days. I figured going back to an ER would be the best bet. My husband & I will have to tighten the belt for the next year & half but it can be done. I rather do that then stress over school. I wish you luck & whatever you choose to do will probably be best for you & your family.:)

missvictoriat · May 27, 2011

I don't have children, but I worked full time through most of my program. I also worked 7p-7a every friday, saturday and sunday. I did clinicals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, school on Thursdays and homework whenever I could fit it in (one of the benefits of nights is that I could often find time to read a bit). My boss was nice enough to let me take a vacation day or two each schedule and that made a HUGE difference. Just a day to catch up on laundry and life in general :) You've made it this far, so I know you'll do great in the program as well! Good Luck!

This is an excellent idea. I don't have any children either and I work nights too. I plan to attend grad school in the fall for FNP. And this is an good game plan to work every FRI, SAT & SUN, clinicals on TUES & WEDS & school on THURS. I hope I can align my schedule this way, though, when I begin....

Le-Lee_FNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 30, 2011

I agree with the above poster that your child will be less likely to remember you being in school when she is so young. however if you were to wait til she is older, you'd be likely to miss more of her life such as school activities etc. You may be the one that feels like you missed out on moments of when she was a baby because that time flies. If you can get over your own guilt, I think you will be fine and your child wont be affected at all. I am going into my second semester of full time FNP program. I have an 8 year old and a 5 year old. I work part-time however I do have a very supportive husband that is our primary bread winner and my mom also lives with us which is a big help! I went to nursing school after I had both my kids. My daughter was a baby and my son was 3. Nursing school was more time consuming to me than NP school. Then again maybe I will feel differently once I start clinicals. Good luck. I definately say get school out of the way as quick as you can so you can reap the benefits sooner and move on with your life!

foxyhill21 · Jun 20, 2011

I was accepted into FNP school, I'm pregnant and have a 2 yr old. I currently work 4-10's, no weekends or hoildays. I'm thinking about not working or maybe doing home health. I personally will not be able to work full time, raise a 2yr and a newborn and go to school part-time. I think mentally I will be exhausted.

mljalloh · Jul 13, 2011

Congrats on your baby girl! You have received a wealth of information from posters', and I will echo just a couple things. I am a single mother of two (9&13), attend FNP school FT and work FT (3/12's), it is hard but doable, with prayer and focus. You have got to realize that your life will be in a triangle (family, school, work), anything or one that does not fit inside this triangle must be put on hold until you finish. Good luck to you and God bless!

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

Very difficult to work during program. I have to work now due to increase in the cost of gas and food. I am going to be working agency starting next week. I am very worried about learning my way around a new hospital .....and taking full time coursework.

missvictoriat · Jul 21, 2011

I just met with my advisor and since I will be working FULL TIME (3 twelve hour shifts) then I should go to school part time. I will be working FRI/SAT/SUN and going to school and studying the rest of the week. I think this is doable. We shall see.