Working during AP BSN (not RN to BSN)

Nursing Students Texas (UTA)

Published

So those of us starting the Spring 2015 AP BSN cohort have just left our 2 day orientation on campus. I know they strongly suggested that we work no more than 16-20 hours a week during the 15 month program. However, I have heard of many working with some even managing fulltime employment. So, my question is for those in or who have completed the program. Did you work? if so how much?

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I haven't actually completed the program yet but here is what I have noticed so far for me....

I think it depends on if you have children or not... I know for me personally it sucks. I worked about 32 hours a week plus I have three kids and it about broke me. I am getting ready to start my second semester and have already planned to cut my hours back at work down to 24 hours a week. I did manage two Bs and an A the first semester, but it was a struggle and I cried to my husband A LOT! I am an A student and it was very hard to me to accept Bs as a final grade. There were several students last semester who did not work and managed all As and then there were others that did not have children but worked full time and made Cs ad Bs. Its doable, but it depends on how focused you can be and what else you have going on! I don't know if that helps you or not but just thought I would give you some insight!

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Specializes in ICU.

If you care about your grades, do the recommended hours. The program just get worse as you progress--time management was a killer for everyone. I graduated magna cum laude, and only found myself working 8hrs wk my last semester, if that.

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Thank you for your feedback! I do have kids and I am a single mom. I have help from my mom and am working to get my hours reduced to 25 - which is the minimum to keep benefits and insurance. I have a little flexibility and get to work from home (I am not in a medical profession now) a couple of days. I am pretty structured and focused but like you I am disappointed with Bs. I got a couple in my prereqs and have a 3.88 working full time and taking 9 hours at a time. So I am hoping fulltime school with a reduced work schedule will be doable as I stay organized and diligent.

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Thanks for your feedback! I am working to get my hours reduced to 25. It will probably be sometime in the first semester. I figure if I can just hang in there do it one day at a time and stay organized and focused I can manage.

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