Accelerated BSN and working while in school...

sunnyjohn · Jul 12, 2006

I think it would be almost impossible to work in an accelerated program.

PRN might work. You might get in two or three shifts a month. Still unless you REALLY need the money, I wouldn't risk possibly not passing and loosing all that money you spent on that accelerated program. Sometimes you ahave to weigh the extra money against the long term nursing school/ salary as an RN investment.

Annabelle57 · Jul 14, 2006

Congratulations on getting into the program! Are you at USF?

I'm in an accelerated BSN program, too, and I work one shift a week at the hospital as a tech. We self-schedule at work, and I'm pool/PRN status, so I just make sure to not schedule myself during crunch times. Plus, if I'm scheduled for a shift and can't do it, there's usually another tech willing to pick up an extra shift.

Working PRN is the best option if you can't quit work entirely. Just make sure not to schedule yourself too much and you should be okay.

iToniai · Jul 14, 2006

I will be starting an accelerated program in less than 7 weeks, I haven't had orientation yet but I'm positive they'll suggest that you should not work. Knowing that I've been working two jobs for the last few months in preparation for not working an entire year and a half. I've also applied for work-study, which I was offered by the school. I then declined the work-study which allowed me to increase my loan, which is money that will be refunded to me.

SnackCake · Jul 14, 2006

I am in an accelerated program now, there is NO way to work full time and do well in the program. You can work PT, if you have the option, but I wouldn't suggest going more than 15 hours a week. You need a TON of time for studying and the hours of clinical paperwork you must complete. We had one student drop out of our program b/c she needed to work full time to make her house payment, she failed a class by 8 points (fail is a 74% or less by the way). She says she would have been able to pass if she had not been working so much. Personally, I work 12 hours a week and do not find it cuts in on study time b/c A) I am only at work on Fri and Sat and B) I study while at work. Those people from the college that tell you to quit work in order to succeed, are not lying. Nursing school becomes your life. If I worked during the same day I had class, I would not be able to function, finish my homework, and be prepared for class the next day. I love my program, it's super hard work. I just want to pass advice along, so that you will succeed! :)

pshs_2000 · Jul 14, 2006

i just started an accelerated program in May. we're almost done with our first semester. we're not eligible for work-study b/c of the program's intensity. several people in the class have worked during the semester. we have a day "off" during the week so some work then. others work at LTCs on the weekends or at night. some work in the hospital, which is very flexible with student schedules. next semester i have a job as a personal assistant working with a woman who has CP. it really depends on what works for you. maybe you can try working prn during the semester and if you find that you can handle work and school try to get a few more hours. i don't think i could have handled working this semester but everyone is different. now that i have a general idea about how school flows, i know how to adjust my schedule and studying for next semester.

BeccaznRN, RN · Jul 14, 2006

I would definitely go for a PRN position, whether that be at the peds hospital or your current floor.

I'm in a traditional BSN program and I know how much time I put into it, so I can only imagine what you accelerated students go through! By going PRN you'll free up your time but still have the option of working here and there if you have the time or have a week in school that is a little lighter than the others (such as having no tests). Plus you'll have a little bit of time to spend with your husband....trust all nursing students who say that their life is nothing but nursing school so you'll really have to savor those few moments when you can.

Best of luck to you and congratulations!

PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2007

I'm in an accelerated BSN program. First semester I worked 30 hrs a week, but we had no clinicals. This semester (starts tomorrow) I plan on continuing to work at least 30 hrs a week (maybe more....hey I got bills to pay), and we have two clinicals. I've already made out my little calendar with all my work hours and school and clinical hours plus my 3-30 minute workouts per week, and it looks like I'll have plenty of time to study. We'll see how it goes;)

sandybakes · Jan 7, 2007

I will also work part-time during my day off. I have a wonderful boss who allows me to study at work. I also have the option to work from home. I had orientation Friday and I can't wait to start. May 2008 here I come.

LuvaBSNRN, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2007

so i went to my orientation yesterday and learned a lot. i got assigned to my clinical site, which is the hospital i currently work at as a unit secretary. unfortunately, they seriously recommended that we not work while we are in school. i am in an accelerated bsn program that will take 4 semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall). for the regular students they said sometimes they could get away with it, but the accelerated students really can't work at all...i don't know what to do! i don't particularly want to totally quit my job. i am only part time right now but i've been there over a year. however, i have been cancelled a lot recently and haven't been bringing home much money. i was originally thinking of talking to my manager and trying to cut back on my hours or somehow drop down to a prn status, even if that means i will lose my insurance (my husband should be getting a job as a teacher and we would be using his job for insurance anyway come fall). but maybe i should quit and get a real prn job at the peds hospital next door to my current hospital, where they would pay me a lot more...once i graduate, i don't plan on working as a nurse in my unit where i work now...i think i want to do peds. help! what would you do?

hi chickapin -

we have similiar situations! i am an accelerated bsn student- i started in september 06 and will finish dec 07. this past semester i worked 40 hours a week (3rd shift) as an unit secretary and i passed all my classes (no clinicals) with a's and b's - was it hard? yes indeed!!!!!!

however this semester i am cutting my hours waayyyy back and changing to a patient tech position because i will have 3 lectures and 2 clinicals. i work at a pediatric facility and they have a program for first time nursing students where you can work as a patient tech, but you are only required to work at least 10 -12 hours a week....20-24 hours per pay period. i have applied for this program which will suit my needs better instead of attempting to work full time with the possibility of failing! unfortunatley, i will lose my benefits and will have to look elsewhere, but luckily for you that won't be an issue since your spouse will pick that up for you!

i would definitely drop to prn status if you can afford to do so because working full time as an accelerated student is rough especially with clinicals from what i have been told!

pm me if you have other questions or would like more detailed information...take care, congrats and good luck to you on whichever direction you chose to take!

lmv