Advice on working and LPN school.

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I will be starting an LPN program in January. I'm currently job hunting because I want to move closer to where my school will be. The thing is, my LPN program will be full-time days, 8a-3p Monday through Thursday, I think. So that kind of kills my chances for a full-time 9-5 job. My current job has cut my hours down to pretty much nothing and I will have to be able to afford rent, car insurance, etc. after I move out of my parents' home.

I can work a FT job now, but I'm not sure that I would want to start a day job and have to quit it in 4 months, I hate that, I feel like I'm deceiving my employers. And then I'll still have to scramble to find a flexible retail or food service job for the evenings/weekends before school starts. :( I almost got my CNA certification but I did not want to have to pay $150 that I really don't have just to be able to make a little above minimum wage.

What do you guys think I should do? Nix the getting a FT day job and just work one full-time or two part-time retail/waitressing jobs in the meantime so I have something already when the time comes to start school? I'm also curious what other people do for work while attending LPN school. Thanks.

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You have goals and you should do whatever it may take in order to achieve that goal. I have a college degree and was making between $55,000-$65,000 per year when I was working in the private sector. Now, I decided that I wanted to be a nurse. I quit that job and now do consulting here and there when they need me which isn't much, and not that often. Anyway, I got my CNA and started working at a LTC making $11.50 an hour. Most eveyrone else started out at $10.25 an hour. I was working my butt off full time, while I was taking my prerequisites. My check was by far less than what I had been making. I also had two kids to support plus rent and car insurance etc. I had to work NOC shift but I couldn't limit myself. I couldn't be too picky if I wanted to go back to school to be a nurse. Now I'm in the hospital and still working as an aide. I have just passed my NCLEX-PN and there are no jobs available in my area for LVNs. Everyone is looking for experience, so I will be forced to keep my CNA position for awhile until I can get someone to hire me part time or whatever they want to offer me.

Sometimes you will have to sacrifice and take a step back in order to move forward. It's hard and I'm not going to lie to you. Actually getting your CNA and getting the experience while you're going to school you will find will be very helpful. Good Luck.

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Specializes in Ambulatory (Urgent care) & Home Health.

Stay with your parents, and commute to school.

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Take bubble's advice.

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ditto the previous posters about (A) staying at your parents, and (B) spend the $150, get your CNA, work in the field, gain experience and insight, AND it's most likely that employers will look favorably on the fact that you are going to school to get your LV/PN. chances are good that you'll be able to get a job that will allow for a flexibile work schedule and will work with your school schedule.

why do food service work? what do you see as the advantage?

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I start an accelarated LPN program next month. M-F 8-4:30. I am staying with my dad and would like to take a

part time job working weekends as a CNA. I wouldn't reccommed doing an accelerated program and working full time. My sister did that for her RN program and ended up dropping out, because it was so hard. If your parents are willing to let you stay with them, I'd take that option. Remember you'll also be doing full time studying.

Good luck.

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On jobs indeed they have postions posted called Nurse tech/Pca its for nursing students and you dont have to go to school for it .You fit the job discription nursing student.type in location houston texas nurse tech on jobs indeed.good luck and congradulations future nurse

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hey there, I havent started school yet but, i too worried about how the hell i was going to afford everything.. My husband works full time so I have support from him obviously but this is my plan and my actually situation. I'm going to school full time 7.50 - 2.30 mon - fri. Thurs and fri night i work as a hostess at a Bar from 6 - 10pm. It only pays 10 buck an hour but by the time I get tipped out its on average $150 for two shifts. Not bad for 8 hours work considering I dont really do much except stand and smile at the customers. On Saturday and Sunday nights, I babysit a 4 year old boy. Sat from 4.30 till 10.30 or 1.00am and on sun 4.30 till about 3.00am.(both partners are bar managers.)I lucked out with that job though, they paid me $13 an hour to have fun. And every other Sat I work in a salon. (I happen to be a qualified stylist) which on average is about $150 a day too. So on an average week I can bring home about $400 which ain't too shabby. So mon tues wed nights are free to study(husband works nights so i have the house to myself which makes a huge difference), and I take my computer and books to the house with me when I babysit cause he's in bed by 8 and, again I have the house to myself. I feel pretty lucky with my situation right now, considering husband and I were both laid off twice last year. If your over 18, check out the local bars for hostessing. Waitressing doesn't really work with the school hours. usually they want a 3 or 4pm start but babysitting on the weekends is a good start. Good luck

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