Anyone taking 12 plus credits while working Full-Time?

INN_777, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2013

It's a lot, I have to say. All this year I took 8 credits of prerequisites while working 30 hours a week. I have a family, so I need to buy groceries, cook, laundry etc, but my son is grown up, so he is pretty independent. My 8 credits were always two science courses with labs, granted. But with this arrangement I almost had no downtime at all.

I think it also depends on what grades you need to get, but...it's a lot.

Yaitep · Dec 14, 2013

Hello Ariana,

Hope everything is doing well , I am knew in this site and I just found your question. Actually I'm 38 years old, have a daughter 11 years very challenging age btw :) , immigrant came from Cuba 13 years ago at the moment . I am doing my second year in Nursing BSN as a full time student . Commute to get to school 46 miles back and fourth , and there is not a problem at taking those credits at the same time. In life all depend how much do you want anything , and how far do you want to get. I work full time just like you 8: 00 am - 4: 30 pm and is very hard . But at the end of the road it is worth it , at list for me I was born to heal and take care people need my help.

Please don't stop """YOU CAN DO IT"" speed up just a little bit if you feel you have to do it.

nbsublime · Dec 14, 2013

I work at a hospital 37 hours a week (i get 3 hours educational time every week), drive 30 minutes to school twice a week, took 16 credits this semester, and I'm a single mom. I have good friends and family I'm thankful for and I made a ton of frozen meals before the semester started.

queserasera, RN · Dec 14, 2013

I did it, you can too! Up until last semester I worked full time while taking 12-15 credits. It's a balancing act, but with a good attitude and schedule that you can stick to you'll get into a groove and do great!

Ariana214 · Dec 14, 2013

You guys are so encouraging... im really dedicated so I hope I can pull this off. My boyfriend and family are really supportive...and Ill only have 2 courses on campus so my bf and daughter will just have to understand that mommy will need more computer and study time this semester

nursenow14 · Dec 14, 2013

I think that it is doable, but honestly I feel that anything you put your mind to is doable. If you are dedicated and put forth 110%, it is possible.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 14, 2013

I'm currently in RN school and my load is 12 units. I also work full-time. In the prereq run-up to starting the program, I typically had a 3-5 unit load every semester. Here's the thing: I'm able to study while I'm at work. If I weren't able to do that, I'd be in a really tough spot right now. Is it doable? Yes. The main question you should be asking is if you have a schedule that physically allows you to not have to worry about attending school or work. Time management is HUGE when you get into higher unit loads that approach or surpass full-time student status. If you can make that work, you'll do fine.

CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA · Dec 14, 2013

Work full time and carried 14 hours last semester. Will have 12 to possibly 15 for the spring semester.

DJStarburst · Dec 14, 2013

I took 12 units this semester.I work full time and I'm a single mom of two boys! To top it off, one of my parents died during the latter part of the semester. I still managed to pull two a 3.8 GPA. It was the hardest thing to do and I gave up my social life, but it can be done. Just focus on what's important and you will make it through. As someone stated previously, making a lot of your meals beforehand is very helpful. I also searched groupon and living social for any housecleaning deals and that helped as well. I would say do as much as you can to prepare yourself for the semester ahead. Good Luck!

Nurseeverywhere, CNA, LVN · Dec 14, 2013

I am so glad to find this thread. I never thought of getting a groupon deal for help with housekeeping @DJStarburst. @Arian214 I am in the same boat with feeling things ares going to slow so this semester I will be taking 11 units, an acute care CNA course, and homeschooling my soon to be 14 year old for the first time. The homeschooling, per state of California, states that I must be present for my sons 5-6 hours school days and that is a lot. But I believe it is possible. Here's to a future in nursing :up:

phlebo2rn · Dec 14, 2013

I am taking 16 credits next semester and working 12-20 hours per week. This semester, I tried taking 15 credits and working 40 hours per week and failed two classes (I'm going to a brand new school next semester where I don't have to transfer credits so no biggie, but still, I felt pretty bad failing). I have no kids but I can only imagine having to work their schedule into mine, too. My husband makes enough that I don't have to work but I stay for experience and benefits ($3,000/semester tuition reimbursement!!!)