Anyone not working during NP school?

[Anw2020]

Hi all,

I start my FNP program in January and was wondering if any of you stopped working during your program and if that seemed to help you or not? 

I'd like to go to school full time, and I never worked while doing my undergrad so I don't feel like I'd be well prepared to handle the combo of school and work plus other life obligations.  Financially speaking, I'd be fine without working. I figure if I do end up having a lot of free time I can do some volunteer work in the community. I feel like since it's such an important job I should be able to give studying the time it deserves. 

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Most of the 1-year post master's FNP students in my class ended up not working because most of their weekdays were spent in clinicals. The coursework was very manageable and not necessarily hard (our program is all online) but they only had 1 year to get all the required hours and patient counts. One of my close friends was doing clinical 4 days a week in the last few months of the program.

The remainder of the class such as myself that is in the regular 2 year program as well as those that are in the 3 year extended program are still currently working. In general, I think the regular 2 year FNP programs are meant to allow students to continue working. My first year I was able to manage 3 nights at work, 1 day of clinical, coursework, and a per diem 1 day a week job. Albeit I was exhausted, I ended up going part time while continuing school. Many of my classmates unlike myself have families to take care of and are still managing both work and school full time in both.

[Kiki Darab, ADN, BSN, RN]

I am in the same boat as you. I am starting my FNP program in Jan but mine is part-time and I still am considering not working. I know I'm not good at handling work and school. I'm also a new BSN grad so I haven't even worked as a new nurse and everyone says the first year as a nurse is the hardest. I need advice!

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

4 hours ago, Kiki Darab said:

I am in the same boat as you. I am starting my FNP program in Jan but mine is part-time and I still am considering not working. I know I'm not good at handling work and school. I'm also a new BSN grad so I haven't even worked as a new nurse and everyone says the first year as a nurse is the hardest. I need advice!

I had the impression that most, if not all FNP programs required RN experience. I would definitely find a job right away.... You will need the experience as an RN to help you through the program when it comes to diagnosing, treatment plans, etc. Textbooks will always tell you the textbook way to deal with things, but in reality, real life is not a textbook. Nor is the clinic.

[nyqs81, ADN, BSN, EMT-P]

No.  My program is part time and designed for working professional students.  I worked full time during my BSN so I am prepared.

Also, if I stopped working I couldnt afford the program due to benefits.