Are you a PCT/CNA and a BSN/RN student ?

bhanson · May 3, 2011

I worked full-time through my pre-reqs (4 classes at a time and kept a 4.0) but was unable to continue it into nursing school.

If I was okay with straight B's I could have done it but the time requirement to earn A's in my program makes working full-time prohibitive.

We had a test every two weeks so lets say I worked 3 shifts a week. Compared to a peer that didn't work I would have 72 hours less study time per exam. You can learn A LOT of material in 72 hours.

I already had two years experience as a CNA so cutting my hours was a no brainer.

[edit] By the way, although the skills you gain as a CNA are definitely helpful, the theory you learn in nursing school is more important. In my case working full time would interfere with the acquisition of theory and I wasn't willing to compromise my entire future career as a nurse for $10/hr.

vanillacupcake17 · May 4, 2011

I am in nursing school getting my BSN. and am a part-time NCT. i'm not sure full-time is a good idea. Also what shift would you be working?

umslalum · May 4, 2011

I would be working the night shift-from 7pm-7am. I also agree with bhanson about not compromising my grades at this point for 10 bucks an hour, as I am an A student as well. It's definitely something to think about. Maybe part-time? Thanks for your input guys. I appreciate it!

EricaSAFJAF · May 4, 2011

i just recently started as a CNA and I will be full time for the summer (no classes) then like 3 days a month once school starts back up.. i would never do full time work during nursing school

umslalum · May 5, 2011

Yep, I know. Some of us don't have a choice though. I'm sure there have been some miraculous, resilient folks who have worked full time and gone through nursing school. Something will work out. Darn the luck! Thanks again guys.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

I worked 32-35 hours per week while in nursing school. One year as a CNA in SNF and one as a CNA in home health. However, in home health, I worked some nights and some days that suited my schedule well. I never had a problem with finding time to study and it didn't affect my grades. I would say that if your schedule allows for it, and you can handle the workload, working full time is okay. It's not like you would spend 36 hours a week studying anyway (sleeping, maybe!)

Plus, the experience and connections you make as a PCT in ICU could be invaluble when you are trying to find a job as an RN. Discuss with your supervisor the possibility of dropping your hours to part time if your school work becomes overwhelming.

*I'll also add that many of my friends in my BSN program worked either full or part time in a variety of jobs. Several also had children that they cared for at home. So it's definately do-able.*

chicagonurse2b · May 7, 2011

*I'll also add that many of my friends in my BSN program worked either full or part time in a variety of jobs. Several also had children that they cared for at home. So it's definately do-able.*

That's good to hear, because I don't really have a choice. I plan to work. :up:

lovli87 · May 13, 2011

i am not in a bsn program but an asn program.......as far as working i have no choice.... i live on my own, however i have no children.... @ my school i attend the evening program.... all that being said i work per diem @ two different hospitals.... i put in about 40+ hours a week working the night shift btw 2 jobs...... i understand the personal preference of wanting to be an "a" student, however what do you call the doctor or nurse even that scored just the minimum on the state boards??? dr so-and-so/ nurse so-and-so right?? my point exactly.... the pass rate for my program is 80% (which is only equal to a "c")..... and just monday i completed my 3rd semester and i'm moving on to my fourth semester and will be finished by christmas!! so working full time and getting thru nursing school can be very stressful, however it is certainly doable!!!!!

cnoelb · May 14, 2011

Glad to read all the input on here. I'm weighing becoming either a Phleb. Tech or CNA to get me thru both the waitlist and the actual program. I can't afford not to work with 4 kids. I was guessing a lot of night shifts would be in my future! :yawn: Plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead, right?

soxgirl2008 · May 15, 2011

I work around 20 hours a week, and will continue to do so when i start clinicals. I don't really have a choice.

I know a girl who works 20 hours a week, is in nursing school full time and gets straight As. so it's do-able!

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · May 17, 2011

I just accepted a job as an OB tech. I am doing four 8's, 11pm-0730am. It wont interfere with nursing school, and I will be learning so much.