Aspiring nurse who needs to work. Part time nursing school? LPN to RN?

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I'm sorry if this question seems dumb, first time posting here!

I've read online that nursing school is pretty much a full time job and most people have to quit their jobs or work part time so that they can focus on and complete nursing school.

I work a full time 9-5 job that pays ok, enough to pay my bills and have some left over. I would have to quit and find another job to work part time, and I definitely would not be making what I make now, and wouldn't be able to pay my bills. Staying with my parents isn't really an option either.

TLDR; I have to work full time.

So here goes my question, is there programs that offer nursing school part time? I've also considered going down the route of LPN->RN and getting a job as an LPN for a more flexible schedule and then eventually going for RN (I just hope I don't get too comfortable or scared and never go for RN)

Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. I also intend to call some schools today to figure out for there's any flexible nursing programs that offer night classes and weekend clinicals.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Research the schools in your area. Do some have more flexible times for clinicals or classes? How much will you pay for a credit going the LPN route, then the LPN to RN route? How does the total cost compare to the cost of going for your BSN immediately? Is there an accelerated program that you can qualify for? Can you save up money for school in advance? Can you rent a room? I rented a room from an elderly couple who wanted someone around to help if the husband fell or the wife needed groceries lugged in. I shoveled the walk, ran a few errands, etc. and my rent was really cheap -- $10/week. Even back in the 70s, I thought that was incredibly cheap. Is there a friend you can share an apartment with, or someone from your church who is recently widowed and will rent out a room for a nominal fee just to have some company?

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Hey there I'm trying to go for nursing as well, the same route you are considering LPN->RN. I have bills to but I've been lucky to pay off a majority of them and shrink what I spend monthly. If I am able to get into a school the last thing I will do is sell my car so right before classes start. But I'll still have to work full time, I'll probably look into a security guard job as I will be able to work odd hours and have down time to study.

I know the school I'm looking at galen has part time evening hours but 21 months to complete a program that regularly takes 12 months seems like way to much. I personally would rather struggle and live off raven noodles for 1 year than barely skate by for 21 months. I've read the same that it is a full time job, my cousin was able to work full time, raise her kid and attend school. So it's rough but I'm guessing it is possible.

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Sounds like I might have to do the LPN to RN route, I found a program in my area that offers classes evening and weekends - Then I can get a job working hopefully around 32 hours a week, probably overnights and then go for RN, it's going to be time consuming and hard but I've never wanted anything in my life like I want to be a nurse so I'll just have to figure it out. Thank you and if anyone else has any more advise/similar stories I'd appreciate it! :)

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I have to work full time while in RN school, many have. Mind you it will be awful, but it can be done. As others suggested cutting down expenses is a good start. Have you considered other jobs? I am a server and bartender, I hate it, but it is flexible and pays more than when I was a licensed veterinary technician. I dont know where you are, but where I am at doing a lpn then a lpn to rn program, takes as long, and costs about 2/3 as much as an outright BSN degree. This is something to consider in the long run as you may end up wanting (or needing to) acquire your BSN.

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Cutting down expenses and making sacrifices is a huge part of nursing school. Im cutting back to part-time at work and putting money back for nursing school. My husband makes a decent living so there's cushion for bills and other obligations. for example, my children need to be in childcare for nursing school and that will be expensive.

If you do go the LPN route, just remember that you may be limited as far as job opportunity in your area. If you don't mind working LTC while going for your RN, great.

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I live in Orlando, Florida. For what I can tell, there's still a need for RN's and LPN's so that's good, even searching for LPN program in the evenings has proven to be a bit difficult but I'll figure it out, and once I do I can figure out price and start working on Loans/Grants ect. Right now I'm going for my AA for the pre-req's so luckily I do have some time to start saving and figure out what to do for a job.

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Yeah, I think researching schools and see if they are flexible or have more than one class. I'm in a LPN program and our classes aren't flexible at all...like I start the program in Aug 2015 and end in May 2017. They have a scheduled of classes and one class per course. If I fail a class then I have to wait a whole other year to make it up and get back in the program. So like this year it's classes Monday 8-2 Clinicals 6-3 on Tuesday, Thursday and classes again on Thursday 8-2. But some places I'm sure do have more flexible or maybe night school. Our first semester we get certified as CNAs and I know a lot of students get night jobs as CNAs. Me personally wouldn't be able to handle a full time job and school.

I had to quit my job and move back with my parents and luckily have no kids, so I was blessed with that option. I chose LPN because it was only 18 months and cheaper. Then when I'm working and have some nursing knowledge I can work on RN.

I luckily have most my school paid with Pell Grant but this year our school is accepting school loans for the first time and that can go towards rent and bills...but you know it has to be paid back. Do what you have to do if this is a career you want to do....you'll probably have to cut back, may can try foodstamps, or some time of assistance. I'm actually on some type of government assistance...not sure what it's called but I get paid for just going to class...(it's very little...like maybe 30 dollars a day). but it helps on gas and they will reimburse me for books, uniforms, or supplies that I buy and what not.

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I live in Orlando, Florida. For what I can tell, there's still a need for RN's and LPN's so that's good, even searching for LPN program in the evenings has proven to be a bit difficult but I'll figure it out, and once I do I can figure out price and start working on Loans/Grants ect. Right now I'm going for my AA for the pre-req's so luckily I do have some time to start saving and figure out what to do for a job.

I'm also in Orlando. Starting Orlando Tech LPN Program August 15th. I'm planning on working at the hospital I'm at overnight for three days until I can't take it, then I'll cut down to two nights. I hope everything works out for you. I've been stressing about not being able to work since I got in.. It'll be something I have to do since I have a daughter and bills! The program is Monday through Furday 7:45-2:30 though. But I'll be finished next July :)

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Aw I wanted to go to Orlando Tech for my LPN cause they transfer credits to Valencia, and it seems not too many LPN programs do that - the only accredited ones are in Miami - Anyways best of luck!

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