BSN-DNP and working full-time as RN. Thoughts?

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 6, 2014

Sounds like too much to me. Full time for both work and school usually ends up with people not doing a great job in either one. Oh sure, someone will say that they have done it (or are doing it). I'm not saying it is theoretically impossible. I am just saying that there aren't enough hours in the day to do a proper job of both simultaneously.

Also, I recommend asking the school to see what they think of that option. Have other students in that particular program been successful at managing a full time job while going to school full time?

WV-RN · Oct 6, 2014

I think it depends on your personal situation. If you are motivated, not married and don't have kids yet, I say go for it. If you have to devote time to a relationship or children it will probably be too much especially when you start clinicals. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Oct 12, 2014

I think it depends on your personal situation. If you are motivated, not married and don't have kids yet, I say go for it. If you have to devote time to a relationship or children it will probably be too much especially when you start clinicals. Good luck in whatever you decide!

This. I got my FNP working fulltime (even some overtime during the first 3 semesters), but it wasn't easy. I am down to my final 90 clinical hours out of 720 needed to graduate, and my brain is tired and fried. I am married but don't have children, which is really the only reason I could do it.

I was also able to be successfull academically. I have a 4.0, will be the graduate Student Marshal at commencement, and am giving the student speech at my hooding ceremony. It is very possible, but you also have to be very motivated.

FroggieNP · Nov 13, 2014

Amichelle, I graduated with my BSN in May 2009 and began taking non matriculated courses at a BSN-DNP program that following Spring. I initially took one course at a time for 3 semesters and worked full time. Then, I gradually transitioned to part-time status as a student, again still working full-time.

During my last year of school, I worked as a Per-Diem RN with my current employer. I can truly advice you that working full-time and being a full-time student is not feasible, unless you are okay with the possibility of sub par performance in both areas. I feel that it was still overwhelming being a full-time student and a per-diem RN (working a required 80 hrs a month), I could never imagine being full-time.

I spent a total of 4.5 years in my BSN-DNP program (I graduated May 2014-first cohort). I had a supportive boyfriend-->fiance-->and husband all occurring throughout those years. It was very stressful balancing family life, work and school. Being full-time in all those areas I feel is not advisable. In my situation, family came first. During any free time outside of classes, papers and conducting research, I dedicated to my significant other. This was very important to me and definitely allowed us to maintain a healthy relationship.

All in all, if you are single, no children and prepared for the level of work that you will need to commit, go for it...but please understand the amount of work is intense. Physically and mentally. BSN-DNP programs are still fairly new. Proving that you are competent and just as dedicated in pursuing this career was a challenge (especially among MSN-prepared NP clinical instructors-in my case). I just feel like so much more is involved with this program other than studying, tests and papers...

Whatever you decide, I wish you the BEST OF LUCK!!! In the end, it is such an amazing feeling and such a HUGE accomplishment. Two thumbs up!! :yes:

amichelle1126 · Nov 13, 2014

Thank you all for your responses! I think I am going to start off in a part time program and see how it goes. If I need to move to part time at work, I will do so.:)

burnedoutRNinSC · Feb 4, 2015

I did it. Quitting was not an option because I had two children to support. Even though I was married I had no financial assistance from my spouse who was/is very well capable of working, but chooses not to do so. (That's a whole other topic.) We needed two incomes and I worked two jobs while going through my FNP program. During holidays I would pick up those extra shifts at the hospital because it I would get paid time and a half. I also taught medical surgical clinicals for a local community college. I would teach from 0630-1500 then meet my preceptor at 1530 in the urgent care until 2300hrs for my NP clinical. Every weekend i worked at the hospital in addition to that because that was the only job of my two that paid insurance for me and my children.

No doubt it was a rough ride. I had my electricity and cable cut off twice when I was going through school, and by the time I graduated I had maxed out my credit cards. Thank God I did not loose my house.

Currently I'm working as a hospitalist NP while I'm recovering from the financial blows I took while going through graduate school. The emotional toll it took from being separated from my children feels far worse than anything that could have happened financially. My oldest daughter resents me for being absent during that time. I think one day she will understand that the way things happened was not the way I would have wanted for them to be.

Am I crazy for doing everything I did? Probably so.

Do I regret it? Not at all.

Going through that experience really taught me how to be resourceful, and it taught me the value of networking with others. You got to make friends when you go through graduate school. I hope to stay in touch with my classmates for a very long time.

I know that was more than you probably wanted to know, but I hope my story encourages you to pursue your goal even in the face of adversity. How much adversity you are willing to face is up to you.

Best wishes. :up:

babyNP., APRN · Feb 4, 2015

I went to school part-time in a city 2 hours away from me (clinical also 2.5 hours away) and worked full time for the first year (without clinicals)

The second year, I went to clinical Monday, Tuesday, class on Wednesday, off Thursday, and working Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I did get to go down to part-time towards the end, but I was so brain fried by the end. It was doable for me, but only just barely.

BeautynBrains_RN · Feb 4, 2015

God Bless all of you! I too know the feeling of having to work 1 1/2 full time jobs, taking care of a household and family, all while going to school...glad that's over!! Its hard, but can be done!

leslie.knope · Feb 5, 2015

1thanks for your informative post