Published Oct 10, 2010
cmbrown06
9 Posts
Okay....my mind is going bonkers! I am planning on taking my A & P I class in the Spring. Sounds do~able, right? Well, the issue is that I also work as a full time secretary (3rd shift weekends) in L&D at the hospital. I'm hearing from everyone that I need to drop down to part time because the course and nursing school are very time consuming. But I don't have any other person who can finanically be there for me since the school's finanical aid denied me for everything but the lottery due to me already have a Bachelor's Degree. So what is a girl to do?! I want to be a nurse in the very near future and I'm only 4 classes away from getting in the program. Can someone please shed me some light on this very gloomy situation????
Thanks,
Chenita
Saysfaa
905 Posts
If the only class you are taking is A/P, you will be fine even working full time. It is time consuming and you will notice it in your free time if you haven't been taking science classes but it is certainly doable by most people.
If you were taking a full load of prereqs including A/P and another science class, then I'd recommend either dropping down to part time or expect to do nothing but work, school, and sleep.
If you are going to nursing school itself full time, it is best to drop down to part time. Some people have worked full time and gone to nursing school full time, but most people would find that very, very diffiult.
AstonC.
8 Posts
If the only class you are taking is A/P, you will be fine even working full time. It is time consuming and you will notice it in your free time if you haven't been taking science classes but it is certainly doable by most people.If you were taking a full load of prereqs including A/P and another science class, then I'd recommend either dropping down to part time or expect to do nothing but work, school, and sleep.If you are going to nursing school itself full time, it is best to drop down to part time. Some people have worked full time and gone to nursing school full time, but most people would find that very, very diffiult.
I totally agree. I don't know what the 4 other classes are you need to take. I know one of them will be A&P II. You won't be able to complete that until you finish A&P I. So that leaves 3 classes. You can take a second class with your work schedule, maybe 3 depending on what the other class would be while working full time. My suggestion is look at how many credits each class is worth. Taking a bio, chem & math class can easliy put you at 13 credit hours. Big NO NO while working full time, but it can be done. I did it . Take a second class if you can. As I said, I don't know which 3 classes you will have to take besides the A&P II next semester. Don't get stuck with having to take a bunch of bios, chems, math and psych classes in one semester. Split the classes up.
DCoffill, ASN, RN
207 Posts
We have a few students in my full time nursing program who are currently also taking A&P and some even working. Youre just going to have to be very organized and on top of things, Good Luck!
tmow86
159 Posts
I did A&P last spring semester while working full-time. It's doable. I got an 87% and was just accepted into my RN program of choice which I start next june. I am currently taking A&P II and sociology, working full-time and that includes mandatory OT at work as well, and I have a husband (who is 100% supportive). I didn't do much with my friends while in A&P I but this is something that I want and I did what I had to do!!!
You can do it! I have found for me that A&P II is a lot less stressful than A&P I. Not sure why that is but I am not putting in as much time for II and I have a 97% at mid-term. So far, all is well!!
If you want this bad enough, you can do anything! That is my motto!!
Good luck!!
KareBear0609
359 Posts
If you are only in A&P, then you can totally do it! I am working full time second shift as a CNA, have two young children who are very demanding, and a husband (who I could consider to be a third child).. I am getting a 99% in the class right now! You can do it!!!!!
chicagoing, ADN, RN
489 Posts
It is definitely doable. I took A&P I the for the first time many years ago when I was also working full-time (on my feet, carrying heavy material, walking at least 7 miles every day). I studied on the nights when I didn't have class, and also during my lunch break. My final grade was a B+, but fortunately for me, I am allowed to retake this class because the other one "expired".
Studying a little bit each day will help you to not fall behind. Good luck!
sunray12
637 Posts
I took all my prereqs while working full time - this was not in a health care environment as you are now but my job was still demanding. I know others working ft in hospitals while taking prereqs so you can do it. I have a BA and I haven't been turned down for FA. Did you use up all your federal loans as an undergrad?
CiaMia, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP
367 Posts
I'll be taking A&P I and A&P II each as 8-week intensives next semester, while working 40hrs and babysitting. I'm doing the same with General Biology right now, and it's demanding, but do-able!! :-)
Thanks so much for all the advice! I have both A&P I and II, Microbiology, and Into to Computers since my course I took 7 years ago is of course, expired. I went to a private school that practically ate all my loans up so there's no more money to work with. I plan on taking Intro to Computers online and then taking A&P I. I just get real nervous and worked up when the thought of not passing because of work swims through my mind. But I am taking all your comments with me and I'm gearing up to make this step into nursing happen. Thanks again!
Witty3RN
132 Posts
You will be fine. I'm currently in A&P I right now - I work full-time and have three very active kids and I currently have an 87% in the class. It is a hard class and it requires a lot of studying. (Ex. I spent 7 hours yesterday on lab worksheets and 3 hours Saturday on chapter readings.) I plan on taking A&P II and Chem next semester and I know it will be hard but I know I can do it. Good Luck to you!
mid31
5 Posts
It is very doable. I worked full time and took 17 hrs that included A&P I and Chem II. It will be time consuming but as longest you stay on top of things you will be okay. Good luck!