Can I work three 12hours shifts while going to school for BSN

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Just wondering if anyone thinks it's possible to work three 12hour night shifts while going to nursing school. I also have a one year old (that goes to day care) and a boyfriend (his dad) that helps a lot. Any advice or motivation would be appreciated :)

Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology Student.

Okay...in my program that would be completely impossible (class 3 days/week 8a - 4p and then clinical 2 days a week 7a-3p). However, 3 12s in other programs is doable especially if you're in class and clinical less during the week.

Not all programs are the same so you'd have to find out what the schedule is like.

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I'll be starting an ADN program in the Fall. I have all my prereqs, so it will just be NUR courses. I have one course in the Fall, lots of labs and clinicals, 8 credit hours I think. I'm planning on continuing to work as an IBCLC 2nd shift, three 10's per week, 1600-0230. This thread has been immensely helpful! I may go down to a 0.6 position and work two 12's when things get hairy with school. Thanks for all the input here!!

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Is it possible? Yes. But be careful, for several classes for my ADN program, we had 2 12 hour clinical days per week on top of lecture. Dont forget that you will be taking care of patients and that severe sleep deprivation greatly increases the risk of you harming them.

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Specializes in MICU RN.

Seems a bit much, but 1-2 12 hr shifts a week sounds totally doable. But if you're a superman/woman I recommend you listen to your gut!

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I was able to do it. You just have to be able to micro-manage your life. I worked (3) 12 hr shifts, went to school and did clinicals. You just have to make sure you take care of yourself, but you can do it.

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I am able to do it. I work 3-12 hour shifts 1 week, and 4 -12 hour shifts the next week. This is not my preference, but you do what you have to do. Luckily the office I work in, my co-workers, and management allow me to rotate my schedule to get my school in (Mon, Tues, Wed) and work (Thurs, Fri, Sun and every other Sat)

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Maybe, maybe not? It sounds like way too much for me, but I'm also older, have chronic pain, have a teenage kid with a disability, etc. (There is especially no way I could work night shifts and then do daytime class and clinicals. Damn.) I think it depends on your general health and stamina, your ability to focus and say no to things, what grades you want to get, etc. If you don't HAVE to work three shifts to keep a roof over your head and food in your house, I should think that would be better, but we do what we have to to get by and keep our health insurance. Can you try it tentatively and see how it goes with the understanding that you'll change the plan if you're struggling?

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I'm doing it now and so are most of the other nurses on my floor. I have two children, one is special needs. It's not easy but people do it all the time.

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Are you doing RN to BSN? I think most people work doing that. It doesn't have the same clinical demands.

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Specializes in NICU.

A one year old in daycare,school and working ft,it can be done but you will regret what you missed out on.Less shifts and less daycare,the one year old is a baby still.Good luck to you.

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You can, sure. You might even be able to do so successfully. I'm finishing up my first semester, and I don't think I would have been as successful as I have been while working. But you might be better at juggling things than I am!

You can always try and see how things go. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Nope (just my opinion/experience)

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