Can i have a job during the nursing program?

donk · Mar 10, 2013

Personally I quit my job before entering the program because I had a very demanding management position and my husband and I discussed cut backs to survive off one income so I could focus on my studies. That's not to say it can't be done!! A lot of my classmates work although they often seem tired and pressed for time. I think if you're going to work you need to be able to prioritize and have good time management skills. It doable but make sure you allow yourself enough time for your studies and some down time :) good luck on your acceptance.

Eta- I am not in your specific school/program but thought I'd offer my two cents for what it's worth lol

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Mar 10, 2013

There are people out there who work full time, go to school full time and have little ones at home...and if they can manage, so can you.

I worked enough during school to pay my bills. If you can, get a job as a CNA, PCT, nurse tech or equivalent. I worked as a PCNA (patient care nursing assistant, I was not an STNA or state-tested nursing assistant as they call them in Ohio) and I was making $12.50/hr PRN. I then found a job as a nurse tech where I was able to do more and the commute was MUCH closer compared to the PCNA job...I did take a pay cut, I think I started out at $10.50 or $11 (I don't remember lol) but it helped pay my bills and I also got some very valuable experience. I worked anywhere from 8-20 hours/week depending on what I had going on during school. I picked up as many hours as I could during the summer time and saved money.

When there is a will, there is a way!

MrsMig, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2013

I know others who work and go to school. I work as little as possible because its incredibly tiring. Like other OP's said, if you have to work.. It can be done but my personal opinion, work as little as possible ad devote your time and brain power to your studies!

GL!!

PeppermintP · Mar 10, 2013

I worked and went to school and it was tough! Not saying you can't do it but it's really hard. I had to time management alot but found studying for exams hard due to pressed time.

eva123 · Mar 10, 2013

If you need to work try to work in an area related to nursing and that will be understanding to the unusual hours a nursing student can have. Personally I do not recommend working if you can help it because there is enough to worry about...currently I work 15 hours a week on campus and it is managable so you might look into a work-study program

NightBloomCereus · Mar 10, 2013

How about finish your first semester and see then if you think you can take it on? Myself and most of my classmates work, and where I'm from the only new grads getting hired right away are the ones who already work for the organization. You can work per diem and set your own hours.

soxgirl2008 · Mar 10, 2013

I work 24 hours a week and I know many people who worked through nursing school. It's hard though, and you really have to be on top of things and have time management skills.

If you're going to work I'd recommend trying to get a CNA, tech, student nurse intern, etc type job. You'll be learning a lot that will pertain to nursing and they are usually more flexible and easy going about nursing school than a job say in retail might be.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Mar 10, 2013

I worked full time through our nursing school. Not sure how tough your will be, but let's just say I had a LOT of sleepless nights. I made it through, though, and passed boards the first time.

Good luck to u!

Anne, RNC

Wyrm74 · Mar 10, 2013

Sure you can. I work full time as a CNA, 3 shifts a week, 12 hours each, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. You must be disciplined and FOCUSED, and willing to be tired! Very do-able though. Nursing school isn't that hard, it's just gobs of information in a short amount of time so it can be overwhelming at times. Don't be afraid, if you want it bad enough...you'll get through it! Good luck.

Natural510 · Mar 10, 2013

There are people out there who work full time, go to school full time and have little ones at home...and if they can manage, so can you.
I worked enough during school to pay my bills. If you can, get a job as a CNA, PCT, nurse tech or equivalent. I worked as a PCNA (patient care nursing assistant, I was not an STNA or state-tested nursing assistant as they call them in Ohio) and I was making $12.50/hr PRN. I then found a job as a nurse tech where I was able to do more and the commute was MUCH closer compared to the PCNA job...I did take a pay cut, I think I started out at $10.50 or $11 (I don't remember lol) but it helped pay my bills and I also got some very valuable experience. I worked anywhere from 8-20 hours/week depending on what I had going on during school. I picked up as many hours as I could during the summer time and saved money.
When there is a will, there is a way!

Yea, this is how I'm doing it too. I worked FT as a CNA up until this final semester while doing the RN program, the second year with a little guy at home. Basically it's time management and mind-over-matter, though you will sacrifice sleep along the way. The experience you pick up working as an assistant, especially if in a hospital, will help you understand the material much more as you go through the program.

ImKosher · Mar 10, 2013

You have to know yourself. Sure many can say, I have seen it done, but it's all on you. What is your history of working? What is your habits of studying, what is your performance? For myself I used to work full-time but I have found that I cannot work a full schedule because of the academic workload and trying to stay on top of my skills and provide for my family with time and money. I decided to work half-time, so I got to school M-F and work 12 hr Sat-Sun. In my program, many who have said worked full-time, dropped because they felt overwhelmed. Of course I live in a military town so many our military spouses.

Note on the house - I honestly don't think this is the best time to buy a house. I would rent cheap until you become a RN. If you start having financial difficulties you may need to pull overtime to pay for the house and then end up dropping due to your financial obligations.

I'm not trying to discourage you, I want you to analyze your situation and yourself, and figure out what will be best for you. The most important thing I have learned is not to compare myself to others. Just because they can do it doesn't mean i can do it, everyone is unique in their own way.