Can you work and go to school?

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I'm currently in my general education phase of preparing for Nursing School at Ivy Tech in Central Indiana. Hopefully, I will be admitted into the program in Fall 08. I was wondering if any of you have atteneded such a program and had time to work on a part time basis? I have a very flexible Sales job, that I can do on the weekends or evenings about 15 hours per week---it's the only way I can get through school. Does anyone have any input on this?

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Short answer: yes.

I work full time and have kids. I have always worked full time while in school.

I have good time management skills, am pretty academically oriented, and have a very supportive husband and group of friends, though, so all those things factor into me being able to do well while working full time. I know people who struggle to succeed in school and they don't work at all outside of school.

Only you will know if you can be successful or not; and you might not know until you attempt it.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Yes you can, virtually everyone in my BSN program works....same with the other BSN and ADN students I know. Most people HAVE to work!

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Specializes in AGNP.

I am in an accelerated nursing program and I still work 15-20 hours per week. So far it has been pretty doable & I still have free time to lounge around, go out, etc. My job is pretty flexible so if I do need to cut some of my hours down, they are very understanding.

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Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.

:welcome: I tried to work and could not. Whether or not YOU can is up to you! Many of my friends worked full time nights with kids and came to lectures and clinicals all day and I was just amazed that they had that kind of ability.

I myself being a second-career nursing student with no previous science background, really had to dig deep and study constantly in order to keep up with everybody else, so there was no possible way I could have worked unless I went to school part time....I guess it's really all about how bad you want it in the end. I was willing to study however hard I had to, and my friends were willing to juggle however much they had to, but those of us who stayed strong all made it! :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I think it's dependent on your program and how hard you are willing to make it work. They advised us at the beginning of our ADN program that if we HAD to work, to try to limit it to no more than 15-20 hrs/week. There are many of us fortunate enough to not have to work; there are as many who are working that many hours plus more.

There are probably an equal number of people in both groups who are succeeding and struggling.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

a lot will depend on your program. I'm in my first semester, and I'm averaging 30 hours a week. But, my job is really flexible and I get to do it on my own time. Best of luck to you!

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I appreciate the input, and am encouraged. They tell me in the information sessions that there is no way I can still work and complete the program, so I am worried. I guess all I can do is my best....I really want this.

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They tell us that too, but I know people personally who have been able to work full time, at least the first couple of semesters. I'm planning on trying to maintain my job at 15-ish hours/wk for as long as I can.

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I'm in an Accelerated BSN program and I've been working 30-40 hours a week (sometimes up to 50). Yeah, I know it's crazy, but I have no choice. I don't have anyone to help me financially. I am looking into some scholarship opportunities for the summer and fall though, 'cause working all these hours isn't leaving much time for all the busy work nursing school requires. It's all up to the individual. Some people can handle school and work; some can't.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
I appreciate the input, and am encouraged. They tell me in the information sessions that there is no way I can still work and complete the program, so I am worried. I guess all I can do is my best....I really want this.

They tell everyone that! It just depends on the person.

I've remember hearing lots of things before I started nursing school (it was hell, you will have no life, etc) so far most of it hasn't been true at all.

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It depends on how you learn and study. I work 33/wk have to bills to pay:uhoh21: lol but it works for me I am able to study a little at work on weekends which helps. I also will study on breaks and lunch breaks if needed. Downside is I dont see my family and I have very little extra time but I will get through it and it is all worth it for me in the end. 3 more weeks til schools out for summer yay! then only 2 more semesters to go.

Frez

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