can you work...

[golfergirl17]

How hard is it to get into the nursing program? How much of a wait does it take for some people? 1 year? 2 years? longer?

Also, can you work when you're in the nursing program if you're going for an Associates degree? I was looking at my school and in the catalog it said I would need to be available certain days. Do you do clinicals every day during the week or just on certain days? I am confused as to when I would be going to school.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I'm used to working a full time job and need to to support myself. Would I still be able to work full time while going to nursing school? I've heard that school is really intense and of course I want to make sure I get good grades and know what I'm doing.

[rn-jane]

Yes, it is possible to work but it makes it tough unless you work for a place that understands your wacky hours. I only worked part time as an aide while I went to school and eventhat was tough. If you can get away with just working on the weekends or a couple days a week that is usually best, but I have known others that have worked 40 plus hours a week.

[Kaazz]

The CC I was accepted into offers a part-time program. The classes and clinicals are nights and weekends. It will take 7 semesters to complete my RN. You could check around for this type of program possibly.

Good Luck!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I would suggest visiting the Student Forum here to get the best idea of what your peers are up to :)

[emnicams]

I did an ADN program and worked as a waitress, 5p-9p 3 days a week and longer hours on the weekends, usually 6:30a-2p. When I was halfway done with the program I worked full-time as a nurse intern, and since I could set my own hours it was a lot easier. I hope this helps you some. :)

[megananne7]

I worked on weekends only when I was in college for my ADN - My job was one where I sat and answered phones, so in between calls I was able to study.

In terms of clinicals, it depends on what rotation you were in. All the Med Surg clinicals normally were on the same day/time every week, but some of my instructors for Peds/OB changed it up every week, but they gave you a calendar of the entire rotation so you could schedule around it

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I worked 3 12 hr shifts a week at the hospital as a CNA...and did that for 3 semesters....they were understanding with schedule, and I found that many times I would need a day off unexpectedly....so I would switch with someone. Also, each semester my class days/times would change...so I would let them know as far in advance as possible, and the schedule could be switched.

as long as you are responsible about telling work, most places don't have a lot of problems with it. That being said, I was dilligent about getting assignments done, and getting by on little sleep during class days....this last semester I would work Monday nights...and sleep from 6A to 1030A to get ready for school...home by 4 and in bed by 7-8...and worked Friday and sat. nights. I didn't have much of a social life, but I knew it would pay off. Also, you have to be prepared. I never had clinicals more than 2x a week....but your program is different. Also, be prepared for last minute notifications of things you HAVE to attend....I went to those without any sleep more often than not.

I studied a lot on the night shift, and pulled solid Bs....I was ok with that. My best advice is that if you want to be a nurse badly enough...YOU WILL FIND A WAY TO DO IT! GL to it...and use the student forum...that's what it's there for...help and encouragement.