Hi everyone- I am just looking for input from others to see how you handled working during NP school. I have an extra burden of needing to carry health benefits for the family. Currently I work a 5 day position and just do not see how it will be possible to continue it much longer. I have talked with several who have graduated my program and they have all told me that the last 3 semesters are toughest to do, and that working is only possible in a 2-3 shifts/wk scenario. Since I need to carry the bennies, NOT working is unfortunately not an option-boo! I am about a year away from those last few semesters, however my actual clinical work starts this spring and I don't want to be trying to job search, orient, etc at the same time as going into the hardest semesters of school!
I really enjoy my current position, but I need to plan ahead and make sure that my #1 priority is being successful in school. I am planning to look for a staff nurse position, preferably nights so that i can learn everything again (due to the fact that i have been away from bedside for >10 yrs).
How did YOU handle working during school? Also, any insight would be great, any feedback appreciated!
My wife (an RN) took a full-time job so that I could cut back to prn during my clinical year; best to be prepared for that just in case. I'm not sure I could have survived that last year working full time. Many of my classmates did it and my hat goes off to them. I made a point to not bring up how many hours they were putting in, it was definitely a struggle especially the last month or two when we were all pushing to make clinical hours.
I work full time. I am a wife and a mother to a toddler. I have this current semester and one more before I graduate. It's not easy but it is do-able. It is all about time management.
thanks everyone for your input. i turns out that i don't really have an option in the end. my school arranges the preceptors for the students, and they pretty much all have office hours from 8-5 M-F, so continuing in my current role will not even be a viable option as i get further in my program. i have put out resumes, had a couple interviews, and hoping for good things.
i am actually looking forward to viewing new opportunities, and seeing what is out there now! I also hope that I can align myself with a larger medical center that will lead to good NP opportunities when I am done with my training.
I will be cutting down to 2-3 shifts per week as well. Some people have encouraged me to continue full time, but I know myself and what would work better for my family and I. Do what you can to get through school, that's all I can say.
I have gone per diem and purchased health insurance through my state (ACA). Because I'm in school and my income is lower, I only pay $500 a month to cover the whole family. Totally worth it. There's no way I could work while in clinicals.
Sent from my iPhone -- blame all errors on spellcheck
This is what I was going to say. My husband is self employed and I work prn. We get our own insurance, which costs about the same with the government subsidy that I would pay if I worked part time. Instead, I work prn, which gives me the flexibility to say no when I am busy with school or to pick up extra work when I have time. It also helps that I have a position that allows me study time.
I dropped down to part time and perdiem to have an open schedule since my class dates change at various times. It is actually working well since I do nights and get plenty of rest on my days off and get my assignments done. NP is very doable you just have to have awesome time management skills. :-)
MikeFNPC, MSN
261 Posts
My wife (an RN) took a full-time job so that I could cut back to prn during my clinical year; best to be prepared for that just in case. I'm not sure I could have survived that last year working full time. Many of my classmates did it and my hat goes off to them. I made a point to not bring up how many hours they were putting in, it was definitely a struggle especially the last month or two when we were all pushing to make clinical hours.