Did you work while going through Nursing school?

movealong · Mar 23, 2004

Yes, I worked full time while going through school. There was no other way to do it.

rnmaven · Mar 23, 2004

I'm curious...did you guys work while going through Nursing school? I'm 24 years old, and I have a stable 7-5 job. I make decent money working in a city government job. I have my own place, I have a car payment, and I do have some bills. I attend night school in trying to get my Bachelors in Business (HR), but now that I'm getting closer to getting it, I'm starting to realize that this is not what I wanna do for the rest of my life. I've ALWAYS wanted to be a nurse! I really really wanna do this, and I started looking at programs at some community colleges by where I live. THe route that I'm going is to get my ASN. The problem is that alot of the classes are during the day...in fact, I think all the classes are during the day, so I guess that means that I would not be able to keep my stable job that I have now. How did you guys do it? Did you not work at all, or did you work part-time? Or were you able to work a regular full time job and getting your RN license at the same time?

Hi Maliatc!

I read over the posts to date and I think you can see a common theme......you can work and go to school.......but it's very hard! When I completed my Diploma/AAS program I was fresh out of highschool living in a dorm. I worked as a unit secretary in the OR and a nurses aide in a nursing home. That was just for spending money......no pressure. But I know that if I wasn't distracted by working I would've probably had better grades. When I returned to school for my BSN I had my own apartment and bills to pay.......but nothing like rent and other bills are by today's standards! On the other hand, I only made $7.21 per hour......so it's all relative.

Now, I'm doing the MSN program.......I'm in my third year of picking off credits.....three at a time....but this year I'm doing 6 at a time....it's KILLING me! I work through an agency 36 to 48 hrs per week.......but you never get out on time so it's more like 39 to 52 hours per week......the money is paying my bills, maintaining my lifestyle (skiing and keeping my horses fed) and I will have NO school loans when I finish the MSN......but that additional $900/month in tuition payments is really brutal. (And my 17 yr old son is NOT happy that I don't have extra money to buy him a car.... :crying2: )

I think if you keep your focus and do little things for yourself along the way, you can work and do school.......it's tough but worth it in the long haul!

Good luck........and PARTY when it's OVER!:balloons:

NurseDiva04 · Mar 23, 2004

Is there anyone working while attending accelerated nursing program of 12-14 months?

The Bear · Mar 23, 2004

Luckily my job was very flexible with my hours. I worked full-time and went to school full-time...when I graduated I didn't know what to do with all that free time! I also knew this is what I wanted to do, especially since I worked so hard to achieve it.

It took me 2 trys overs 5 yrs to get my AAS in Nursing working parttime (short order cook) and school fulltime, then 6 1/2 yrs to get my BS in Nursing (working fulltime as a Nurse and parttime school), and 7 years to get my MS in Women's Health Nursing ( working full time as a Nurse and Graduate school parttime!!!). Now I must really like what I am doing OR I am NUTS!!!

missmercy · Mar 23, 2004

Didn't have to work while in BSN school -- except to work my tail off during breaks and summers to pay for books and board etc.

Worked full time while getting my MSN -- took me forever! Am finally done!!!

Stitchie · Mar 24, 2004

I really admire EVERYONE who was able to work full time and get good grades while in school full time. I worked part time and that was very helpful for school -- I worked in Critical care / ER and loved every minute of it.

If you are able to afford to work part time you'll be a better nurse for it. If not, obviously it can be done but it takes real dedication.

Good luck !

domenica · Mar 24, 2004

Is there anyone working while attending accelerated nursing program of 12-14 months?

Hi! I am also enrolled in an accellerated nursing program. I start in another week, in 11 months I will have my LPN. I am definately going to have to work the weekends to pay my car insurance. This is not too bad, because since I am 19, I have no bills. I am going to apply at an asisted living facility so that way I could make decent money and also gain experience in the nursing field.

Karen_tn_37211 · Mar 24, 2004

TSU in Nashville has a week-end nursing program. It is geared for people that work full-time. I worked 40+ hours a week Monday-Friday, and completed my nursing courses on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. I also took night courses in other subjects to complete my degree.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2004

I really admire EVERYONE who was able to work full time and get good grades while in school full time. I worked part time and that was very helpful for school -- I worked in Critical care / ER and loved every minute of it.
If you are able to afford to work part time you'll be a better nurse for it. If not, obviously it can be done but it takes real dedication.
Good luck !

I dont know about dedication

We were just plain old hungry

Cherish · Mar 24, 2004

Have you thought about joining the Reserves or National Guard? I know A LOT of people wouldn't want to join the military on a part time basis because there afraid of getting deployed (don't think they should be afraid but I'm a Veteran use to deployments, FTX, NTC...). They pay for all your tuition if your Guard. I think if your Reserve they pay 75% or it may be 100%. I was Active Duty Army so I'm not to sure on the Reserve but know the Guard will pay for everything if its a state school. I don't know how old you are but just wondering if you thought about it. A weekend a month, 2 weeks a yr. Plus get an additional 250-300 a month! They PAY you to go to school! Like they pay me currently. I'm doing CNA part time, but only for experience not for pay (got 45k to go to school..which is way more then the school costs for 4 yrs so I actually get about 15-18k for nothing...lol). Just wondering if you thought of it. Congrats to everyone who did work full time through school, really admire that :)

jam0601 · Apr 8, 2004

I'm curious...did you guys work while going through Nursing school? I'm 24 years old, and I have a stable 7-5 job. I make decent money working in a city government job. I have my own place, I have a car payment, and I do have some bills. I attend night school in trying to get my Bachelors in Business (HR), but now that I'm getting closer to getting it, I'm starting to realize that this is not what I wanna do for the rest of my life. I've ALWAYS wanted to be a nurse! I really really wanna do this, and I started looking at programs at some community colleges by where I live. THe route that I'm going is to get my ASN. The problem is that alot of the classes are during the day...in fact, I think all the classes are during the day, so I guess that means that I would not be able to keep my stable job that I have now. How did you guys do it? Did you not work at all, or did you work part-time? Or were you able to work a regular full time job and getting your RN license at the same time?

I am a mom, wife, homemaker.......I consider that a full time job

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 8, 2004

3 jobs, 2 kids under 6 and an hour commute-one way. Yes I worked.