Did you work while in Nursing school?

I worked an every other weekend type job in a hospital while in nursing school. But then again I was young and living at home and had virtually no bills.

If you can fit it in to your schedule, it will not interfere with your studies, it will accelerate them. I worked all through school, and even before while I was doing my pre-reqs - and it was the best decision I ever made. After graduating in December 08 I even got hired at the hospital where I was a CNA, partly because by then we (the unit) had become "family" in a way. (Although it has been tough for some of the nurses to see me as something other than a CNA now!) And this is during a time when jobs are scarce and some people are relocating. So, the answer is yes, try to work!

I worked in two different hospitals while in nursing school...one one Saturday, the other the next Saturday. It was my way of seeing what I liked (they were two different types of units), which place I liked, and of having my "foot in the door" in two places. The experience was great, and I got job offers from both when I graduated. I'd say work if you can, but if you're not the major breadwinner, don't work alot...

I worked a night shift position floating to 3 group homes caring for 18 people with developmental disabilities. Some had chronic medical issues others had psychiatric conditions. I worked as a med tech for the company also. This job gave me a lot of insight on the conditions and treatments involved in their care. which was very helpful during school. The actual hours worked allowed time to study as the residents usually went to bed by 10 & slept till 6 or 7. I went on to classes from work & slept in the evening. Worked out well for me.

I worked 40 hours a week, I had class 2 nights a week and clinicals every other weekend and it was hard, however I did it. I would shrink my power points down and study at my desk, I would also study on lunch and at home. Also, I did my class projects well in advance. Good luck

I worked part-time during school. It is really just making sure you set your study time, and never put it off. You have to make it more important than everything around you.

I worked during summer & holiday breaks as a CNA during nursing school. Not only did it prepare me for real nursing, it helped "seal the deal." I knew without a shadow of doubt that nursing was for me. It allowed me to work on different units, and therefore different specialties. As a result I was able to focus on my own specialty before I graduated, which made me more desireable as a new nurse.

As long as you can keep up with you school requirements, I see no reason not to work as a CNA part-time.

Working in a hospital or other health-care facility while in nursing school can be one of the best things you can do, especially in this economy. You learn a lot (even if you aren't a CNA but in another position) and you have your foot in the door. I would try to not work too many hours since you need the time to study. I have four kids, and while I was in my prereqs for NS, I worked two to three days per week in ER registration. Once I was in the nursing program, I cut back my hours to one day (sometimes two days) per week. At one point my dad got really sick and my boss allowed me cut back even more to one day every other week. I built a good reputation, and my boss and my director were more than willing to give me great recommendations and go out of their way to talk to the director of the unit I was interested in working (L&D) as an RN, so I got into that unit as a new grad! Sometimes when things got overwhelming in nursing school, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the students who were not working at all. However, those who were working in healthcare got jobs as new grads first. Now with the swing in the economy and new grads having a more difficult time getting hired, a job as a CNA can only help you! Just try to keep your hours in check.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think it would be advantageous to "get my foot in the door", so to speak. So, I am going to give it a shot.

I have been working fulltime and going to nursing school part time for the last three years. I am graduating May 15!

I wish I did not have to work, but I could afford not to. You can do anything you put your mind into. Time management is key!!!

I worked 3 jobs. 1 full time--nurse extern. and 1 part time--CNA. 1 PRN--sales. It was not difficult at the time because I had to do it. No family to help me and no family in the city where I lived. It was a major juggle. There were times when I had to drop down to part-time. Worked nights on one job where I could study, study, study. The third job was PRN mostly during breaks. I don't know how but I graduated with a 3.7 GPA. I miss the unit where I worked. The manager was very instrumental in helping me to graduate. Didn't take the job there eventhough it was offered because I moved to be closer to family.

Worked thru getting my CNA, RN, and 3 advanced degrees. In order to do so though I had to have an employer who was willing to work with me on my schedule. For many years between RN and an advanced degree I couldn't find an employer who was willing to work around my schedule, finally went registry. Working within the field has all the advantages spoken of above, but working out of the field allows your mind to rest from some of the stress engendered in nursing school. And know that even with cooperation there will be those days that you go to school, come home and study or complete assignments until 3-4 in the am and then go to work the next day. Oh - and if you have family - kiss them goodbye at least once a week just to remind them that you still live with them.