Did you work while in Nursing school?

travduck, BSN, RN, CNM · Apr 16, 2009

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. :sniff:

Thankful RN,BSN · Apr 16, 2009

Nope, i didn't have to. I have a very supportive family. Both emotionally & finacially.

rlorenzo24 · Apr 16, 2009

Like you, I am also planning on studying this fall. I guess it's a question of whether you're priviledged enough to live in a two-income household or with your parents. I on the other hand have a mortgage and bills to pay and won't necessarily have the luxury of working 1 day a week. Do I want to make the sacrifice of having to sell my apartment and move back in with my mother just so I can go to nursing school? It's a tough decision I'll need to make. I say that if you have no mortgage, bills or debts, by all means study full time and concentrate wholeheartedly on your studies. It's the catch 22 in today's economy. People want to move forward with their lives and go back to school, but unfortunately, if you have debts holding you back, it's easier said than done.

spunky1281 · Apr 17, 2009

I worked full time in LTC, raised an infant toddler, all while going to school and it was a struggle in the end to get through the program. I was falling asleep and they even knew it. If you do work, work weekends and holidays. It is too much to work and go to school.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 17, 2009

I couldn't afford to work for CNA wages so I kept my regular job and just cut back to 30 hours a week while in school. Getting your foot in the door with a department is a good idea if there isn't a nursing shortage in your area. I was lucky in that there was a great demand for nurses even new grads when I graduated so not having worked as a CNA didn't hurt me. Good luck.

RNCEN · Apr 17, 2009

Like you, I am also planning on studying this fall. I guess it's a question of whether you're priviledged enough to live in a two-income household or with your parents. I on the other hand have a mortgage and bills to pay and won't necessarily have the luxury of working 1 day a week. Do I want to make the sacrifice of having to sell my apartment and move back in with my mother just so I can go to nursing school? It's a tough decision I'll need to make. I say that if you have no mortgage, bills or debts, by all means study full time and concentrate wholeheartedly on your studies. It's the catch 22 in today's economy. People want to move forward with their lives and go back to school, but unfortunately, if you have debts holding you back, it's easier said than done.

Well put. I am going back for an RN, after getting a BA in an unrelated field in 1997. My wife has been home with my 2 daughters (and I the sole breadwinner) for nearly 6 years. I am taking some pre-reqs now for a program I hope to start in 2010. It is tough to take the pre-reqs and work, but you do what you have to do. I am hoping to work part time during nursing school, and will most likely have to to pay the bills. I hope it will offer valuable experience in addition to financial support!

Jules A, MSN · Apr 19, 2009

Like you, I am also planning on studying this fall. I guess it's a question of whether you're priviledged enough to live in a two-income household or with your parents. I on the other hand have a mortgage and bills to pay and won't necessarily have the luxury of working 1 day a week. Do I want to make the sacrifice of having to sell my apartment and move back in with my mother just so I can go to nursing school? It's a tough decision I'll need to make. I say that if you have no mortgage, bills or debts, by all means study full time and concentrate wholeheartedly on your studies. It's the catch 22 in today's economy. People want to move forward with their lives and go back to school, but unfortunately, if you have debts holding you back, it's easier said than done.

But why can't you do both? I came from a two income household but wasn't willing to sacrifice my income for the years it took to get my RN. I ended up working a min of 30 hours a week and graduated among the top in my class. Imo unless you are really struggling to pass school I don't see why its a matter of either or.

kmarie724 · Apr 19, 2009

I work full time noc shift as a CNA while in nursing school. I was also pregnant during the last semester. It was hard and I didn't have time to do much except work, study, go to class, and sleep, but i made it. I had class in the evenings, so I could work all night, sleep until 3 pm and then go to class. If I was lucky and there weren't too many call lights, I could get some studying done at work. I started out working 40 hours a week but cut back to 32 when I found out I was pg, it was just too much to work 40 hours and go to school when I was feeling so crappy.

If it's finacially possible, I would recommend working only part time. Full time work and school was rough, but I had to do it in order to pay our bills. But working as a CNA was beneficial. The nurses all knew I was a nursing student, so they would usually ask if I wanted to observe/assist when they had to do a dressing change, cath., etc. And I am now working at the same facility as an RN. Since I am already familar with the facility and the residents, I have been able to focus on developing my nursing skills without having to worry about things like where to find a clean washcloth, how to request a day off, etc.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Apr 19, 2009

I think working is fine during school, up to a certain point. See if you can get an every other weekend type thing. Working full-time is doable for some, but everyone I knew who did work full time while in school full time said it was really rough, and they wouldn't do it if they didn't HAVE to. I worked per-diem while in school and it wasn't too bad.

GCTMT · Apr 19, 2009

I think working is fine during school, up to a certain point. See if you can get an every other weekend type thing. Working full-time is doable for some, but everyone I knew who did work full time while in school full time said it was really rough, and they wouldn't do it if they didn't HAVE to. I worked per-diem while in school and it wasn't too bad.

Thanks. I am gonna give it a shot but I am a little worried about it. I am going to try and get a job in May (that is when I am expecting the results of my CNA state test) and go from there. But, it would be a shame to get a job at a hospital or LTC and then in the fall realize that I can not cut it without sacrificing my studies, and have to quit the job. So, it's a lot to think about.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 19, 2009

I work full time noc shift as a CNA while in nursing school. I was also pregnant during the last semester. It was hard and I didn't have time to do much except work, study, go to class, and sleep, but i made it. I had class in the evenings, so I could work all night, sleep until 3 pm and then go to class. If I was lucky and there weren't too many call lights, I could get some studying done at work. I started out working 40 hours a week but cut back to 32 when I found out I was pg, it was just too much to work 40 hours and go to school when I was feeling so crappy.
If it's finacially possible, I would recommend working only part time. Full time work and school was rough, but I had to do it in order to pay our bills. But working as a CNA was beneficial. The nurses all knew I was a nursing student, so they would usually ask if I wanted to observe/assist when they had to do a dressing change, cath., etc. And I am now working at the same facility as an RN. Since I am already familar with the facility and the residents, I have been able to focus on developing my nursing skills without having to worry about things like where to find a clean washcloth, how to request a day off, etc.

:bow: