I asked this question on the pre-nursing student board, but I have a feeling it would make more sense to ask the question here.
I know that most people recommend that you do not work while in nursing school, but I also know that there are those of us that have no choice and have to work.
So I'm asking those that did have to work, how did you manage? Any suggestions to those who have to work while attending nursing school?
I worked as a bartender/cocktail waitress while in school. It was fun, good, quick money, and my bosses were great. They always gave me the busiest nights (Th, Fr, Sat) and were great when it came to exams and finals. It was also a great way to build my people skills. You learn to talk to anyone and everyone and also deal with some difficult people. My kids were young (6 mos and 2 yrs) when I started school and my husband was away at a law enforcement academy for one semester. I had to work and working at the bar was the best choice for me. Now I'm a psych nurse and I still work at the bar here and there.
Depends on the type of program you are enrolled in. If you are in a traditional 2-year BSN program, then yes. If you are in the 1 year accelerated program, then no. Many other applicants to nursing positions will be working, and you need to be as competitive as possible when applying for your first nursing position. Working while attending classes is an admirable feat, and with a good GPA, you can use that point to your advantage when interviewing (I.e. Good multi-tasker, time management, stress management, intelligent, fast learner, etc) Also, it is important to find job in the area in which you are interested...you will learn a lot, and working in the hospital will help you through your studies in nursing school. You will make contacts and be able to secure a job easier after graduating. If however, you cannot/do not want to find a job in the health care setting, it is important that you volunteer at least 2 times a month in the hospital setting...or setting of your choice (I.e.: doctor's office). This is to expose you to nursing, help you make contacts, help you decide in what area you'd like to pursue, and help prove to your future employer that you have a dedicated heart and drive to becoming a great nurse. Trust me, volunteer work in the health care setting will get you the job over another nurse in the same boat without it. You'll be able to get the job you want, versus the left over jobs that no one wants, but has to take. Hope that helps, and good luck. You can do this.
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I worked a full-time job the entire time I went to school out of financial necessity. Fortunately my employer was willing to work with me on a schedule toward the end even though they knew I would be leaving when I finished the program. The last two semesters I got little sleep.on Thursday and Friday I was operating on 2-3 hours of sleep. Looking back on it, I have no idea how I made it through. I remember thinking during the last semester that if there was another semester to go, I don't know if I would have been able to finish.
I worked 1 night a week going to LVN school. I'm doing the same now that I'm back in RN school. It keeps my skills up to date and I get a little money. I'm single with no kids though so I can afford that. I also have a garden and plenty of wild critters to shoot so I won't go hungry lol.
When I was going through LVN school, it was pretty much a running joke if I would actually show up to work or not (I only called in a "few" times). I had a WRECK on the way to work one night (totaled my car) , I called in and told the House Sup that bit of info...my co-workers didn't believe me till I provided pics:D.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I worked full-time as an LPN/LVN while attending an RN-ADN program. I worked 16 hour double shifts every Saturday and Sunday at a local nursing home while attending school full time during the week.
I attended an LVN program full-time 5 years ago and did not work during this period in my life.
soulofme
317 Posts
Worked...went through a divorce...it can be done!