Discouraged

I'm not sure who you have been talking to, but many, many students graduating from nursing school are non-tradition or second-career students. These students have families, homes, and financial obligations to meet. They make it through. It's definitely possible. Everyone handles the requirements of nursing school differently. Some are better able to juggle the time commitments. I'm not saying it will be easy, but try not to get wrapped up in other people's experiences. You'll find your own way.

Keep at it! I have 3 children in different schools (elementary through high) and worked full-time plus part-time (2 jobs) while in school. Keep the boss well updated on your schedule, and the possibility of any changes that may arise. Was broke most of the time (underestimated the real cost of school) and missed a few of the children's events (sports, plays, etc.) - a friend recorded them & we watched the replays at home for family time/studying (yes, children can help you study). Now I only have one job (med-surg floor), finances coming around.

Remember, Keep you focus on the objectives, and persistence pays-off. :)

I am in nursing school currently and working. I do not think that it is an impossible task. That being said my program is only Tuesdays at school from 2-9 and clinicals on weekends. I passed on a couple other local programs because I needed to work and could not do the weekday classes and clinicals. Also I believe there is an online degree if you are good at self motivation. I think the school is Excelsior(sp). Good luck and stay positive. You can do it and it will be worth the hard work.

I worked full time while I completed prerequisites, you just have to make any available minute study time. (writing out notes on breaks etc.) I have to work too but for my last two years I am applying for all the scholarships I can get because I want that devotion to my studies.. My prereq gpa is a 4.0, it took me 3 years but well worth it! Don't give up- talk to your boss and professers and get advice from them first..

Thanks everyone for the comments. It's good to hear from people who have gone through a program while working. I appreciate the feedback.

I worked full time while taking prerequisites and during the first year of nursing. The second year I went PRN so I could focus more on school. I took out student loans to help with living expenses. I also have 4 kids and money was tight, but I did make it. Graduated in December and passed NCLEX last week.

You can do it. It's not easy by any means, but if you want it bad enough, you will make it work.

Best of luck!

Over 90% of my class works, most full time, and most with children. I have a 2 year old who certainly takes up more than 40 hours a week and am graduating in May. You just have to make sacrifices and priorities.

I went to a university that had a program geared to people who worked/adult learners...Two days a week from 6-9; every other weekend for clinicals. No summers off were the trade off. I finished the rest of my co-requisites online during and after I completed the nursing classes. I worked 3 ten hour days or 2 ten hour days and one 8 hr day to have enough money to support

myself. The days I had off and the weekends were dedicated to studying. I finished last May and got licensed in June. It was worth the struggle, and sacrifice. I graduated with a 2.89, and landed my dream job at a Children's Hospital PICU and started last week. :)

I encourage you to continue to invest in yourself...reach out to your instructors early if you need help...as early as your FIRST class if needed. If you feel as though you want to be a nurse, and you are willing to be invested, you wil get there!!! :)

I went to a university that had a program geared to people who worked/adult learners...Two days a week from 6-9; every other weekend for clinicals. No summers off were the trade off. I finished the rest of my co-requisites online during and after I completed the nursing classes. I worked 3 ten hour days or 2 ten hour days and one 8 hr day to have enough money to support

myself. The days I had off and the weekends were dedicated to studying. I finished last May and got licensed in June. It was worth the struggle, and sacrifice. I graduated with a 2.89, and landed my dream job at a Children's Hospital PICU and started last week. :)

I encourage you to continue to invest in yourself...reach out to your instructors early if you need help...as early as your FIRST class if needed. If you feel as though you want to be a nurse, and you are willing to be invested, you wil get there!!! :)

That is just like the program I went through. Lecture two nights a week from 6pm-10pm and clinical every other weekend all year round with no summers off. Sucks not to have a break, but you do what you gotta do when you have to work to support a family.

I worked 40 hours a week my first two semesters. It wasn't fun, but it was manageable. I cut back my hours during my final two semesters because I just couldn't do full time hours anymore, but I still worked 20 or so hours a week. It's not impossible.