For those who work while in nursing school:

Published

How many hours a week do you recommend a nursing student work?

I work full time right now as a CNA but I need to go part time once I start the program next month. I am married but do not have kids. My husband works full time and we rent an apartment. It is not 100% necessary for me to be full time.

I know that everyone has different thresholds for how much work they can handle while they're in the program, but I for sure cannot do full time and be successful - I know myself too well. I would be too overwhelmed.

There is a nursing school in my area (not the one I'm going to) that requires you to sign a contract for them saying that you cannot work more than 20 hrs a week and you can't work the day before a clinical. I am wondering if even 20 hours would be too much?

I just wanted to know from those who found an appropriate balance for themselves. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

If you can afford not to work, take that opportunity is my recommendation. You need every opportunity you can take to help you focus on nursing school. A good portion of my classmates were working full time + had a spouse + family to deal with and managed to get through the 1st semester. Major respect and props to all those that can do that. Fortunately, my job is very supportive of my educational choice and allows me to work one 12hr shift a week and pays really well. The two main reasons why I keep that job is that I could use the extra money for whatever I want and 2nd, it's keeps my foot in the door. But yes, you will need to find the balance between work, school, studying, fun time, and sleep. You'll learn how to time manage your days as you start the program.

I can't say that 20 hours of work is too much or too little because everyone is different. For me, one 12 hour night shift is probably my max I would ever do a week with school. Also, keep in mind that you may run into a point with your employer where he/she would want to pick up more hours. I had a classmate that was in that situation, it was either school and be fired, or full time but quit school (he ended up dropping because he wasn't sure if he would pass through the 2 years in the program with family and kids).

Again, if you can afford not to work, don't work! But that's just me

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

I had no choice but to work fulltime while in school. It was hard... especially seeing my classmates that didn't have to work and didn't have kids. If you can afford not to work I would say don't work!!! Nursing school is hard and adding work on top of it just makes it even more difficult.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was working 32 hours per week as a Unit Secretary/CNA in an Oncology Unit. It was a bad choice. It was really tough specially during clinical rotation (Tuesday & Wednesday) from 7AM to 1PM then work from 3PM to 11:30PM then go to clinical following early morning.

When i was in the Nursing program, i was done with other non-nursing subjects so it was only Nursing classes for me. Can't imagine for those taking Nursing subject along with other classes plus having to work lots of hours.

I was missing out review sessions where the teacher most of the times, gives clues on what area to study the most! Had to quit my job in the middle of Med/Surg since my grades were declining. Was lucky enough to lived with mom and dad and was very supportive of my decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would probably be able to work less if I made more. I only make $10 an hour now (less than $1 above minimum wage in WA), and while I don't need to work full time, I do need to work substantial part time hours to pay the bills. :(

I will try my best to make 20 hours a week work first and see how that goes. I like the idea of splitting it into two 10 hour days instead of having smaller shifts over the course of the week. If I have to lessen it, I will and my husband supports that. If it can't work it'll be very hard to make ends meet...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are in WA? Which school are you going to? I will be starting at Bellevue next month. Good luck getting your schedule worked out!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

Work as little as you need to. My work schedule varied week to week but I would say I averaged 24hrs/week. It was challenging, but for me, I not only needed the money but the externship experience; a lot of my fellow students were CNAs or techs and I had to make myself more marketable in my competitive area. I would have worked a lot less if I could have.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you everyone, I appreciate all your responses. :) I've decided that I will work but ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays 10-12 hours each day. I feel like with a schedule like that I will still have appropriate time for my studies and life in general while still helping to pay some bills. It will all require serious organization however. I bought a planner yesterday and plan to live and die by that thing!

Thanks again all. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You are in WA? Which school are you going to? I will be starting at Bellevue next month. Good luck getting your schedule worked out!

Highline! I start Sept. 23rd. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work 2 days a week (16 hours total) at a hospital. Two days a week is MORE THAN ENOUGH for me.... especially now that I am starting medsurge 1 this fall.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

24 hours if you can break it into 12 hour shifts or maybe even 8 hour shifts. You're basically going to be adding in another clinical day in the mix too. I actually work 24 hours 1 week and 36 the next.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will be working full time while going to school. My program is an accelerated program with typical classes lasting 6/8 weeks. However, I have all my pre req's done, so it will just be nursing courses. I do think it's doable, time management is key.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion