Full-time job while in Nursing school fears

ChipNurse · Oct 29, 2013

I worked full time through nursing school. I'm not going to sugar coat it... it was hard. BUT, I was determined to do it (actually- had to do it) and I survived, and you will too. :) The key is to stay on top of everything and do not get behind. I would start the reading for the next semester during the break from school. I would study any chance I got. Make sure you read the book, despite what others say. Don't get bogged down in tiny details but try to see the bigger picture when studying. Put the hard work in now and when you're preparing for boards, it will be a breeze. Volunteer to do everything in clinical; take hard patients (you will learn the most from these patients). Stay healthy by working out (helps with the stress), eat right and try to get enough sleep (easier said than done). When it feels impossible (and it will), stay positive and keep your eye on the prize. At the end, when you finally graduate, be very proud of all that you accomplished while working a full time job! Good luck to you! It's a wild ride, but well worth it!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

Almost all of the teachers are willing to send out a syllabus on the condition it may change before you get it if they have one. I would also see how flexible is your job. A lot of my clinicals run 6:30 to 2:30 and this semester they run till 3:45. Also, my school will schedule seminars that they won't reveal till the semester so what if you have to go to a HPS lab at 2:00 that runs till 4:00? Some people found out about the seminars 1 week before they started because they had them in the 2nd week of school. There was a lot of anxiety about childcare and work.

krisiepoo · Oct 29, 2013

I'm in my last semester of nursing school and have worked full time through it all. It is HARD and you have to have good time management to get through. If you're dedicated and are willing to push yourself like you've not before, you'll do well.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

How flexible can your work be if you have classes, labs, or clinical during those hours? Is there any chance you can swing part-time in exchange for working your butt off during vacations and holidays? Can you get your child support reduced while you are in school, with the understanding that it will go back up when you are employed as a nurse? You don't say why your ex is so dependent on your support and for how long she has been, but if you are amicable she might see the benefits long-term. If not, you won't be doing anyone any favors if you flunk out because you don't have time to work and do school, so your options are taking out loans or getting a modification order or both. Ask your divorce attorney for advice on this.

BusywithNursing · Oct 31, 2013

I start this jan as well... My husband is disabled and we survive on my little SALERY alone. (No disability checks here) I have to work full time during nursing school and I'm scared out of my tree! I don't know how I'm going to do it but I just keep reminding myself "I have no choice I HAVE TO DO IT!" Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done... We can do this!!

"The bumble by design should not be able to fly... The wings are way too small for its big body... The thing is it does fly... It's able to fly because no one told it it can't." Be a bumble bee and fly!

saltgeorge · Nov 1, 2013

Hi busy with nursing! Sometimes I think I'm the only one who is going to have to work while in nursing school. Seems like everyone I know didn't have to work and only had to go to class, clinicals and study. Thanks for posting, it's kinda reassuring to see that I'm not the only one in this boat. I admire your courage and hope that I can display a little of my own when the going gets tough. Are you going to be at the BSHP in San Antonio also?

boricualuna · Nov 2, 2013

It can be done. I'm finishing my 4th of 5th semester of Nursing school (associate degree) and I've worked pretty much 24-36 hrs a week plus I have 2 kids. So for people that say it's impossible it's not. If your job is willing to work with you and you have of time management skills you'll do great. This far into nursing school and I've gotten all As and Bs. Good luck !

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 2, 2013

I also work full-time. I'm in 3rd Semester of a 4 Semester program. I can honestly say that it's been really tough. One Semester I had required me to have to find a way to swap shifts with some people so that I could attend clinical sites. Ever since then, I have had classes and clinical times that have worked well with my work schedule. The hardest thing about working FT and going to school FT really has been finding time for studying and for spending at least some time with the family. Fortunately for me, my work has been very good about allowing me to study while at work, as long as it doesn't impact my performance. So far, it hasn't. I'm anticipating some time this spring when I'll have to take a month off so that I can finish school as during that time, whatever my preceptor works, I have to work, and that time will not be very compatible with my work schedule at all.

Just know that it can be done, you just have to have some things lined up in your favor, whether it be because your job happens to mesh well with your school or you find a way to make it happen.

The last thing I must say is that I'm very glad that I have had such a supportive family. They have been behind me every step of the way and have understood that I'm not neglecting them, I'm just doing what I need to do so that I can get ahead and make things a whole lot better for them down the road.

BusywithNursing · Nov 2, 2013

Hi busy with nursing! Sometimes I think I'm the only one who is going to have to work while in nursing school. Seems like everyone I know didn't have to work and only had to go to class clinicals and study. Thanks for posting, it's kinda reassuring to see that I'm not the only one in this boat. I admire your courage and hope that I can display a little of my own when the going gets tough. Are you going to be at the BSHP in San Antonio also?[/quote']
SaltGeorge - we can do this. I will am in Maryland. I'm doing my ADN at Anne Arundel CC and my BSN... Well that has changed due to financial reasons so I'm not sure where I'll go for that... I'm already starting to look for schools...
My program tells you "You can not work, instead sign a contract stating I will not work" I will have no choice so I'm not signing or telling them. We got this! Feel free to inbox me anytime.
This Tuesday is orientation I'm so excited, I can't believe it's here!!!

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 2, 2013

I'm an older student (50) in my first semester, and I could not imagine working while in NS, but I will be doing just that next semester after I get my CNA. I will only be able to pick up two shifts per week on the weekends, because nothing will interfere with my school or clinical days. Just can't be having that. You can do it though, many do. I wish you the best of luck! :yes:

boogalina, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN · Nov 2, 2013

It's not easy, but you can do it. Only concern would be flexibility of your work schedule, as nursing school IS.NOT.FLEXIBLE. Also, if your school was like mine, you'll find out your clinical schedule at the last minute, making scheduling work quite challenging. I survived it at age 45-46 - so can you.