Full Time Nursing Student with a Full Time Job

Published

Hey So I start nursing school in May, and I work a full time job as a CNA. The program frowns upon people who work full time jobs, and they discourage it. But I have bills that require me to work full time. I was thinking about switching to 3rd Shift...and studying at night when I'm at work. I have no kids, and I'm willing to give up my personal life, so my only two focuses will be school and work. Do you guys think it will work or will I be overwhelmed. And also what are some suggestions that will help me.

I'm doing it right now as well. I'm about to take my finals for 2nd quarter. I work in a non-medical job right now. But my mom is my manager so she can be a bit more leniant on my hours if I need time off to study for finals. But, I agreee with what everyone else has said. You can definitely do it, you just may not be getting the A's. For both quarters I've been a B student. It seems like everything I do comes out to a B. But I work Monday through Thursday 6:30-4:30. Then class starts at 5 and I'm there until 9 or 9:30. Somedays we get out early though. But I like having Friday off because I can get up early, run errands during the morning and then I have the rest of the day and the weekend to study. I was also planning on the whole study at work thing and it hasn't worked out well. Flash cards are usually all I have time for and that's only on breaks and lunch. But I definitely think you can do it. Go for it! :]

-But just don't forget to squeeze some sleep in there too. I did, and landed myself in the ER. No good. :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatric.

I am getting ready to graduate from the RN program next month. The first year, I worked 10-6. This year I am an LPN. So I have worked 6p-6a. I have worked anywhere from 32-50 hours per week. Being only 18 when I started school, it was hard to give up my social life. It can be done. I wouldn't have done it any other way. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My sister did the same thing. She worked nights at a youth psych facility a couple nights a week on weekdays and 12 hr weekend nights. She lived in scrubs 7 days a week,but made it work.

The biggest difficulty she found was that she had little time between getting off work and getting to school on time. The day CNAs were chronically late despite complaints to the manager.

Nursing school does not tolerate tardiness, so start times are something to consider.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

With determination and self-discipline it can be done. I'm doing it now. I do not work in the medical field but I'm thankful my employer is able to give me some flexibility. Yes, I have no life but it's only for a year or so.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it's possible, especially since you're single without kids! I think it would be very difficult for me, with three young kids to get a full time job though - I already have one with the kids, and you don't see nursing schools telling us to rehome our kids for a few years. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

Don't count on getting a lot of studying done at work. Night shift is busy, too! ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I worked FT 7:30 - 4:30 as a computer programmer while going to NS in an evening/weekend program.

I agree with another poster....I skipped reading the books and paid attention to the PP slides instead. Before an exam, I would do all the Q's at the end of the relevant chapters.

My hubby was in Afghanistan and I still had a couple kids at home. Luckily, my kids were older so when they wanted to know what was for dinner, I simply said, "Whatever you make!" :D

Good luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

It can be done. Keep the grades up though.. C's will equal degrees..:) but if u may consider going on those C's may haunt you. Have a friend who blew off sciences while in undergrad. Applied to anesthesia school and was flat out told NO cause of the C's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, Geriatrics.

It can be done, I am an lpn working full-time 12 shifts (7a-7p) every weekend and one day during the week. I also go to school fulltime. I am in the lpn to rn transition program. Did I mention i also have 3 kids 11,8,1.. whew!! I make mostly B's i got an A in peds.. I do make the most of every minute of my day, I try to go to bed early and wake up around 3-4am to study at that time the house is very quiet I let other people drive and constantly have my notes on me:).. I attend all classes and take notes i prefer that than studying from the book, since the book gives so much extra info that is not revelant to the test... Never give up and always try your best =) I will be graduating this december... So there is a light at the end of the tunnel... Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatics.
ADAM-you got in?!?!? YAY!!!!

Try working perhaps 11p-7a and see if you can juggle that. If it is too much, cut back some. Your boss is supportive of your going to school, right?

HUGS!!!

YESS I did ...I was an alternate and she neglected to tell me!! She called me Friday to attend orientation MONDAY!!!!!! I'm soooo excited!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion