Full-time studying education plus nursing on top?

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Hello Everyone,

I'm on the waitlist to start the RN program at Maricopa Community Colleges. I'm really nervous because I'm also going to be finishing my teaching degree at ASU where I have student teaching Mon-Thurs 8-3, classes all day Friday. My nursing spot should be evenings so I would go after I student teach. I will only need to take the 9 credit nursing block on top for 2 semesters before I get my BA, but is that extreme? It's 14 credits at ASU (5 credits from student teaching so only 3 other "real" courses) and the 9 nursing credits. If I don't work during this time and don't have kids is it possible?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Mental Health.

So you're asking if 23 credits is a lot? I think you know the answer. lol What are the nursing classes you'll be taking?

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It is a lot, but it's doable.

Last semester I had 27 credits plus my practicum. It was HARD. But, I passed my practicum, and ended up on the Dean's list at both colleges.

I was in my LPN-RN program which was full time, and my bachelors program which was full time.

I had to do it out of necessity, and it's not something I would do again.

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Out of sheer curiosity, why would you do this?

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Thats an insane number of credits to be taking at one time. I once took 17 credits (which was only 4 classes), with my nursing class and I managed, but I was mentally and physically drained by the end of the semester. I also want to mention 90% of my effort went into my nursing class that semester. PLEASE, dont take your nursing classes lightly. They are unlike any class you have ever taken before. If you want to be successful, youre going to have to put in a lot of time.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

This sounds very extreme. Why would you do this? How are you going to fit clinicals in once they start? When will you sleep, study, and have time to care for yourself?

23 credits *is* doable - very stressful but doable, but the combination of nursing and teaching both of which require a lot of outside the class work and practical education hours seems like it would be impossible to do with out seriously compromising both physical and mental health and in all likelihood grades in both subject areas will suffer.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I think it's doable, but I would think long and hard first. In my school, and I'm sure many others, the first quarter has one of the highest drop out rates. Nursing school is difficult, and it really is learning how to think like a nurse. This takes time. Additionally, you will have the stress of clinicals which are both time consuming and can be particularly stressful in your first quarter.

If your heart is set on doing both, I would personally consider seeing if your teaching credentialing program would accept you going part time (half time) or even taking a leave of absence for your first quarter. That way you're not jeopardizing your RN program by slamming yourself academically right when you start out.

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