Fulltime Nurse and Fulltime Student?

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Specializes in Critical care, Trauma.

I could use a little advice guys. =)

For a little background...I am a new LPN. I graduated in May, passed boards the week after and was offered 2 jobs over the summer. I started working in a doctor's office as a Shot nurse in July, which was an amazing way to step into the world of nursing, learn the system for charting, all of the vaccine information, etc. Then, in a stroke of luck, in September one of the doctor's nurses left to pursue a more acute position and I was asked to interview for the job, which I was eventually offered. I work for an amazing female doctor with 20+ years of experience. She loves to teach (often has a PA student and/or Med student with her) and is very respectful of all of her staff. My nursing supervisor is a true advocate for the nurses and I feel very lucky to be in such a positive environment. Even when I was brand new, nervous as hell and asking basic/"dumb" questions, everyone was always willing to help.

The problem? I want to continue on in school, first with an ADN, then BSN and eventually looking at NP programs. I'm really nervous at this idea of doing both work and school FT. I only work 4 days/week, but those typically have been 10 hour days. Going part time would not be an option unless I went PRN, which would mean I'd no longer be this doctor's nurse. I'm so grateful for the position and all that I am learning everyday so I really don't want to even consider this option.

The programs I've been looking into are online and "hybrid" programs in order to work around my schedule.

I'd love to hear others' experiences in a similar situations, especially if they were in online programs. How were you able to manage your time, not to mention the stress? Any tips?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Honestly, since you're going to need hospital experience to get hired as an RN, I'd definitely recommend the doctor's nurse position. Quite a few nurses I talked to during my clinicals said that was how they were able to bypass the "no hospital experience" problem as a new grad. It's a HUGE foot in the door, especially these days.

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Specializes in Critical care, Trauma.

Sorry, I don't think I was very clear in my concern, allow me to clarify. I am working for the doctor and have been since September. I LOVE it. My concern is that, since it requires I stay FT, it will make going to school difficult. I'm looking for a few tips on handling FT school and FT nursing at the same time. =)

Thank you!

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Specializes in HIV, Psych, GI, Hepatology, Research.

If you're in no rush wait until a program is available for you to keep your current position and go to school. I start a hybrid program LPN to RN next month that will allow me to keep my M-F 830-530 position as a LPN at a busy clinic. They are flexible with me as I have been here a year and they are really great with their staff. Maybe if you ask the doctor for her advice as a nurse eager to learn and advance but come to her sincere about how much you love the current position working with her. She may have good advice. Good luck!

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Specializes in MR/DD.

I worked Full time as an LPN the entire time I attended school to become an RN. (ADN)

I am a wife, and a mother as well.

It was Hell! But worth every flame. I did an online progam so it was easier to schedule. My house was always a mess, the kids lived on fast food and microwave dinners, I never had time to do anything fun... but. I did it, I am an RN.

You can do whatever you set your mind to.

BTW, If I had to do it all over again.. I would have went straight for my BSN, just sayin.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I worked 8-430 and went to school two days out of the week from 6-9, clinicals were every other weekend. Graduated in May after 2.5 years in a BSN program. 2.89 GPA...was worth it! Starting my first RN job in February.

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Specializes in Critical care, Trauma.

Thank you for the input, guys. =) I'm really anxious to get back into school. The only differences between what I can do now vs. what I can do as an RN at my current facility (LPN-IV at Doctor's Office) is that I can only do peripheral venous access, but I want to keep going on and I feel like I'm commiting the next 10 years of my life to school. LOL The ADN-BSN programs I'm interested are more self-paced, so I feel like the ADN program will be my biggest challenge until it comes time to look for NP programs.

It's just nice to hear people say that they've been there and made it through to see the other side. =)

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I have also worked at a Doctors office and can say the experience you will get will be well worth it! Medications, Vaccines, on and on! When a Doctor likes to teach, you will only benefit from them!

What on line schools are you looking into?

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Specializes in Critical care, Trauma.

I am looking at a couple "local" (by state, though still 1-4 hours away) schools with online LPN to RN programs. I really wanted to get into Hutchinson Community College because they have some really good instructors but I had to retake classes as it had been too long so when I applied I got stuck on the waitlist. The other program I'm applying to is a Hybrid program 4 hours away that requires I go there 13 times over the year but clinicals can be local, so hopefully I can find a way to make that work out. Does anyone have recommendations for "online schools" that are accredited? I'm always afraid of falling for one with a bad reputation as I don't know anything about them.

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiac ICU.

I got my Lpn and began working. I then started my pre reqs at school for the nursing program. I work full time, go to school full time (12 cr.), and I'm a single mother of 3 boys. My gpa is 3.71. Anything is possible if you want it bad enough! :)

Work your regular schedule. Take night classes on the evening and on your day off. Weekends you can study. Part of being a nursing student, is having no social life. Lol If you're unsure, just start part time with two classes until you feel more confident. You can definitely do it!

Just as a s/n: my college requires lpn's to have at least 6 months work experience along with the pre-reqs before applying to the program. Once you're a Lpn for over 5 years, you no longer qualify for the Lpn-RN transition. You would then have to apply to a general nursing program (which has more competition). I'm not sure if all schools do this, but it's something you'll want to look into and keep in mind.

Four semesters later, I am done all pre reqs AND general Ed classes. All I need now are my nursing classes! I turned in my application yesterday. ;)

Best of luck!! :)

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Sorry, I don't think I was very clear in my concern, allow me to clarify. I am working for the doctor and have been since September. I LOVE it. My concern is that, since it requires I stay FT, it will make going to school difficult. I'm looking for a few tips on handling FT school and FT nursing at the same time. =)

Thank you!

In the same boat. I absolutely love the doctors I work with. I'm applying for the fall and if I get in I will just have to see how it goes. They knew when they hired me that I would be going to RN school. If they will work with my school schedule and I can keep my grades up I'm gonna try to do both. How have you done so far with juggling work and pre reqs? I wouldn't give up a job you love unless you absolutely have to. Good Luck.

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