I have not yet started my program but I will in the near future as a full time student. Some have advised me to work as a CNA during my program simply for experience and a way to earn some money to help survive.
But I have also heard going fulltime and having a CNA job fulltime is not possible, how did you or anyone you know pull it off?! (time wise and such?)
or rather, how did you manage to study and work fulltime?
And are CNA jobs the most common job students have during nursing school? What other jobs have you worked that is related to medical field simply to earn money to survive during the program?
Also, I don't have any CNA experience nor even a CNA license. But some said you are eligible to work as CNA like a semester or two after starting your program?! What? How does that work?
I work 2 12-hour shifts per week while in nursing school as a CNA. If I could afford to just do school I would even though I'm getting experience & like my coworkers a lot. School is tough!
In the program I just completed, which was an intense 2 year (after pre-reqs) Associate Degree program, the faculty recommended working no more than 8 hours per week. I worked as a CNA an average of 16 hours per week (3 8-hour shifts one week, 1 8-hour shift the next) and it worked well for me. Of course, I did not struggle as much as some of my classmates to learn the material. I think working as a CNA in a hospital is a great way to learn about how things actually work there, and to get your foot in the door for a nursing job. Waiting a few semesters will give you an idea of how many hours you can afford to work and still have time to study. My CNA position paid off in lots of learning, and a nursing job waiting for me on my unit as soon as I pass boards! If you work as a CNA, make sure to work hard and have a good attitude - otherwise it will NOT help you get hired! :)
I did not work the first year in my nursing program. I am working PRN with about 30 hours a week for my second year. I find that I'm better prepared for tests because I have to be, there is no time for procrastination. Definitely doable, and if you are a procrastinator, I recommend it.
I currently work full time (40 hours a week) and trying to balance nursing school. It's not easy but it's doable. For me I just schedule everything including study time. My life right now currently consist of gym, school, work, study, and repeat. Note that this is my first month of nursing school and we are currently out for Christmas break. I'm contemplating on dropping down to part-time once things get a little harder (lab hours, clinicals, etc) but right now I can't afford to lose my salary and benefits.
I didn't even realize just how flexible CNA job can be. I understand to schedule it around my studying time/classes/clinicals etc etc. But do you actually be able to pick your shifts? ANd how flexible are they? Like 4 hours shifts and you just pick the ones left over or the ones you want, right?
If so, part time is considered 20 hours minimum a week right?
I am still very unsure since I haven't even started and see where all my time management goes so I want to wait like one or two semesters into the program.
Man. You're unsure, you haven't started yet, wait one or 2 semesters into the program, and THAN consider cna positions. 8 or 12 hour shifts depending on facility.
vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN
2,717 Posts
I have a friend who I attended LVN school with, who attended school m-f 40 hrs/wk, who worked full time nocs as A CNA through the whole program.
I, on the other hand, worked PRN as a CNA in school and hardly worked at all because I need sleep.