Anyone ever work full time while getting their RN?

[RNpandoraRN]

Hello everyone!

I got accepted into my school's nursing program, and will begin in October (2006). Classes/clinicals run for 8 weeks at a time. For example, I will have class Monday and Tuesday (2 hours each day), and clinicals Wednesday/Thursday (8 hours each day) for eight weeks, get a week off, then take class/clinicals #2 the next eight weeks, etc.

The problem is, I work full time and without it, cannot afford to pay bills and living expenses. I would have to take out an enormous amount of student loans, which I already have a pretty decent chunk from my first bachelor's degree. Also, if I continue working full time, my tuition is 100% free. But in order to get in that 40-hour work week, I may be squeezing in weekend hours or working 8am-2:00 and in my clinical from 2:30 - 11pm.

I dont have a husband or children (just two lazy cats) so I only have myself.

So I wonder, did anyone out there work full time while working on their nursing degree? Is it possible? How did you handle it? Any advice or pearls of wisdom is appreciated, as I am a little panicked about this situation!!

[TheGreatSteve]

Going to school is hard when you have bills to pay, but it is possible. I know a LPN who did that while raising a child. The nurse said she had a ft job. In the final months, she was burned out, but graduated without any loans or credit card debt! I know that i could never have pulled it off. So, when I started nursing school, last year, I rolled my eyes and signed the loans.

[rds007]

I am starting a RN program on Moday (so excited!) and was worried about working also. I am a CNA working homehealth, so I plan on studying the nights I work. I will work three 12 hour shifts a week-I'm hoping this schedule works out for me.

Good luck in school. You can do anything you put your mind to!!:icon_hug:

[ZASHAGALKA, RN]

I did it, but you have to know when to choose your priorities. For example, I would normally consider 'required' reading to be 'guidelines'. I'd skim through 100 pages in 20 minutes and make up for it by placing more priority on class notes.

I also worked nights, and that allowed me some time to 'study' after things settled down.

~faith,

Timothy.

[PRINCESS RN]

I worked full time and went to school!! It can be be trying at times but know your limits. Congrats on your acceptance and be very easy on yourself. DO NOT let anyone discourage you and tell you what you can't do!! It's an amazing journey but is also life changing. I thought I knew it all before nursing school and found out I didn't. Get ready to change how you think and work with problem solving. I found out they didn't teach us a whole lot about critical thinking in our twelve years of school. You can do it:icon_hug: !! Lots of Luck and God BLess, PRINCESS RN

[Harleygirl]

Yes.

I worked as an LPN/Charge Nurse in a LTC facility while I went to school full time. I am married and had three teenage boys at home at the time, but through the grace of God, I finished and passed my boards two years ago.

I was blessed to have an employer that understood and scheduled me how I needed (I took off my clinical days as I had to drive quite a distance for some clinical sites).

Yes, it was difficult. Yes, I didn't see my family very much, but looking back, it was what I had to do and when you are determined (and a little stubborn!) you do just fine. Just like some of the previous posters, I just wish I hadn't waited so long to bite the bullet.

[Soonstudent]

I'm starting my second year tomorrow. Work Friday Saturday Sunday, Class Monday, Wednesday from about 9-1, preplan afterward for clinicals on Tuesday, Thursday,seven days for the first six weeks, then six days a week. Had the same schedule last year. It's hard for the first two weeks or so, but then you get in a rhthym and it's not so bad. By the way I work three twelves in the hospital, which is enough to get tuition reimbursment and benefits, can cut down to 24 hours a week if I needed. I do get small student loans every semester. You can do it, it'll go by fast.

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

I worked full time as an LPN while in my ADN program. I worked 3-11 and 11-7 and quite a few weekends.

Of course I was a lot younger then! And married but no kids.

It's pretty common to find people working full time and going to school. You just have to want it bad enough!

I was able to work part time when I went back for my BSN. I had kids so that was much better!

[deleern]

I've been doing that for the last 3 years. I worked full time Nights until this last May, and now am working days. I graduated the LPN Program in 3 semesters, and did all my Pre requirements and Co requirements last year as well as 2 of the RN classes. all I have left is Clinicals and 1 class for the next 2 semesters. Just don't look to far ahead. just do one day at a time!!

[VRGirl]

I am in the same boat you are - I will be working full-time and going to school full-time. Do I want to torture myself that way? No. But I have no choice in the matter so I will do whatever it takes. Good luck to both of us!

[JaxiaKiley]

I'm probably going to have to work full time while I am in school, so it is encouraging to see that it *is* possible!

[fleur-de-lis, BSN, RN]

You guys are my heros!! Seriously, I have been debating if I should take a part time job to have some extra spending $$ while doing an accelerated BSN program. I realize how fortunate I am to have a hubby that carries the financial burden, but your posts makes me want to buck up and bring home the bacon too!!! Best of luck to you all.

[middleageNP]

For those who managed to finish RN school while working full time, I admire your tenacity. I don't know how you did it, but kudos to you all. I think I'd have a nervous break down if I had to work full time and going to school. RN studying is difficult enough without having to work, much less adding a 40+ hr work load. KOW TOW to you all for being able to do both.