Anyone working and going to school?

Gator,SN · Jul 18, 2002

Hobbes,

I too work while in school... Last year I worked FT night shift and went to classes during the day. This year I worked Sat and Sun 12 hours as a nursing assistant. It is hard to do sometimes, but I have to for financial reasons. I had clinical 2x/week and lecture 2x a week this last semester, so I had one day a week off to catch up and read..... Lecture began at 8am-2:30pm, and clinical began at 6am-1:30, then post conference (which varies) and then home to relieve my husband , who works nights and watches the little one til I get home.

I do think that it is difficult, around test times is very stressing, BUT you can do it! I have seen the older students do this and much more just to make it through....so, just keep your eye on the goal and you will be done before you know it!

Best wishes!

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 18, 2002

hi, chris. i am working and will be starting clinicals in august. i am working 12 hour shifts ( full time now) and come aug., i will work on the weekends mostly. depending on how the stress level is, i may have to quit all together. one way or the other, i am going to survive, if it be god's will.

RNConnieF · Jul 18, 2002

I worked full time, went to school full time, and have 4 kids. It can be done if you are determined, organized, and willing to give up everything but school, work, and kids.

emily_mom · Jul 19, 2002

I worked 30 hours a week during prereq's but I quit as soon as I started the program. My husband and I agreed that it's just not worth the risk of not doing well for a couple of bucks. Plus, I was so darn crabby that he prob would have divorced me had I kept it up! After the first semester, I started to work 8 hrs/wk, just to make the car payment and get away.

I also have kids, and I didn't want to sacrafice time with them to write care plans. Either way, you will be sleep deprived. I say, work what you can and you can always cut down the hours. Support is a big issue. If you have it, you can do anything!!!

bblou · Jul 19, 2002

I am an LPN (for >22 yrs) and I waited until my children were all grown to return to college. I work full-time nights and have been working on prereq so far. Clinicals, for me, don't start until spring of 03. I have been sleep-deprived and had no time for anything else. But, I keep telling myself that this is temporary. Sometimes I have to focus on things day by day, or even minute by minute. I'm 51; if I can do it, anyone can. If you are in a relationship (significant other or spouse), this is all going to be a big strain on the relationship. It comes down to a matter of time management. It is helpful if the other person is supportive and has your goals in mind, too. Women have it tougher because there will be some shifting of roles. Good luck in your endeavers!

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 19, 2002

originally posted by bblou
i am an lpn (for >22 yrs) and i waited until my children were all grown to return to college. i work full-time nights and have been working on prereq so far. clinicals, for me, don't start until spring of 03. i have been sleep-deprived and had no time for anything else. but, i keep telling myself that this is temporary. sometimes i have to focus on things day by day, or even minute by minute. i'm 51; if i can do it, anyone can. if you are in a relationship (significant other or spouse), this is all going to be a big strain on the relationship. it comes down to a matter of time management. it is helpful if the other person is supportive and has your goals in mind, too. women have it tougher because there will be some shifting of roles. good luck in your endeavers!

welcome and all the best to you!

Jennabugs · Jul 19, 2002

Hello,

It is comforting to know that other people can balance work and school. I will be part time in the fall in a BSN program in Boston.

Other students in the program (it is especially for non-trad students age 23 and up) have said that if work is too much to cut back your hours, but for me that is not realistic. I need my 40 hour paycheck each week. So, I will be going to school slower than others, only taking 8 credits a semester but until I win the lottery, I see no other way! God bless you folks out there with the kids, that is a full time job on top of whatever else you do!

Jennifer

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 19, 2002

jennifer, and welcome to the board!

TCW · Jul 19, 2002

At my school they have an evening/weekend nursing program for those of us who have to work and go to school. I worked full-time with my prereqs and will work full-time during the clinical portion. I have no choice, but I find that I work better when I know I have less time to slack off. It can be done I am confident of that.

Starting in Aug I will have my nursing theory class monday 5-9pm, lab tuesday 5-9pm and clinicals on saturday 7-3:30pm. I am not thrilled about giving up my saturday, but I gotta do what I gotta do. :eek:

Tonya

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 19, 2002

originally posted by jennabugs
hello,
it is comforting to know that other people can balance work and school. i will be part time in the fall in a bsn program in boston.
other students in the program (it is especially for non-trad students age 23 and up) have said that if work is too much to cut back your hours, but for me that is not realistic. i need my 40 hour paycheck each week. so, i will be going to school slower than others, only taking 8 credits a semester but until i win the lottery, i see no other way! god bless you folks out there with the kids, that is a full time job on top of whatever else you do!
jennifer

jennifer i forgot to say, much success to you in your endeavors. we all have to obtain our goals in different ways that are individualize to us. as long as you get there, this is all that matters! keep the faith! :)

Squeeta2 · Jul 19, 2002

Years ago when I started LPN school the administrator told me not to waste their time & my $$ as i was employed FT, & a single parent of 3. It gave me more of an incentive to suceed & I did at the top of my class. I can't help but wonder how many prospective nurses were dissuaded by her.

I am now a little older :rolleyes: and have returned to college for my RN I still have my boys at home & they recall fondly Mom doing her homework with them. But the best part for them was when they got a snowday & I didn't!

It's tough, I work every weekend 24 hours get paid for 32. That helps. School is mon - thurs. It can be done & you will be a shining example for others!!