How many hours do you work while attending nursing school?

Gator,SN · Feb 5, 2003

I work 24 hours a week except every third weekend I work 36 hours. (2- 12h shifts Sat&Sun)

Can't wait until this is over!

Gator

kimtab · Feb 5, 2003

I work 18-25 hours a week. I would probably work more but my job is "office hours" dependent and school is during the day. I have a feeling that school would be a lot easier if I didn't have to work, but I will enjoy not being in a big financial hole at the end of it just as much I am sure. Try it and see if it works for you. You'll probably be fine, especially if you don't yet have children.

Kim

Nurse Izzy · Feb 5, 2003

I, too am fortunate enough to be able to go to school full time and not work. We are by no means wealthy, either. I'm just fortunate enough to have a husband who decided for me that it would be better on me to concentrate on school (I think he was afraid that it might take longer than two years if I didn't! :))

I am completely amazed and in total admiration of those people who do work and go to school. I don't see how you guys do it! It's all I can handle to go to school during the day, come home and study and eventually cook dinner at some point - and I don't have any kids full time - my step son is only here for the weekend so that's not even a worry, either!

memphispanda, RN · Feb 5, 2003

I think what it boils down to is that you do what you have to do, and what your family can stand. I was able to work full-time my first semester of clinicals because I only had the one class. I had to quit the next semester. I am now eligible for an extern position, but I don't know when I would do it between class time, study time, family time, and sleeping. I already feel like there isn't enough time, so where would a job fit in...but we really need to money.

Vmommyx4_RN · Feb 5, 2003

Amen to the loans!!!

this is my first semester. I have 4 kids, 19 (still at home), 10, 7, 6 and a husband (and the dog). The laundry never stops, people always want to eat and my husband, he has an hour commute each way to work. He leaves at 5:20am and is home by 4:40pm, bed by 9pm. He tries to help, but the man hasn't a clue and admittedly I am a bit anal about how things are done.

My oldest is a big help but he is also in the National Guard - pet peeve here - why does every one want to harp on about how worried I should be right now??? DUH - I'M A MOM!!! But I am trying to leave this worry to God. Back a sentence, he is gone right now for training and that makes it hard not having a third person to provide child care, driving and general take out the trash.

At any rate, I opted to work PRN this semester, only one day to no day a week. This is my first semester and I wasn't sure what to expect and it helps not having to worry about going to work.

jdomep · Feb 5, 2003

I am a full time mom of 4 (that's work enough for me;) ) Just doing that I have a heck of a time finding time to study. I am glad I do not have to work.

The people in my class that have children and work "don't have enough time in the day to get everything done" It seems to be taking its toll on a few of them

Angella Walker · Feb 5, 2003

I am working 40 hrs/wk and usually take 12-14 credits a semester. Have to work because bills still need to be paid. I am fortunate in that I work for the school that I attend so they pay for my first 7 credits each semester and that most of my prereqs were completed over the past 10 years.

Taking care of 5 kids and a husband, there is no NOT WORKING BECAUSE I AM IN SCHOOL. I am fortunate enough that I have enough skills to get a decent paying job where If I chose to, I could cut my hours.

I look at it this way, going to school is a "luxury" for me. My responsibility is to my family. If I ever feel overwhelmed or feel that some area of my life is being neglected, I reduce my credit load in school. I an not an 18-something anymore.

My advice to you young'ens is to get you academics out of the way before you get straddled with all of the joys that come from getting older. I think my being a nontraditional student (with the family, job and being 29) has helped me to get the most out of my studying and make the most of my time. If I wasn't prepared for a quiz, I don't stress over it. Its just a test that can be repeated. The care of my family will always come first.

AW

ashse · Feb 5, 2003

I work maybe 30-32 hours a week, go to school full-time and have a husband and a 3 year old. It seems like I am one of the few in my class who works that much but I have among the highest grades in the class. It can be done successfully if you apply yourself!

luluann · Feb 6, 2003

I am very fortunate to be able to attend school fulltime and not have to worry about working. I am doing casual (1 day/wk) home health care right now just to get some experience, but next year at this time I may not be doing that either. For us it was the best decision even though financially it means more work for my husband who is self-employed trucker. With younger children at home, it didn't make much sense for me to continue to work and have to pay before/after school daycare at $7/hr. I wouldn't have had anything left and the stress level would have been sky high. It has only been 5 weeks, but we are doing good. My grades are good and I actually still have quality time to spend with my girls helping with their homework and having a meal together at the end of the day. And it's not Mac & Cheese or hotdogs! And it has made a world of difference in their behavior, having quality time with a less stressed Mom.

djw26 · Feb 6, 2003

I work 40 hours a week and go to nursing school full time. I'm also married and have a 2 year old. I have to say I'm damn tired most of the time. But I'm doing really well, I'm on the Dean's List and make enought money to keep up a decent lifestyle...

It can be done. But I'd have to say if you can afford to, only work part time. It will make nursing school that much less stressful..

:idea:

KC CHICK · Feb 6, 2003

I worked 20hrs/weekends - Sat and Sun 10hr days - when I was in my ADN program. I was working at ADT Security Services for 13.00/hr and they reimbursed my tuition and books. (Not bad for part time bennies! I also had health insurance.)

Now I work 36hrs/weekends - Fri, Sat, and Sun 12hr nights - while I'm taking 11cr hrs towards my BSN. I will still be working 36hrs while taking my internet nursing classes for my RN-BSN program.

Anne:nurse:

Cynthiann · Feb 6, 2003

For me it's not worth working just to hand my entire check to pay someone to watch my kids. Plus if I did work I would get less grants and would have to get more student loans. So working will actually put me in more debt than not working. Not to mention no quality time with my kids. If I was single with no kids I would work fulltime though.