Work AND school?

Jules A, MSN · Nov 10, 2006

Hi!

Of course you have to work, most adults do. Many programs are not in favor of students working but they need to get over it. They will not make any allowances for scheduling etc. based on your job but you can do it. In my class the students that worked got grades that were as good, and better in some instances, than the students that didn't work. You just have to be really sure to prioritize and stay on top of your studies. Much luck to you, Jules

BeccaznRN, RN · Nov 10, 2006

It will rely heavily on your own needs and situations. If you are the type that has to study 3+ hours a night to scrape by with a C, then it will not work. If you are like my classmate, who just "gets" the information with little studying, scores well on exams, and holds down a full-time job (3 12s a week), then it's doable. Everyone will be different, and it's important to assess yourself and your own needs before making a huge commitment to nursing school knowing that you will need to work at least 3x a week.

However, please don't plan on the nursing school being flexible for working students. Generally speaking, instructors will expect you to make your education a top priority and won't have much sympathy for you if you are not keeping your grades up in class because of your job. Nursing school can be considered a full-time job itself, so just make sure you will be able to keep up with all of your demands before making the commitment.

Best of luck!

wileoutgirl · Nov 10, 2006

I'll be doing 12's at night w/ school. My friend, who is a RN, said school first, you have to work your work schedule around it, no exceptions. That's why so many people take hospital jobs because they're willing to be flexible with you. Like the unit i was hired on made me part-time, 24, but I can still work 36 but I'm not obligated in case it's a stressful week. I really like that.

Oh, and don't work the night before clinical.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2006

I work full time. It's a sacrifice, having to jam in clinical research, studying, papers, tests, demos around work(often have to work one weekend day every week). Also, I have stress from there and home, but I stick my neck out and go to it. I test well, and get information quickly once I hear/read it. Unlike some other classmates, I don't wait until night before paper's due to do it. (Try 3 nights). LOL! I hear people venting about studying and working, and sleep, but those people are the ones often going out to party and have "fun". I'd like to have $$ for fun, so I want to get through school.....

You can do it, it just takes hard work!!

squee-gee · Nov 12, 2006

Yes, you can totally do it - you just need to find the right program. I find community colleges are much more "worker friendly", many of them have evening programs which make working during the day easier. I am in such a program, and work p/t (M-F 8:30-2:00 pm); most of the other people in my clinical group also work. As far as work load goes, it all depends on your study habits, and how well you organize your time. Go for it - you'll be glad you did!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 12, 2006

I'm not trying to be a pessimist but it really depends on the program. At my school the expectation is that Nursing School is our full-time job. My school has a 100% drop/fail rate for people who work full-time. However, some people are able to manage part-time (no more then 16 hours/week) and do fine.

Talk to an Academic Advisor and see what the actual rate of fail/drop is for people attending a particular program before listening to the fluffy rumors that working full-time is manageable!! Some programs are literally geared to those who have a full-time job (available nights and weekends). Others, like mine, are not!

Achoo!, LPN · Nov 12, 2006

Our instructors really push not working on the days of clinical. There is so much paperwork preparation that you realy do need time to work on your care plans, med cards, pathophysiology papers, presentations, or whatever they assign that is due the next day. I work weekend shifts, but that isn't always feasible for everyone. It will work out and you will develop a study schedule that works for you. Best of luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2006

No the program is not going to be flexible to the fact you have to work. You need to find a job that will be flexible to the fact that you are going to school. But you certainly can work around that. I worked in the evenings when I went to nursing school.

Good luck!

MRSLEAN709 · Nov 12, 2006

Hello!Im in full time nursing school and I work 6 days a pay second shift,if I could I wouldny but bills come.... Good Luck!!JS Nursing in Michigan 1st yr

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2006

I work at a hospital as a tech, work has to fit around school. It can be done, most healthcare employers will flex for you. They believe flexing for you will get them a nurse in the end.

I have had to go to my manager on several occasions and make changes in my schedule due to school demands. She has been more than accomodating.

Bottom line, I know the feeling of HAVE to work (we all have bills, its a pain) BUT you have to keep in mind, sacrifice now means a better future in the long run. I just keep telling myself this will all pay off in the end, and there will be a day that I can be a more involved, valuable employee.

suznan · Nov 12, 2006

Unfortunately I also have to work and go to school. During the LPN program I managed 24 hours per week but I am having a hard time working that much this year in the ADN program. I am trying to get at least 20 hours in a week but it's been hard. IN the program that I am in they recommend that you only work 24 a week or less. I do have a couple of classmates that are working full time. I am not sure how they do it.

susan