Working your way through school?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I'm curious about how common it is to work when in school? Is it just impractical to do so, or do people hold down part time jobs? Are these jobs in the medical field, and if so, what sort of things are you doing?

I'm just starting to pulling together the plans for how the money's going to work out when I go to school... Thanks.

Specializes in ER.

I am very lucky that I work for a company as an EMT that is very flexible!!! We are almost like a daytime staffing service and are paid to be EMT's at volunteer ambulance garages. My boss is VERY flexible. This semester I would work Mondays 6am-10am and then go to school and then work the other days from 6am-1:30pm. It is also great because ofton times it is QUIET and I get to study.

I work 30-40 hours a week and we couln not afford for me not to work.

I worked 30 plus every week when I was in nursing school, and I was in a hospital based program that was essentially 40 hours per week.

It can be do done...................... :balloons:

I've worked a full-time job through my pre-reqs. Thankfully, due to some helpful people at my school and a decent academic record, I've received enough in scholarships and grants that I'll be able to support myself (and my 2 kids) without working through the last 2 years of my degree (the actual nursing courses).

I'm really looking forward to just having ONE thing to concentrate on (school) rather than several (school AND work)

The chairperson advised against having a job when I asked her if it was easy to work and go to school. I don't know how it is for ADN or BSN...I am doing the LPN thing first and that's an all day thing. And Evenings for clinicals. So, unless I work graveyards somewhere, I won't be able to work.I did find a program w/the workforce, or in other places the unemployment office...they cover all of your books and tuition, uniforms and supplies, plus they pay for your health insurance. They say if you apply for a pell grant...you get to keep the most of the grant for living expenses and they will handle all of the most expensive stuff. Not alot, but it's something. I have heard if you do work in a hospital, nursing home, or any medical facility, they are more understanding when it comes to a nursing students class and clinical schedule. Hospitals around my area allow nursing students to work 24 hours a week, but pay them for 40 hours in exchange for 2 years of work.

During the school year, I work about 25 hours a week. I can't work anymore than that. In the summer I try to pick up more hours. It is difficult financially but I know it's only temporary. That's what keeps me going. I work as a home health aide. I find that the hours can be very flexible there. It also allows me to be home with my kids on most weekends and evenings, as I don't get much help with this.

Most folks I know of are working while going to school. Those of us who are second-career students pretty much HAVE to work, as many of us are on our own, married, with families, etc. I'm going to school part-time...only taking around 2 classes per quarter, and I work 36-40 hours/week.

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Many work part-time during school terms and full-time otherwise. Most hospitals are very understanding / flexible about it.

Good luck!

I think a lot of it depends on what type of nursing program you are in and how you can schedule your classes.

I am in a 2 year ADN program. I finished all of my pre and co-reqs before going into the program. So, basically the only thing I am taking now is my nursing class/clinical which meets one night a week for class/lab and then 1 day a week for actual clinical at the hospital. I am a second career nursing student with a mortgage payment so I have to work and go to school. I handled it very well this semester working full time and going to school.

However, next semester our clinicals will be two days a week and I know there is no way I can work full time and go to school so I have quit my job and will hopefully find something part time and flexible for next school year. Many of my classmates though will be / have to work full time and go to school next year. Many of them also have small children and families to take care of, and some how they still manage.

My advice is to get out of the way as many classes as you can (ie. A&P, English, Micro, etc.) before you actually start your nursing classes. That way you will have the time to work and not be so frazzled. Some of my classmates are finishing co-reqs. along with their nursing classes and also work full time and they have managed but they have not been happy campers at all the past year.

Thanks, you guys. This is all really helpful.

I worked 40 hours a week all through pre-reqs. Since I have been in the nursing program I have been able to work 24 hours a week and still keep some of my sanity as well as a B in my nursing classes. If it was not for the working I would probably get an A, but I am happy with my grades and also that the repo man has not yet taken my car, because it's either get a B in nursing, or have my car taken away.

Many people in my program work part-time. Its not impractical to work as long as you have enough time to study and sleep. Some people work full-time at night and come to school right after work, and they have no problems getting through the sessions without falling asleep. I could never pull that off.

+ Add a Comment