Half-time course load + work?

[ShaynaSmart]

I know this is pretty much a matter of personal opinion, but I appreciate comments!

I had an interview with a local nursing home (after a few not so good experiences, I believe that now that I'm a nursing student, I'd be better equipped to handle the CNA job). I'm really excited about going back to work and making money again.

I just don't want it to interfere with school. I'm in my 1st semester, and the only semester that gets close to being full-time is 3rd semester with 11 credits. I'm not a mom, so I don't have that to worry about or anything, but I am engaged, live with my partner and am the cook of the house, as well as the person who tries to keep our house clean (of course, if I have to choose between doing the dishes or studying, I pick studying).

I think I'm pretty good at managing my time. It's just so hard to tell, since I'm only halfway through the first semester.

And the DON at the nursing home knows I'm only willing to work part-time and was very understanding. The shifts are 8.5 hours and I'd be looking at probably 3 days a week.

Anyone been there, done that?

[KatieJ91]

I think it is doable! I am in the same boat as you kinda. I am married with no children. My husband cooks, but I grocery shop with him and keep the house clean. I work one 12 hour shift on Saturdays and it works well for me. I would work more hours and still do good in school, but I don't have to make the income so instead I enjoy my time off. Honestly my busiest nights are the ones before clinical and the ones before a test. I still have lots of time with 12 credits and 12 hours of work to do whatever I need or want to do during the week. Everyone's studying needs are different so I can't say for sure, but it seems do able. Our school prefers you don't work more than 16 hours a week. Will you work during the week or the weekend?

[Lola34]

Are you in a BSN program?

[ShaynaSmart]

Lola34 - I'm in an ADN program.

HopefulKate- I think it's doable, too. Our school never said anything about working, but in our clinical group of 20, I think it's just me and one other girl that doesn't work. Of course, many people are talking about cutting down their work hours. I'm hoping I can get the DON to set me up with a weekend schedule, but he might try to work me on another CNA's days off, so I can have the same residents. I've gotta call him tomorrow to check in. Oh, and it's a plus because I'm starting my clinical rotation there on Thursday and if I get this job, I'll kind of know where everything is and the transition should be fairly easy! : D

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I worked full time and did my program. You will have a harder time with a child, but it can be done if you have family/friends to call on for help. I would give it a try. You can always quit if it does not work out

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

i did grad school half-time (i had a baby just before school started) and it was a lot easier, as far as i could tell by looking at my classmates.

[NikkiJo]

I work a full time job and attend classes at 3/4 time in the evenings. it is ROUGH but it is worth it if it pushes you through your goals... Sacrifice will become your new bFF.