Hours you worked while you were in school.

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:roll Hello all!!! I know that nursing school is a very time-consuming few years of all of our lives. My question/wonderment is how many of you worked (or are working & going to school now) while you were enrolled in school and how many hours did you work. I have not yet started my classes but am doing everything possible to get ready for this. I am getting someone to move in now so that I can save that money, I am working every little odd and end job I can find and saving every penny. I know I won't be able to work as much as I do now and take my nursing classes and clinicals and studying time seriously so I am doing what I can to save up as much as possible. Thanks in advance to everyone who replies !!!

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I just completed my 3rd semester and I am currently applying for a nurse tech position. I was lucky enough to not have to work until now. When I start back in the fall I will probably work only one day a week. I think that will be enough especially with two kids! I have seen a lot of people who have to work and it is really tough on them. Some of these individuals failed due to working too much. Then again I have seen others who work and do very well. I think it is smart that you are saving and preparing now. You will have to see what works best for you. Remember that nursing school is temporary and you will have to make some sacrifices to succeed.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

3 part time jobs....about 24 hours or so. Sometimes a little more, some times a little less.

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical, L&D, Postpartum.

Hello there!! I am currently finishing my second semester of nursing school and so far have worked every single weekend. I work about 11 hours a week which is not that bad and am doing very well in all my classes!! A lot of people in my class are lucky enough not to have to work, and some work night shift 24 hours a week. It all depends on what you can handle. You are very smart to save all of your money before school starts, you should also apply for financial aid, it doesn't hurt to try!! Good luck in school and keep us posted!!

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I worked full time (36/h per wk) until I got into nursing school. My junior year I worked 20h/wk and I went to prn status during my senior year and worked whenever my schedule would let me.

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My first semester, I cut back to Saturday and Sunday 3pm-11pm. I'm planning on cutting back to Saturday, only, for my second semster.

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One full time job and one or more part time jobs while in school. Encountered problems when I got sick for any length of time and when I was injured and forced to temporarily withdraw from school. Ultimately ended up being unsuccessful in school mostly due to getting downsized from full time job. I had to move and eventually lost my home. However, the job was necessary in order to go to school as well as survive, so the train wreck was really out of my control. Many people successfully manage to do school and job(s). I totally agree with your plan to save as much as possible before school. The more saved, the better off you will be. Another word of advice: If you continue to work while in school, do everything to keep that fact your own business. Some school personnel may target you and having a job is their ready made excuse. All schools discourage working. One of my former supervisors failed out of school. Her school personnel told her she shouldn't be working, so when she returned to repeat, she told the lady a direct lie about having quit working (she only changed her work schedule), the school administration had no idea that she was working and she finished school with no further pressure. Good luck in your plans for school. You can do it if you keep focused and organized.

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Specializes in Hospice, Med/Surg, ICU, ER.

I worked full time plus whatever extra hours I could find. AND I maintained a 4.0 throughout NS and pre-reqs.

It was NOT easy and I never had enough sleep, but I had a family to provide for; school or not. You do what you must, and get by any way that you can. There IS a payoff, and NS doesn't last forever.

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That is very interesting about how I should keep it kind of a secret. I understand what you are saying, and THANK YOU for that advice. I see how that would play out, because I know most people do frown on those who work and go to school. Thank you for that!!!

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Specializes in L&D.

I've worked every weekend 7pm-7am since sept. I am graduating on Weds.

=) It Can be done!

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Specializes in MR Peds, geris, psych, DON,ADON,SSD.

I Worked Every Friday Saturday And Sunday 6am-6pm As An Lpn And Went To Rn School M-th. I Had A Two Year Old And My Husband Worked Second Shift. Graduated With 3.85 Gpa Took 21 Credit Hours Last Semester And I Was Pregnant At That Time. Whew!!!! Glad Thats Over

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

It all depended on my schedule throughout NS. I worked at an optometrist office and they were very helpful and flexible with my schedule. I didn't make much money, but for me, having a lot to do definitely helped me as far as my personal time management. I went anywhere from 20-35ish hours a week, then obviously more during breaks and such. I would usually go in if classes were cancelled for a day or sometimes leave early if i had a project or a lot of studying to get done.

It is absolutely do-able and depending on where you work you get some good experience in dealing w pts, or learning more about drugs, etc.

Good luck to you!!

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