How can you work and go to school?

tln9901 · Feb 12, 2014

I have received my Associates of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology, while obtaining this degree I went to school full-time and I worked full-time. I am starting nursing school in 3 months and I am currently working 3rd shift as a Surgical Tech at a Level 1 trauma center fulltime 70 hours a week and I am going to try to keep working this fulltime job while going to school fulltime. However, my current plan is to switch to 1st shift.

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2014

Unfortunately, I had to quit because my job was not holding up their end and giving me the minimum hours like they committed to (not entirely their fault because of a malingerer on staff but still). I hated that I had to quit. I felt like I had something to prove in working and going to school and kicking butt in all of it. I was grateful to have all the extra time but when it came to winter break I was digging for things to keep me busy.

With this quarter now, I was expecting to really be able to use my extra time but I am still finding that I am bored! I take care of the house and do the cooking, cleaning, dry cleaning, etc. etc. and still have time to study and still have time to waste and train for a half marathon. So, I am going back to work. I am nervous that I am just used to having all this extra time that I will forget my time management skills but my sanity needs this!!!! I am sure it would be different if I had kids and pets but for now, I'm just bored and miss people interaction (weird!) as most of my mates are busy studying.

Overall, I did learn some things.

If you must work (part-time, full-time, overtime, etc. etc.), time management is crucial.

No excuses. Drink some coffee and make it happen.

Exercise -- it gives you more energy (I like reviewing when I'm walking incline ladders on the treadmill and that helps tremendously).

Get help where you can -- don't be afraid to ask. You have to learn to delegate as an RN, right? :)

Compromise - you can't do all of it all the time but look ahead and see if there will be any extra time you can catch up on things (I used breaks in the qtr).

Engage during lectures -- this is the time you are expected to show up and learn so learn all you can.

Be a loud mouth in clinical - see above.

The moment you find yourself with extra time, use it to get ahead -- you won't be sorry you did.

brittward · Feb 25, 2014

I was not successful at first mostly because me and my husband were not on the same page. He did not want to help with the house work at first and so it was like 3 jobs for me, but then he finally started realizing that he had to help more and it became easier not simple but easier. I work at a hospital as a PCA 12 hour shifts and I work a block schedule 3 or 4 days on then 3 or 4 days off I have been in the hospital setting for 2 years and I prefer it more than the nursing home setting. I stay on a pretty strict schedule and also I have learned to live on little sleep. I workout at least 3 times a week so I do not stress out so much, I would say this is a life saver because if not I have my mind going all the time but when I go run I clear my head and have even just 15 or 30 min of me time. Me time is important also. I also have benefits like Paid Time off and if I know I have a test that I have been struggling in the class then I will use a day or 2 of PTO if I am not off so I can really buckle down for that class. I review my notes daily even if it is just listening to recorded lecture on the drive up there. I have a 45 min drive to get there. All in all it takes a lot of planning and organizing. Oh and I would say the fact my hospital has a free gym for employees that is opened 24/7 that helps with when I can workout I usually just workout shower then go to class before I make the drive home. I wish we could live in the same town that I go to school and work in, but if we move here my husband has almost a 2 hour drive to work and sometimes longer depending where their rig is, so we make the sacrifice of both of us driving 30 - 45 min.. Sucks but you do what you have to do. And just keep reminding yourself it will over soon!

nekozuki, LPN · Feb 26, 2014

I work 50 hours a week as an LPN, take 18 credit hours per semester, and have maintained a 4.0 GPA.

To do this, I simply stopped sleeping regularly, my meals are served through take-out windows and consumed in the car, I interact with friends mostly through text/facebook, and I don't attempt to keep so much as a potted plant alive (how you guys have kids and do this, I cannot fathom).

It's actually not such a bad life, and I'm pretty happy. Some strange form of stockholm syndrome, perhaps?

mudfish · Feb 26, 2014

Time mgmt is key. Use your phone, set timer for 30 min, then do chores for 10 min (set timer) have a list of things u gotta do during that time. Drink sum tea,don't stop exercising,cramming and not sleeping is counter productive (google it) find a partner,tape lecture, listen in your car,listen while dog walking,in shower,cutting grass,etc. Time mgmt !!!