How did you maintain school and work?

DayDreamin ER CRNP · May 9, 2010

I'm a single mom to one but my ex lives on the same street as I do and my parents are a great help.

I did not have time to work and go to school full-time during my first and most of my second semester. I just recently took a PRN tech job 7p-7a 1-2 days a week. I have had to cut back on a lot of little extras I used to indulge in - Starbucks, getting my nails done, pedicures, eating out, etc. but it has all been worth it.

I qualified for several grants and loans and that got me through most of my first year financially. I'm also very fortunate that my mom has offered to make my house payment for me.

I would not have been able to go thru my nursing program if I didn't have all those together. Period.

Although I've only been working a month while in school, it has been great that my charge nurse is willing to work with me on my schedule and I take my notes or study books to work and read a page or two when there is down time or I take a break.

I HAVE to keep a paper calendar with me at all times so I can keep up with all my tests, due dates and work schedule. When it is time to put in for my work schedule I can adjust my hours based on school / family obligations. I'm lucky that I only have to work one day per pay period if necessary so that helps a lot! This is very helpful during finals!!!

good luck!

meredith

purple*11 · May 9, 2010

Thanks so much.

kikwon89 · May 9, 2010

I have two friends that work with me as full-time CNAs who are in their mid-thirties. They both are full-time mothers and full-time nursing students. I really don't know how they do it. I just don't. When I was going through my program, I had all the support I can get from my parents and I was able to focus 80 to 90% of my effort on school only. They really are superwomen. I have so much respect for them two.

lindamomof4 · May 9, 2010

It is so hard to work and go to school, but as most of us we can't afford to stay home from work while we are going to school. You have to take the moments you can and study in between other things. It's not easy, but it can be done. I never did good in high school, C, D student.....but now is my time and I have a 3.30 GPA in nursing school and I'm working 40 hours a week, not easy for me, since I have raised my kids and they are older, so am I, but I am determined to do this and I will make it. Kudos to all those out there going to school to improve yourselves and making a difference in someone's life!!!

purple*11 · May 9, 2010

Thank you guys so much!Exactly , I want to go through and finish up school which is my main thing and i know im not going to have somebody there to support me financially through the way so working also was my only option.Everybody's got to do what they have to in order to make it work.:)

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · May 10, 2010

I work as a PRN tech in a hospital. They only hire techs on a PRN basis; nursing assistants are able to work full-time, part-time or PRN. I am required to work a minimum of 24 hours per month which is very doable. I usually stick with 8-12 hours/week or if I REALLY need time off, I don't work for the entire week. I'm thankful my job is very understanding for those of us that are in nursing school!

April, RN, BSN, RN · May 10, 2010

I worked part time as a tech while going to school full time for my BSN. My first year I worked every sunday, 8 hrs. The other years I worked every other weekend and one day during the week, so that was 16 hrs a week. On breaks from school, I picked up as many extra shifts as I could to save up for when school started back up.

AmericanRN · May 10, 2010

I worked 30+ hours a week when I was in nursing school. I felt I had it easier then others who were working & had kids or those who had husband deployed on top of everything else. I guess we all do what we have to do in order to survive and maybe thats where we find our strengths:)

Zookeeper3 · May 10, 2010

I worked on the weekends and had mom in law who would babysit. I had three young ones and working during the week was impossible due to the lack of sleep with a newborn.

RN1982 · May 10, 2010

I work 36 hours a week and am going for my RN/BSN. I try to work 2-3 shifts in a row so I can have 2-3 days off. On my days off, I follow a schedule. Usually, I get up early and go to the gym, when I get home and shower, I pull out the books and I try to spend 2-3 hours with a couple of 30 minute breaks on each subject that I am taking that semester. It can be done. You just have to buckle down. This coming fall, I'm going to take two classes, something I've not done yet, so I am interested to see how it works out.

all4ofus, ASN, RN · May 10, 2010

I am wrapping up my first semester of an RN program now; married with two kids and a job. I resolved myself to the fact that I would have some all-nighters, but vowed not to do it the nights before clinicals. And I take naps at lunch time at work or whenever I can grab one - sometimes in my car, if I am on break at work or school. I set my phone alarm for 20 minutes and feel slightly more rested afterwards, but not groggy. I try to work on being organized and set reminders for myself everywhere; my Blackberry, my Outlook calendar at work, my calendar at home, and even silly stuff like writing on the back of my hand or putting a rubber band around my finger. I carry flashcards in my purse and study them here and there, and since I am a very visual learner I make sure that my reading assignments take priority over recorded lectures or any supplemental materials. I generally don't do study groups due to time lost driving and socializing. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!