How do you make money not working duruing school?

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2016

So, are you like one of those people who doesn't need to sleep? Lol - I mean how do you even get your studyin done?!

This wasn't addressed to me, but I'll elaborate on my brief answer. You do what you have to do, and yes it can be done. I worked for the most part 24 hrs a week as a CNA (I picked up extra shifts over my breaks). Some people work full time, but I also had a newborn while in nursing school, so I made a different choice. Most of my school expenses were covered w/ my student loans and grants, while my wages covered our living expenses. I graduated with honors, and yes managed to sleep a good 6 hrs a night (well except the first few months of my daughter's life lol!)

mrsboots87 · Feb 15, 2016

The majority of nursing students work. Many even full time. Most people font have "mom and dad or a rich spouse." I worked part time, helped raise two young kids, and went to school full time. There were plenty of people in my cohort who worked full time. Some parents, some married, and some single. There really is no way to make money without working.

This is not aimed at you specifically OP, but i truly dont understand why so many future nursing students think its just impossible to work while in nursing school. It takes some dedication, but if you give up a lot of your personal time, there is plenty of time to study and still sleep pretty well. There are some students who just dont get it and really do need to study all day every day. But that is not the usual. Maybe for people who vent here, but that is a small amount of the actual nursing students who work and go to school and come out the other side just find.

As another poster put it "just do it."

O9eleven · Feb 15, 2016

When you don't have a choice at all you do what is needed to accomplish your needs and goals. I worked full time, 2 kids, a husband, house work, I have long list I could tell you about but I did it just like many others have. And I'm pretty proud of myself for having the strength and durance to deal. Good luck.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Feb 15, 2016

I worked.

Same here - I worked full time as a ward clerk on a busy med-surf unit at a busy hospital during LPN school then worked full time while l was in my RN program. All but 2 of the students in my graduating class worked full time.

Wasn't very comfortable at times, class Monday all day, work 3 to 11 pm, prepare for clinicals the next day, and having to be at clinical site the next am.

Anne, RNC

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Feb 15, 2016

In my LVN program, a few students worked full time as CNAs. Most did not work. Some worked a part time job or 2. Many of my friends took out private Sallie Mae loans for living expenses.

While I think it's kind of personal question, how does one make money through nursing school, I'll share my experience, because I want to help others.

Through prereqs, I worked very part time as an on call CNA. Average of 2 shifts per week, let's say.

Once I started LVN school, I only worked during the breaks after my first month or 2.

So how did I make enough money to survive?

My story is long and complicated. But basically, I was married during most of my prereqs. Then he ended the marriage and I had no income and decided to become a CNA. Then I had to make the choice to apply for welfare or quit my plan of becoming a nurse. I felt at the time that it would not be helpful to me to try to get a job because I had very few transferable skills that would lead to a job that would pay enough to support myself and 3 children. I had been a work from home business owner for over 13 years prior to my husband ending the marriage, and he took our home from us.

So, I applied for welfare and could keep gas in my car and food in our mouths.

I lived with my kids in shelters, on family members floors etc while in Lvn school.

It wasn't ideal. But it was a means to an end. Eventually, when I was almost done with school, I was able to take my ex to court to sue for alimony, child support and my entitlements after 10 + yrs of marriage.

Ironic thing is that I was about to graduate by that time!

I'm in RN school now and it seems most students do not have tons of money. Many work part time and have spouses with jobs.

I will graduate in about 3.5 months, God willing, and have not worked because I made sure my divorce settlement allowed for alimony to continue for the max duration, half my marriage, which will get me through school.

That's my honest story. HTH!

TheMaaddScientist · Feb 24, 2016

So I am not in nursing school yet but I am preparing on applying this upcoming fall for 2017 and there are a few things that I have done that would help me and others make it so that working during nursing school is a prospect. Since I do not have rich parents or a spouse that I can lean on for support, I did some digging and found that taking all the general ed courses that most schools require you take once you get into the program (non nursing credits) can be taken prior to entering the program. This means that when I get into an ADN or BSN program, all I have to take are the nursing courses. For the institutions in my area, the nursing class course load ranges anywhere 9-12 credits a quarter, NOT including the General ED classes, which add on anywhere from 3-6 credits a quarter if you need to take them. So, I have taken all the General Ed classes that would have needed to be taken while in the program which leaves me with plenty of time to work 3-4 days out of the week. Granted it is not easy being on the go 7 days a week but I am accustomed to it. But this advice doesn't apply if you are in an accelerated program which is 18-20 units a quarter, in that case you CANNOT work.