How many hours can you work in Nursing School?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2005

Some students work 40 hours weekly and manage to do well, whereas some students are unable to work due to easily becoming distracted by the demands of work. Therefore, it depends on the individual.

TexasPediRN · Dec 15, 2005

Personally I worked about 3-4 8 hour shifts a week depending on my school work. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

I worked PRN which was a godsend throughout nursing school ( I was a student nurse aide). It allowed me to choose my schedule, and have the freedom to not work the evening before a test so that I could study.

Good luck!

medic26 · Dec 15, 2005

well, i am a full time student in a BSN program, and i am working a min. of 60 hrs a week. i am doing very well, up to now. but this isn't my first time at college. some weeks i work up to 72 hrs a week, depends on the week. but i do agree, it depends on the person. i don't need to sleep, so i am getting away with it. for now!!:)

KatieBell · Dec 15, 2005

I did full time 36 hrs a week, and made good grades, easily passed NCLEX (though not without anxiety!)

Depends I think on what else is going on in your life!

IrishItalianRN · Dec 17, 2005

Thanks!

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

Hey....

You may look into getting into the part time program. I think they may adjust you since you are already in. Something to look at......:)

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Dec 17, 2005

I am starting Nursing School in January and I am wondering how many hours those of you in the FULL TIME program are working and still managing to pull off good grades???
How many hours what is your schedule and when do you study and how late??
I might have to go back to work and maybe even drop out or defer starting this time around which is killing me inside.... but I have to help pay the bills so I will do what I have to do... I was just wondering if (before i decide to put off nursing school, which btw it has taken me 4 years to complete my pre reqs to get in) if it was going to be possible for me to work and go to school FULL-time. I dont have a choice about the full time because it's the program i got into.
HELP!
Thanks for reading!
This is the third place im posting this cuz im really in a pickle and need some advice...

In my experience as a nurse educator, most students' grades begin to falter when they are working 20 hours or more. It is very difficult (but not impossible) for a student working fulltime to make it through. Usually these students are "riding the fence" the entire time they are in school (not a good position for anyone to be in). Nursing school itself is a fulltime venture, and for each hour of lecture, one can reasonably expect about 3 hours of independent study per week. This is in addition to clinical requirements and all of the intense preparation and tedious paperwork that accompany clinicals.

sabrn2006 · Dec 17, 2005

I work 2-3 8+ hour shifts a week as a nurses' aide. I am finishing my 3rd semester of 4 and consistently get As and Bs. I have 2 children as well. I could probably work more but at the expense of my sanity and my grades. I also test pretty well and caught on to the whole "nursing process" thing quickly. So I study less than some might....but it is still a lot of studying for me!

If I had spent 4 years taking classes to get into a nursing program, I sure wouldn't let anything stop me from going forward with it. Cut any unnecessary expenses, save as much as possible, take out loans, whatever you have to do. I agreed to work for a hospital for 2 years in exchange for them paying my tuition. Good luck to you!

mollysn · Dec 17, 2005

I work 24 hours per week, 3-8 hour shifts as a nurses aid. You have worked so hard to get in I would look at all options to go forward. Most of the teachers reccommend no more than 20 hours per week. I have a friend that works 45 but she says she doesn't need much sleep.

Have you checked into financial aid? Even if you have to take out loans it would be worth it in the long run. Good Luck to you!

Molly

Stephanie in FL · Dec 17, 2005

Since you have your pre-reqs, it would be a shame if you had to postpone nursing school.

Can you get a student loan? You don't have to start paying it off until 6 mos. after graduation. Or, even better, do you qualify for any grants? Have you looked on the Internet for either of these?

Also, if you have a 401K, you can cash it in and use it for school and you don't have to pay the 10% early withdrawal fee for withdrawal under age 59-I'm assuming you are under age 59!. You would just have to pay ordinary income tax.

Good luck!

Stephanie RN

Noryn · Dec 17, 2005

the answer depends entirely on your situation.

there are so many factors involved such as type of job, job hours, job manager, family situation, bills, etc.

there were only 3 people that worked in my nursing class. out of the 3 of us, 2 graduated with honors. however i was a 20 year old with no family, which i think would take much much more time than a job working 30 hours or so a week.

pretty much you can do what you set your mind too. there were times when i was tired and it was hard but nothing extraordinary. you do need a job that is going to be "second" in priority in your life which can be hard to find but at the same time most of your free time will be when they need you--the weekends. i went to nursing school monday-thursday and was able to work thursday evening, friday all day, sometimes a few hours on saturday and usually sunday morning. you just have to take advantage of your time off-- no partying

we can do miraculous things--working and going to college doesnt even require that. you have a golden opportunity--jump on it!