How many hours to work as a CNA in Nursing School??

Cali_Nurse_209 · Jul 26, 2012

I will be starting the BSN program and I work as a CNA. I've been a CNA since 2008 and don't plan on quitting my job while in nursing school. I used to work full time but once I got my acceptance letter I changed my work schedule to just Fridays and Saturdays night shift, 11pm-715am. I've worked as a CNA from the time I started at the community college to now at the university. My job hasn't interferred with my schooling whatsover and I've maintained straight As even with working the night shift. Luckily, for me my nursing classes and labs are only on Mondays and Wednesdays so I don't have to worry about going straight to class from work thank goodness. And once I do get into clincals and if I receive a weekend clinical my employer is more than understanding. If my work does start interferring with my schooling, which I don't think it will, I'm able to take a leave of absence from my job which is great. I've known people who've had to work full time or part time because of family and finances and they've done well in the nursing program. I know that everybodys situation is different and what works for one person may not work for another. I don't have to work but have always worked plus I like the experience I am getting and I truly enjoy it. You should maybe see about getting a weekend job if you can and find an employer who will be understanding of your schooling. My school doesnt' recommend working more than like 16-20 hrs a week, but again some people don't have a choice but to work. I think 2 shifts a week would be good maybe 3. It all depends on what you can handle. How many hours of working did your program recommend? Best of luck to you!!!

bubblejet50 · Jul 26, 2012

During my LPN year I worked as a CNA full-time while going to school with one lil one (just turned a year at the time) and my then boyfriend (now husband). During my RN year I worked as an LPN full time with the same situation. I maintained a B average during LPN year but a C average during RN year. I graduated with a 2.7 but I still got accepted into a BSN program that is highly competitive. I was the only one from school accepted there. The one thing to watch out for is if your program likes to spring clinical changes and mandatory extra classes on you with no notice like my school did. I had a very understanding boss who would work with me but if that is not an option (say right in the interview that you are going to school and they tend to be nicer) I would stick to less hours or weekend hours but it is possible to work full-time, raise a family, and go to nursing school as long as your family is supportive. :)

PRNketamine7, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2012

I worked Part time (24 hours per week) in school. It was definitly chalenging. I studied during all my free time, and ended up graduating Cum Laude.

You can do it (dispite what any of the professor or students will say to you). I also do not have children. So, that offers a whole other chalenge to your situation. Do you have a good support system? Family/Friends who will help with your kids?

My friend in school had 3 kids, she found it difficult because her and her husband do not have family or anyone to help with their kids when in a bind. She did not have to work, but still stuggled with taking care of her kids... Her children are also very young, so that would affect the situation as well.

Abigail612 · Jul 26, 2012

I have been a CNA since 2007, I began working full time the day I turned 18. Durring my senior year year of high school I had a full time job and still graduated with As. I worked full time for two years after that saving money for school while deciding what I wanted career I wanted to do. Once I decided on Nursing I applied and was accepted to a Community College and decided to work only perdium which end up being more like part time because i was schedualed anywhere between 16-32 hours a week. Now that I am going to a University (4 hours from home) I hope to find a part time job. I have been working part time since starting school and have a 3.7 GPA.

PedsHopeful · Jul 26, 2012

The jobs I have been looking at are mostly .5 positions which equals about 40 hours per every 2 weeks, so working 2 days 1 week, 3 days the next week. I am hoping to work main fridays, saturdays and sundays which leaves the rest of my week for just school. I do have a good support system thank goodness and of course would cut back hours if my studies are being affected. Hopefully the employer will be understanding about that. Im making minimum wage as a student worker on campus right now and its just not cutting it.

Chad Collins · Jul 27, 2012

I recommend looking at your finances and see where you can trim your budget, nursing school is very stressful, last thing you need is a financial crisis right in the middle, I personally have classmates that failed med surg for that very reason.

I recomend Dave Ramseys 7 baby steps to financial success. I have used it and it works.

A Review of Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps to Financial Freedom

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2012

I will be working every Monday from 0700-1100 and then every other weekend from 0700-1530 as a NA at a hospital in Ortho.

I also have a job as an aide in a LTC facility where my minimum is two days a month which I pick.

patricia0809 · Jul 27, 2012

I work wednesday 7-3 and Saturday and Sunday 7am-11pm. It isn't easy but it's what I have to do to help out with bills and expensive plus I have two little ones ( age 3 and 1). I have two more semesters( 8 months) so hopefully I can work and finish. My boss is very understanding so if I have to reduce my hours or do Prn then I will......