How did you survive Nursing School?

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Like most, I am considering a career change, into the nursing field. I graduated with a BA almost a decade ago, and I've been in the work force ever since. However, while doing research for Nursing school, I've often read that it is suggested not to work while in Nursing school, especially during clinical and if you are considering an accelerated program such as I am.

Therefore, I am curious to know how did most of you financially survive, while in Nursing school? Especially for those who are making a career change. As we know everything in a city like NYC everything is super duper expensive.

So did you still work? full-time or part-time? what type of job? financial aid packages? Loans?

Also, any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

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I just finished an accelerated nursing program as a second career. Our program was only 10 months long with an additional 1 month capstone (internship). Some people worked part time in the program bit personally I took out loans. It was important to me that I focused on school so that was the best option for me personally. Financially would suggest going to a state school and saving a bit before you start. In the end I have loans to pay back but for me it was worth it to have a career in nursing :)

If you are really worries about finances you could always go into a traditional program and still work full time. It is definitely possibly but hard. I think in the end it's a different decision for everyone depending on circumstance.

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Thank you GoVeg for your response. Like you I definitely want my focus to be on school, therefore, I am considering leaving my job to attend nursing school full time. I didnt want to to take out more loans than needed since I already have a mortgage, but I guess that maybe my only option. Thanks again. Looking forward to hearing other folks experiences also.

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I just graduated from an accelerated program in Tampa, FL, and I had a silly little fantasy that I could work while doing it. There's absolutely no way. We had class 2 days a week from 8 am until 3, 4, or 6 pm, we had clinicals some semesters 3 times a week, others twice a week. We were busy at least 4-5 days a week. Weekends were for studying, taking tests online, writing papers, and group projects. Without dedicating 6-7 days a week to an accelerated program, you will not pass. I am not exaggerating, I had no idea how intense and dedicated you need to be to do Accelerated-BSN before I did it, and I wouldn't have believed anyone who told me it was this rigorous. The non-accelerated people, taking 2 years to get their degree instead of 1, could work full-time. I had to live with relatives to get my BSN. Everyone I went to school with either lived rent-free with a significant other/family, or had roommates and loans. No one worked, except one girl who ended up getting thrown out of the program because she was late to clinicals (sleep deprivation and exhaustion, no doubt).

If you need to work, full or part time, I would strongly recommend you do not consider accelerated.

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