I'm Tired of Being Told That I Can't Work and Attend Nursing School Simultaneously

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I am currently a CNA who has been accepted into LPN school, which starts next month. I am thrilled beyond belief. However, ever since my acceptance, I have been hearing from former students and nursing teachers who tell me that I should not work at all during the program because the program will take up all of my time outside of school. (I guess that nursing students should say "goodbye" to SO's and kids for the year, too.) I also see posts from other nursing students on this site who are told the same thing.

For the record, if I could take nearly a year off from work in order to devote myself fully to the program, I would. However, I am a single parent who doesn't have parents, grandparents, a boyfriend or wealthy friends I could move in with, or borrow living expenses from. My rent, utilities, and food expenses, for instance, still have to be paid during the program (which ends next June), and this is the same for other students in my LPN program. I realize that other students in the past may have had some issues with working while in school, but it doesn't mean that all students will not be able to work while attending nursing school. In fact, I know of a few LPNs who graduated from my program who worked full-time during the program. Of course, I am told that they are the exception. Well, maybe I will be an exception as well.

I know that the warnings about working are based on past students' problems, but when I keep hearing about it, it discouraged me somewhat, like they expected me to fail. However, I have decided to embrace the warning, and prove people wrong when I finally become a nurse next year. It just really irks me when people say no nursing student should ever work during school, that they will drop out, for example, when I read of nurses on this site who have done it.

Specializes in LTC, subacute CNA.

I also get tired of hearing that one can't work and go to nursing school. I'm an adult with bills to pay. I'm going for my BSN full time, and am also a full time CNA. It's all about time management, and the right work hours (which, working in health care, is fairly easy to find) Would I work less if I had a choice? Of course! I feel as if I'm always on the go and never get a break. And I'm tired all the time. But it can be done and I'll get through it. This is only temporary. :) I'm doing really well in the program, too- all A's so far.

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I work in LTC and I know 4 CNAs that are working double shifts on Sat AND Sun and attending school full-time Mon-Fri. It isn't easy but they are doing it and they really have no choice since all 4 of them are independent students and two are moms.

I didn't work while I was in LPN school because a 9-5pm wouldn't have worked with my school schedule and I let my CNA certificate lapse. I AM working now almost full-time (doubles on the weekends) and I am maintaining a high B+ in ALL of my classes. We had to sign a contract stating we wouldn't work :cool: but umm.....those people at school aren't paying my bills so whatever for them. What I do on my weekends off is nobody's business at school.

If I wasn't maintaining my grades I would try to find a way to cut back....maybe take out loans but why should I when I am doing well? Also my RN program is unique in that it's a 1-1 so we are still taking classes above and beyond nursing and still I am doing fine.

It can be done but you have to be on point with your work. I never put off an assignment or studying. My only advice to you is that you keep it to yourself that you are working. You would be surprised at how petty and mean some of your fellow classmates can be.

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We had to sign a contract stating we wouldn't work :cool: but umm.....those people at school aren't paying my bills so whatever for them. What I do on my weekends off is nobody's business at school.

You had to sign a contract?! Well that just seems wrong! lol

I'm not working, but I know of several that are and doing well in class. It can be done. Sometimes I think it's got to be harder to have kids and go to school than it would be to work with school. :chuckle

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Work and school don't mix well for me. I tried it and ended up being sick and miserable all the time...not to mention the low grades! But I understand that some people don't have a choice.

OP- I feel for you, and wish you the best in your LPN program.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

tommybabe - please don't listen to the naysayers. If you are a single parent, you have learned a valuable juggling lesson. Doubt you will have any trouble if you stay focused.

Many of us had to work during nursing school. Yes, it was hard. Nope, not impossible. Good luck.

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I hear you guys, I am so tired of everyone (family, professors ect) saying that it can't be done and always being so negative. The worst thing is to hear all the time how terrible my schedule must be.. i work full time, go to school full time and hold a part time Nurse tech postion... it can be done. It usually isnt too bad especially since I LOVE what I am doing and learning.. i say each person is different and so what you have to and become a nurse!! :yeah:

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It is very possible to attend school full time, work full time, and raise a family. I am living proof that it is possible, and I'm not a young student....I'm 43 years old.

As a matter of fact, I would say that roughly 50% of my class works full time and have families. It's not easy, but it is do-able if you keep your eye on the prize!!

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Then go to school & work all you want. I don't think anyone is trying to put you down they are just telling you how difficult NS can be. I don't know about LPN school but RN school is intense and I am going to figure that LPN school is worse with so much to learn in such a short amount of time.

Plenty of people have worked & successfully passed NS. But it wasn't easy. I think what people are trying to say is that if given the option they would prefer not to work. But NS and work can be done, it will prob make your journey even more satisfactory. Knowing that you successfuly completed the program, while juggling work & family responsibilty all on your own terms.

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Specializes in Psych.

I don't think it matters what program you are in, working and school is a challenge. I also know that as a single mom you know what hard work is. You can do it. There are a lot of students who work in our program. I admire them. I think single moms are made of some special ingredients!:up: Congrats to you!!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I am in a BSN program and am very fortunate that my husband has a job in-which I do not have to work, plus...no kids. There are many students in my class that continue to work, many work as CNAs at hospitals and nursing homes on the weekends, which is a great way to keep up your skills while going to school, doing two 12 hour shifts over the weekend gives you 24 hours, just over part-time. I really think it depends on the person; I can't imagine doing it myself, but my very good friend works for an attorney, raises her kids as a single mom, and not only is getting her nursing degree but is working on a minor as well, she takes up to 18 units at a time and still gets As...granted she is very smart; but goes to prove that it can be done (by some)

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
I am in a BSN program and am very fortunate that my husband has a job in-which I do not have to work, plus...no kids. There are many students in my class that continue to work, many work as CNAs at hospitals and nursing homes on the weekends, which is a great way to keep up your skills while going to school, doing two 12 hour shifts over the weekend gives you 24 hours, just over part-time. I really think it depends on the person; I can't imagine doing it myself, but my very good friend works for an attorney, raises her kids as a single mom, and not only is getting her nursing degree but is working on a minor as well, she takes up to 18 units at a time and still gets As...granted she is very smart; but goes to prove that it can be done (by some)

I am in your exact situation. I thank my lucky stars every day :heartbeat

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Specializes in Cardiac Thoracic Surgery, Emergency Med.

I graduated a two-year RN program in December, worked 32 - 40 hours every week, have two children, 17 and 13, 4 dogs, and a husband. I graduated with a 3.4 average. If I can do it... anyone can do it.

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