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.
I am going into the second year of a BSN program (2nd year of a 3 year program). Because of the lenght of the program myself and most of my classmates are able to work, some of them actually work full time.I'm a cna in a hospital that offers a flexible schedules. My school has classes in the evening and on saturdays. I work 24 hours some weeks (mainly weekends) and 36 hours some weeks (not that often). You have to find a nursing program that has flexible class schedules. Consider going for a BSN (RN) degree. A lot of the BSN programs are changing to become more accessible for non traditional students. Particularly in Maryland because of the nursing shortage.
Working and nursing school is doable. I don't like when people tell me I shouldn't work or do what I have to do in order to survive. It's all about survival. Sure, I would love the luxury of not having to work but who's gonna pay my bills and buy my groceries. I am thankful that I don't have any children to care for, it's just my and my husband. I wouldn't be able to afford children because it is hard enough taking care of just us. We do okay and I try to live a frugal lifestyle, so I don't have to work so much to pay my expenses. My husband is supportive and he can handle all the bills, but I want to contribute b/c he is also a student. So right, now at least for the next couple years, it'll be a struggle for both of us to work and go to school. I refuse to take about loans if it's avoidable.
However, another poster earlier pointed out what I think is the most meaningful issue in regard to this whole quandary:
"I did want to point out that nursing schools, at least the one I attend, can be rather unpredictable. They expect us to be extremely flexible - they will change clinical hours, days, times every once in a while, schedule mandatory meetings etc. and really not care how it affects your schedule. Believe me, it can be incredibly frustrating!"
For me, this is what certain schools are giving you up-front warning about. How erratic they actually end up being is obviously specific school dependent.
So, sure, you can work in some programs but you can also expect to be possibly fired, disciplined, w/out planned childcare or dropped from your school depending how you respond to demands from each. It is those kinds of choices some students have to end up making.
Also, I've never really heard about the 'no working' thing with any other than the accelerated and second degree type program. I'll grant this is, however, an accepted maxim.
While all the generalized points about doing better if you had all the free time in the world to study and no other responsibilities, etc. vs. personal gumption/hard work and individual capabilities, I can say that there would have likely been no way for someone to complete my ABSN program while working greater than maybe 8-10 hours a week as clinicals, exams and anything else you can think of quite literally could, and frequently would, be changed at each 11th hour.
Bad program then? Sure, but doubt many would drop after the hard work and commitment to get there have already been made.
BUT, I don't recommend that school to anyone...:) Caveat emptor and all that...
I guess bottom line for me is if the school is laying that line on thick up front, take 'em at their word and be as prepared as you can be because to me it's just code for "we own you".
I'm in the third semester of an ADN program. I work 48 hours a week. I have an A average. It's definitely possible, though not at all what I'd call fun.
Everyone is different and I've said this in a couple of posts but I'm gonna say it again :) I am a single mom (daughter will be 8 mos when I start school), I work 40 hours a week and will be going to school at night - 4 nights/wk and most Saturdays...it can and WILL be done. I'm not delusional and think it will be a breeze and that I will even begin to catch up on missed sleep while I'm in school. But when you're as determined as I am and as determined as most people that I see on these boards, nothing is out of reach. Always surround yourself with supportive, positive friends and family that will cheer you on to the finish line. Just remember that misery loves company and there will always be someone telling you you're nuts for thinking it can be done, but personally speaking, the hardest part, deciding to take this plunge and "running against the wind" so to speak, is behind me. I'm leaving the rest up determination and knowing that I will finally be in the career I've always wanted to be in and will have security for myself and my daughter! :loveya:
Specializes in 0 as RN, 3 in ICU and Tele as Tech.
I usually don't chime in on these threads but wanted to post because I hope that it may help somebody. I started my pre-reqs almost six years ago, taking between 3 and 4 classes at a time. I did not know if I wanted to do the ADN or BSN so I took classes for both. About half way through many of the nurses that I worked with told me there was no way I would be able to work full time and attend school full time. I had to work, I had two children at the time and now I have four. Here I am almost seven years later and guess what, I still have no degree. I listened to the nay sayers and got discouraged so I tried to go another degree route. Half way into that program, I found out that I do not want to spend the rest of my life doing that so I through caution to the wind. I prayed about it, talked it over with my husband and will be applying to nursing school for Spring 09. Only this board, a close friend and my husband knows... no one in my family. I don't want to let the negativity get to me again. I have a husband and currently make more than he does so there is no way I can stop working. I have a mortgage, a truck note and daycare among all other bill to take care of.
If I would have not listened to the nay sayers, I would have been had at least my associates four years ago. Listening to the negativity disabled me from following my dream and ultimately giving my children a future that they deserve. When I get accepted for the Spring (I am speaking that into existence) I can at least prove to them that I was good enough for someone to accept. When I walk across that stage, after holding down my 4 children, being a full time student, a wife, and full time employee I can tell them nay sayers to stick it!
You have to do what works for you. One thing that I learned from this board is that what works for some, does not work for everyone. I hope to prove all of those people wrong because everyone does not have it like that.
Good luck to you and the rest of us that will have to work and attend school to survive!
Yes I believe that you can work. ANYTHING is possible...I know plenty of people in nursing school that hold down jobs and they do very well. I believe it depends on your program, the flexibility of your job, the type of student you are, and your level of ambition. In todays economy you have to do what you have to do. The mortgage, phone company etc... will not accept "im in school" as an answer when they want their money. Sure it would be ideal not to be able to work while in school, but many people don't have that luxury. People have to do what they have to do.
I am so tired of sitting by people in class who only have the reaction of "YOU WORK?" when finding out I put in 25+ hours a week on top of being a full-time RN-BSN student. I don't have anyone to pay my way through school or even my gas from time to time. I think working through school is a great experience. Go for it. Cut back if you need to, but if you're determined enough i believe you'll be fine. :)
Personally, I think schools would be negligent if they didn't give "the warning". Like so many posters have said, many students don't have the choice. Hopefully with the motivation they can rise to the challenge. But to go in assuming that nursing school is easy and not time consuming would be a mistake.
I've seen people fail out of nursing school that worked many hours, and I've seen people do very well, too. Everyone is different!
I did want to point out that nursing schools, at least the one I attend, can be rather unpredictable. They expect us to be extremely flexible - they will change clinical hours, days, times every once in a while, schedule mandatory meetings, etc. and really not care how it affects your schedule. Believe me, it can be incredibly frustrating!
Very true and good post! It is unrealistic to think that every nursing student can just drop everything and go to school. Sure, I would love to have the option of not having to work (although I do enjoy my job in the NICU and the possibility of a job when I finish), but I have to work, if I want to eat, have a roof over my head, etc..
And not everyone is the same...some can work and do great in school, while others may have a harder time. The only way to find out is to give it a try and most important PLAN. Ultimately for me, I think it will definitely help with time management which will I think pan out when I'm a nurse as well.
The biggest thing that I have learned so far is to just take it one day at a time, and not worry to much in the distance. Better utilization of my time.
Very true and good post! It is unrealistic to think that every nursing student can just drop everything and go to school. Sure, I would love to have the option of not having to work (although I do enjoy my job in the NICU and the possibility of a job when I finish), but I have to work, if I want to eat, have a roof over my head, etc..
And not everyone is the same...some can work and do great in school, while others may have a harder time. The only way to find out is to give it a try and most important PLAN. Ultimately for me, I think it will definitely help with time management which will I think pan out when I'm a nurse as well.
The biggest thing that I have learned so far is to just take it one day at a time, and not worry to much in the distance. Better utilization of my time.
Kris
I pour over these posts quite often to see how other folks managed through nursing school with a family and a full time job. I want to be realistic about this with my dh because in 1-2 years, he's practically going to be a "single" dad when I'm in school. Right now I have a job where I can do alot of my schoolwork during the day but I'm still really nervous about how this will affect my boys. I look at it like this: I don't have any other option at this point. I've waited 15 yrs to finally get the nerve to do this program. I really don't want fear to hold me back now because for me - - -that's what it is- - -fear of failing, fear of not completing the program, fear of not trying in the first place... I'll keep everyone posted on how things go.
jenawade25, BSN, RN
113 Posts
I am going into the second year of a BSN program (2nd year of a 3 year program). Because of the lenght of the program myself and most of my classmates are able to work, some of them actually work full time.I'm a cna in a hospital that offers a flexible schedules. My school has classes in the evening and on saturdays. I work 24 hours some weeks (mainly weekends) and 36 hours some weeks (not that often). You have to find a nursing program that has flexible class schedules. Consider going for a BSN (RN) degree. A lot of the BSN programs are changing to become more accessible for non traditional students. Particularly in Maryland because of the nursing shortage.