Info on working while obtaining MSN degree

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The trajectory for my career plan is this. Im attending nursing school now, plan to finish my ADN, RN, work for a year and then apply to loyola university RN-MSN NP program while maintaining a job. I want to know the challenges facing me, how long will it realistically take me while working a full time RN job and having a family (husband and child). Have any of you done it? What was your experience like? I want the good bad and horrid. My absolute dream is to become an NP and i will not stop until I reach that goal, but i just want to know how tough the road is going to be. Thanks for all of your input.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I work full-time while enrolled in a MSN-nursing education program and it has been extremely manageable.

My acquaintances and coworkers who juggle family life and full-time employment with attendance in MSN-NP programs have been able to do it, too.

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Specializes in SICU, NTICU.

It will really depend on your program, schedule, daycare options, and time management skills. I'm currently working full time while in a DNP program, but I've always done better with a really full schedule to force me to stay on track and I learn better on my own (online program). Others I know have dropped work or switched to part time because it was too much. Plus, nursing has a lot of options so you might be able to just work PRN or part time if needed. It depends on what you can manage and will help if your work is flexible and family is supportive!

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Same boat as you essentially, although a little different. Husband and 2 kids. Graduate from my ADN next year. I plan to complete my RN to BSN online hopefully in a year while working (school I want my master's with requires a year of experience anyway). I plan to start the program part time, it should take about 3 years (normally it's 2).

I'll be honest, I'm a little fearful of balancing everything, although essentially I do the same now. I just feel like earning my masters will be so much more involved.

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