Is it even possible to NOT work during nursing school?

Orion81RN · Apr 6, 2018

I worked Registry, only 4 days a month, while living with my MIL. It was a special kind of torture living there, but ultimately worth it. Nursing school is stressful enough without absolutely HAVING to work. I do highly recommend working as a CNA, though. At least registry. The experience is invaluable.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 6, 2018

Past my first AA/Liberal Arts degree in 1991, I have always worked while in school. I didn't want to, trust me! :) My husband is a medical student, and he does not work. I don't know how he could. If you have ever thought nursing school was tough, med school is completely next level, both in depth and volume of material. His GI Bill people almost didn't believe the 30+ credit hours per semester that he takes (that is the equivalent of how the material breaks down). I tell him his only job is to be a successful student (and to do the dishes every now and then, lol). He did work as a tutor and a research/lab assistant during undergrad, but that was pretty minimal. I am the primary support for our family, and he gets a housing stipend from his GI Bill for the months that he is in school.

If you can go to school and NOT work, I recommend it and am envious! :)

djksjdalksjf · Apr 6, 2018

I have worked as a CNA! Definitely helped me with the bedside aspect, along with full comfort when seeing people naked! Lol! I had to leave that job though because I was miserable. (Not due to the work or patients).

djksjdalksjf · Apr 6, 2018

I worked Registry, only 4 days a month, while living with my MIL. It was a special kind of torture living there, but ultimately worth it. Nursing school is stressful enough without absolutely HAVING to work. I do highly recommend working as a CNA, though. At least registry. The experience is invaluable.

I have worked as a CNA! Definitely helped me with the bedside aspect, along with full comfort when seeing people naked! Lol! I had to leave that job though because I was miserable. (Not due to the work or patients).

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Apr 7, 2018

The ones who didn't work either were young and lived with their parents or were married and their spouses made enough to support them. No one that I knew lived totally off loans, although it's possible (think med students).

R Dub · Apr 8, 2018

I work only because I'm older. I'm the rockstar 4.0 full-time working student but believe me if I could slow down and spend more time comprehending what I learn, I'd be happier about it. I'm kind of making a lateral career change, I currently make more than I'll probably make when I graduate so I'm not quitting my job. If I was just starting in life, I'd be on financial aid and scholarships enjoying my weekends. If you have low income and take aid you'll be able to live. I literally have to train like an athletic to make what I do work. It's kind of fun but sometimes dehumanizing.

CanadianAbroad · Apr 8, 2018

I am currently in school and am not working. I took out extra loans in order to concentrate on school. I don't regret it at all.

maggie0, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2018

I guess young people can stay on their parents' insurance, but I'm a single adult and going to have to keep my job, at least part-time, when I go to nursing school, because I can't risk going without insurance. Also, every cent I can earn will help. That's one of the reasons I didn't apply to an ABSN, even though I already have a bachelors--those programs would be too intense to keep my job. My ADN program, plus classes I took ahead of time, will make my schedule manageable. **I HOPE!**

direw0lf, BSN · Apr 9, 2018

I worked 50 hours a week for years to save up then took out loans, got approved for the Pell grant, and had/have a supportive boyfriend. Most people in my ADN program have worked at least part time because they didn't save up beforehand, already had kids on top of that, and had car payments. Plan ahead and you should at least be able to cut down to part time.

I did my first 50 hour week last week plus wrote a 20 page capstone paper. That was so hard. I wish I could have more than 1 day off but next 2 days are classes then back to work. In May, I am working very minimal, I think maybe just 48 hours for the month. Need to nclex study!!!!

OP, I'd recommend a per diem job as an aid or pca even if you don't HAVE to for financial reasons. The people who have in my class all have jobs already before graduation. Plus I feel like I learned a lot as a pca.

Grengemly, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2018

I have not worked during the program, other than one day a week the first semester. Most of my classmates work, at least part time. I am an older student with a supportive husband. We are not high income by any means, but are fortunate that our house is paid off and we don't have a car payment or credit card debt. (Both the house and the old cars are falling apart though! :unsure: ) My tuition has been covered by partial Pell grants along with a couple other grants and some small scholarships. I also saved up a few thousand dollars from my previous job before starting school. I think this is only of the only "pluses" of being an older student, life is a bit more settled and stable. There is NO way I could have not worked during school twenty years ago.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 11, 2018

I couldn't have worked if I wanted to, as I had a toddler at home and and my other half was stationed overseas.

I graduated without any student debt, however. How we made it work was my going to the cheaper CC for a ADN instead of enrolling in a 4 year program, and being very creative with the budget and our purchases. And ramen, lots of ramen.