Is It Possible to Work and Still Be Successful in Nusing School?

Agrippa · May 31, 2009

Keep in mind that if you want to go onto a graduate level, say NP, then it would behoove you to get good grades in nursing school too. Yes, a C average student will still pass nursing school, but it certainly won't look good for any advanced programs. Of course, this is only if you plan on going further with your education.

supersam34 · May 31, 2009

This is my second time around in nursing school. The first time I started, I was working full-time at Best Buy attempting to pay for as much as possible. This all worked out fine until the end of my third semester when the workload increased dramatically. As the semester continued, clinicals got longer, there were more topics covered on each test and I simply could not keep up. I ended up failing my Med-Surg I course by 3 points. This is now my second time around, I'm only working part time and my grade increased dramatically. I had more energy in clinicals, was more willing to study those extra hours, and even had time to participate in my school's nursing organizations. I'm sure some people can work full time, I'm just not that girl. My advice is, try it and see. If your grades aren't up to snuff, stop and save your school! Now that this is my second time, the time I worked almost equaled how much the class cost me to take twice. Not to mention a lost year of my life as a nurse. Hope this helps!

kgregg · May 31, 2009

Trying to get feedback on diff types ofd Nusing Schools? I found a 9month program full time mon-thurs or a local community collge assoc. degree 18mos part time eves? whats the diff in the credentials? if any? My dilemma is I have to work full time not an option... I am currently working nites as a counselor BUT I second interview next Fri for an Outreach Worker position which will be Mon-Fri 9-5! When i first decided to go to Nursing Sch. I was eager to go full time during the day for 9 mos.....

Seyma · May 31, 2009

Thanks to everyone. I really appreciate your feedback and I look forward to reading more. A lot of you gave me confidence that this will all work out. And thanks to nkara. Life calling indeed. There is NO WAY i can't work for 2 or 3 years unless I start bumming money off the street and that's probably a full time job in itself. I'll only be working 12 hours a week and my job lets me make my own schedule. THANK GOD! I think I can handle it...at least I hope We'll see what happens

RNMeg · May 31, 2009

It really depends on you personally. Me personally, I've been able to maintain a part-time job at an optometry office, a social life, and a 3.8 GPA in nursing school..though I think that's mostly because I don't really have to study, and I don't get test anxiety. Everybody is different, and everybody has different educational needs. I'm sure if you *need* to work, you'll find a way :up: Personally, I think working has improved my grades. If I know I have to work, it forces me to make deadlines for things and not leave homework to the last minute. For example, if I'm working Saturday and Sunday and I have a care plan due Monday morning, I'll get it done Friday because I know I'll be tired over the weekend. If I didn't have to work, I'd probably do it Sunday night.

mom35 · May 31, 2009

I am betting that you will do just fine. As long as you are disciplined, and focused you will be able to stay on track. I have heard of many that were able to do it, so it can be done. Good luck to you-stay positive:yeah:

Lpn2Rn10 · Jun 2, 2009

It is possible...but very very hard...I worked full time and have children ages 2, 3 and 9....I just finished my first year and took my NCLEX PN today... As long as you have a good support system and very focused you can do it!!

butterflykisses11 · Jun 2, 2009

I just finished my first year of RN school. My first semester I worked 12 hour shifts saturday and sunday and had to drive 50 minutes to work and back again. I had 13 hours and classes from 9am-4pm and 6pm to 9pm on monday until clinicals started. I was going to class 5 days a week, working 24 hours on the weekends. All I had time for was work, reading/studying, homework and sleep, occasionally. The second semester I had 12 hours, nursing class and physiology and still working as a CNA at a hospital.

I had no time for myself, my husband, two sons or friends. It was very stressful but I survived and it was worth it. I made A's and B's and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

If you have the desire and dedication you can do it.

Good luck!!!