Is it possible for a CNA to both work and go to school full time?

TanyaR · Aug 13, 2012

A lot of people do not recommend working full time and attending Nursing School Full time. You figure while you are in Nursing school you have your classes, rotations and if your school requires you to do volunteer work then you have that too. Between that you have to figure in study time between work and school.

I am not by no means saying it is impossible. I have known people personally who have worked full time and went to school full time. I myself am doing it. It is NOT easy by no means. But you have to put nursing school first before your job.

SlaveHeart · Aug 14, 2012

I think it is possible to work full time while doing pre requisite course work though! I worked full time one year and par time the next and I am a single mom. Right now I'm taking time off of school to try to work as a CNA for a while because school is to expensive and paying for daycare for full time work and full time school is just not feasible until my kids start grade school!

Have you looked into financial aid for school? Are you doing your pre reqs at a community college instead of a university? Do you qualify for any workforce investment act funding? Do you have to live in the city where it is more expensive? Or could you postpone moving till you have your pre reqs done or have saved up for a while?

IftheShoeFits · Aug 14, 2012

Maybe you could find a part time position and pick up shifts as needed.

My new position as a nurse assistant allows flexible shifts and flex days. Then I can pick up more shifts as needed and as the hospital needs. I assume other hospitals or home care facilities are like that.

good luck!

rivershark2005 · Aug 14, 2012

I'm not going to say it's impossible, but I'm certainly not doing it. Actually, the DON at the facility I'm working at won't let me. And I'm still doing pre-reqs. But the main reason she won't let me work full time is because I have to be off every Tuesday and Thursday for class and she refuses to schedule me the weekends I have my kids (I only get them every other weekend). I think this is being done more as a favor to me than anything else, but that's what she'll allow.

I had planned on working 40 hours/week and going to school for 16 credit hours. I was told flat out that when I actually start the nursing program itself, I will only be allowed to work Saturday and Sunday.

ComeTogether, LPN · Aug 14, 2012

I'm doing it. I recommend 12 hour shifts. It's the best of both. Full time hours on a part time schedule.

crichards00 · Oct 21, 2012

I work full time, attend school full time and have a 4 month old! It is possible. Exhausting, but possible.

2013nursingstudent · Oct 24, 2012

I go to a full time accelerated LPN school, work an average of 30 hours a week as a CNA, and I have a 4.0 GPA. Yes, it is possible, but not easy. You will not have a personal life until after you graduate. I am married with no kids, but I know people who work full time as CNA's, have kids, and are in my program getting straight A's. If you have great support at home and a very good work ethic then it is definitely possible.

xxkmpxx · Oct 27, 2012

I know it definetly is working on your pre-reqs. Ive been a FT CNA for years while going to school FT (pre-reqs). For almost a year I had a second part time job as well as a caregiver, so was working 60-80 hours per week. I managed to get nearly all A's on my pre-reqs and just got into nursing school starting in Jan. I know I'll definetly be cutting down to 20 hours per week with my CNA job, I am worried though, hope I will be able to pull it off...

mcnichal · Oct 28, 2012

It is possible for a fulltime student to obtain a job. You can get your employer to adhere to your school schedule. I am doing that right now, I work partime at a nursing home and I am a fulltime student. You see when you get breaks in school, like between semester or quarters, you can go to work fulltime while on a break from school. I hope this helps you in your search.

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2012

I attempted to work full time and go to school full time and I couldn't hack it. I was at a LTC facility 4/5 days a week nights and I was going to school 4 days a week. It was exhausting. Maybe you could if you worked at a hospital 3 days a week with 12 hour shifts (which is what I wanted to do, but I couldn't get hired at a hospital). It all depends on how often you go to school and what full time is at your facility.

Consider getting additional loans. I really thought I could work full time and go to school, but with care plans and studying I barely have time to work in home health.

t2091 · Nov 4, 2012

I work full-time, 2-10 (32 hours) at a LTC right now and I'm finishing two last pre-reqs (A&P and Microbio) going to school four days a week. It really isn't that bad, just have to learn to manage your time and stay motivated to push on. I'm getting all A's so it can be done no doubt.