Is it possible to have a part time job and still do well in clinicals?

[Shootingstar11385]

Alright I am in a HUGE bind. I owe $1,000 on my credit card... and I only have $200 in my checking. I'm not currently working b/c I'm starting my first semester of clinicals in 2 weeks. I am EXTREMELY nervous partly because I don't know what to expect. Anyways I've pretty much gotten all my supplies and things... hopefully I don't need anything else b/c I won't be able to pay for it. I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about going get a part time job but I don't know how difficult it would be with school and studying. And with Christmas coming up I hate the fact that I can't buy my family gifts. I just don't know what to do. I hope I can find the strength to work and go to school. Any reccommendations would be great. What are you all doing to help pay for things while in school? I REALLY NEED HELP!!!

[adnstudentnurse]

Honestly no.

Trust me I did and know I am no longer elgible to get back in the nursing program.

[AmyLiz]

I work fulltime & go to school. It's doable...it's just not easy. But I have no option. I cannot NOT work...I like to eat...and have a roof over my head! :) Luckily, I only work three days a week (12 hour shifts...as a dialysis tech), so I can take classes/clinicals on my days off or in the evenings after work.

[Ms.Hobbes]

During nursing school (13 years ago :chair: ) I was told the same thing...don't work more than ten hours, etc. but my reality was I was paying for school, needed a job with health insurance etc. I basically worked 24 - 30 hours a week during school and on holidays and breaks I bumped it up to full time. I managaed it all fairly well including keeping a high GPA. I did not have children at the time, which I am sure contributed to my ability to work and go to school. A lot of people work and go to school, basically due to necessity and it all works out just fine. Good Luck to you!

[meesa214]

Almost all of my classmates have at least a part time job. I work 20hrs/wk without difficulty. A few work 40 hrs/wk, which I think would be pretty hard, but it's what they have to do to get by.

[kharing]

I am two classes away from petitioning into clinicals. The wait list is 18 months, but that's another story!

I applied for financial aid and based on my income I was awarded enough money to scrape by. I figure I might as well get used to living frugally before I begin clinicals. I have friends that make too much money to qualify for grants - it's a catch 22. Working part time or more might keep you out in the running for aid the following year.

My plan is to quit "working" and go to school full time these next two semesters - I've applied for a work study position...it won't pay much but will cover food and entertainment expenses!