Is it possible to work FT and do a BSN program FT?

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I plan on attending a BSN program in the fall of 2012 at a well known nursing program in Long Island. However, if I do get accepted i'm very nervous that balancing school and work will be impossible..... I work 40 hours a week, the same days/hours every week. (Wed-Fri 430p.m-1230 and Sat and Sun 830-430 a.m) and the drive is about an hour and 15 minutes or so. I can get all my homework done at work ( I work for a handicapped agency and the guys are in bed by 730), but with clinicals and so have you, I'm getting really nervous that it's going to be impossible to schedule around.... does anyone have any input? Was/ Is anyone in the same situation as me? Is it generally do-able? I just don't know how the clinicals and stuff work

I also have all my pre-reqs done as well as many other general lib arts credits that should transfer over (anatomy's, micro, stats, english, psychs etc)

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I am not in nursing school yet, but I know enough to tell you that I highly doubt you will be able to survive nursing school (while doing a good job) and working your current schedule.

You get off very early in the morning on Saturday and Sunday... then what about studying? On top of accomplishing all the other chores of life... cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

I just don't think it is doable. If you think you can do it then give it a try, you may be able to keep up...

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I am not in nursing school yet, but I know enough to tell you that I highly doubt you will be able to survive nursing school (while doing a good job) and working your current schedule.

You get off very early in the morning on Saturday and Sunday... then what about studying? On top of accomplishing all the other chores of life... cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

I just don't think it is doable. If you think you can do it then give it a try, you may be able to keep up...

Thanks a lot for your reply and honesty. I know it sounds like a lot but i dont know how the school im trying to go to sets up their clinicals and what not. Plus the job im at does not exactly require a whole lot of work, so from like 730-1230 i can do any homework at all....

Anyone been through it and know if it sounds possible?!

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Specializes in Wound Care / Foot Care / Case Management.

I'm a strong believer in that anything is possible. One of my best friends was in nursing school and worked full-timed, she never failed a test, missed a class or anything else unfavorable. She only stopped working after one of her professors felt like she should only focus on school and therefore helped her apply to a scholoarship which awarded her a stipend that allowed her to quit working. I think it's all about your personal will power. I also have another friend who went through nursing school and didn't work at all, she lived at home with her parents and felt like she wouldn't get through school if she had to work. I think that when you know you HAVE to work, then you find a way to do it. But when you have help or the finances to only go to school then that's what others choose to do and they can't imagine doing it any other way. I will also be working full-time and have no doubt in my mind that I'll be just fine. God bless your decision:)

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i do it - and last semester i also planned my wedding. It is insane - and your job has to be flexible as clinical hours will rule your life and classes run over or things that you have to do at school happen. Why do i work FT and got to school FT? - my work pays part of my tuition and i carry the health insurance for our family and we need the money. you do what you have to do

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Yeah exactly Im only 20 and I have to work fulltime to pay for everything because my parents just don't have it unfortunately. The only problem is my job really isn't flexible the hours I listed are exact same hours I work every week... I'm hoping to somehow pick up classes and clinicals on my days off and early enough I can still make it to work

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I am not in nursing school yet, but I talked to the nursing advisor at the school I will be applying at (same school I am doing prereqs at)...she highly discouraged me from working since most students in the past who have worked were not successful. She did say that there were students who worked very part-time and they were able to handle it. However, I was inquiring about the accelerated BSN, so I assume that is probably more strenuous since it is more credit hours per semester. If your job provides built-in study/homework time, I think that could actually be very helpful. The biggest issue is that the hours you can do clinicals will probably not be very flexible. If it works out with your work schedule, you are lucky...but it might also be very draining to work 50+ hrs a week and then attend classes on top of it.

If there is no way to stay at your job and do clinicals, perhaps you can apply for financial aid? I work part-time right now, but I plan on quitting while in nursing school (I am busy and on my feet the entire time I work, so studying is definitely not an option for me at work)...and if I can't get a scholarship, I will be living on financial aid (grants and loans) until I'm done. But, I know that can be a scary route, especially in areas where nursing grads are having difficulty finding jobs.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

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Hmmm yeah great thank you very much!...I'm going this Tuesday actually to speak with an advisor. My friend who goes there says the clinicals are generally flexible and as long as I get a very early clinical I'll be fine. Also my job doesn't require much work at all its extremely relaxed so as long as I get there on time studying and homework can be done all day

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Anything is possible, as previously stated if you know you have to work, then you make your mind up and JUST DO IT! You will be fine, good luck!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

If you want to get good grades and retain the foundational skills that are essential to your practice, then working full time is not at all possible. You have to make ample time for studying and completing assignments.

I worked throughout my 4 year BSN, but not more than 2 days per week. That was enough.

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