Is it possible to work full time and become a nurse???

Nurses Men

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Hello all. I'm in the process of applying to a local university as a pre-nursing student. The question that I have for you is.....Is it realistic to work full time while attending nursing school? I'm 39 and work a full time day job. I'm also married with two young children (9 and 7). I'm willing to put in the time, and I know I'll get my butt kicked but is it realistic? I know towards the end of the program day time clinicals come into play, and I'm not sure how to jockey my work schedule. I can't quit my job unless I find another option when I get to that point. Please share your thoughts. Thank you.

John

Specializes in ED.

I am a Detective in a major police department. I finished all the non nursing courses before going to nursing school. I went to nursing school while working fulltime plus about 60-80 hours of overtime a month. I was 39 when I started.

It can be done. The pain will be great.

In the end you'll say like I did, "Why didn't I just go to med school?" because if you can do the above you'll feel like you can do anything.

So? What are you waiting for? Get your loincloth and start building those pyramids!!!!

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

It is very possible to work full time. I worked full time, have two kids and a wife also. I will PM you my schools website as it is probably still the only school in the country that is doing a straight RN program online. It is in Texas so if you are out of state I am guessing it will cost more. Options of ADN and BSN are both available......

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

welll.... I cant find how to PM you.... the site is www.eline.delmar.edu I was probably one of the first 5 to graduate and be licensed through their program. They started with a grant from the department of education to try and help with the upcoming and current nursing shortage trying to see if a straight internet based program would work. You WILL however need your pre-requisites before you do it. you do NOT have to be a nurse prior to taking their classes..... just have your basic nursing school pre-requisites. I graduated about 2.5 years ago and have worked in Surgery since that day as a circulator, now department manager/director. I love the job..... go for it, I dont think you will regret it. Oh and there are two program paths on that site, one for ADN is through Delmar College and one for BSN which is through Texas A&M Corpus Christi campus

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anyone know of a school in either NYC/NJ/CT that allows you to complete your BSN nights/weekends? I'm looking to get a 2nd degree so I rather get my BSN since it seems most hospitals where I live require a BSN.

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Specializes in LTC.

During my pre-req's I worked full time. It was doable. However there were 2 days/week when I seen my daughter 2 hours. So I promised myself I wouldn't do that again! In the program I work 2 days/week and take our student loans and my financial aid to supplement my income. I'm so much happier. I actually get to see my family! But each situation is different. Just go with it and find out what works for you and your family.

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