Job & school

duskyjewel · Sep 3, 2014

I don't know about good idea. Necessary evil, maybe.

Leonardsmom,LPN · Sep 3, 2014

During the time that you are taking your prerequisites working full time is manageable if you are able to be organized and manage your time wisely. Most programs that I know of either recommend that if you work you only do no more than part time, about 20 hours a week, or don't work at all. For most of us this is not reasonable considering that many are non traditional students that are returning to school and are either supporting families or themselves. I have known and worked with people that went through their nursing program while they worked full time and had been successful. It is not impossible, but it is very difficult. Some schools do offer a part time program for those who have to work, which might be worth checking out if available with your school. If your husband is able to provide for your family while you are in your program, than I would stay with working part time. It might mean some sacrifices over the next couple of years to make it happen, but will be worth it in the end once you are done with your program.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Sep 3, 2014

Probably not a good idea, as it is highly possible that your academics will suffer in response. It will probably be stressful trying to balance a FT job and going to school FT. People have done it before, so it's not impossible. More than likely, either your sleep or grades will be suffering as a consequence, though. However, if it is necessary, "gotta do what you gotta do". But if you can, don't do it.

ThatBigGuy · Sep 4, 2014

Look at your schedule and see where you can find that extra 20 hours a week for the full time job. Do you want to keep up your grades? Then you'll have to drop 20 hours a week from your family. Is your first priority your family? Then you'll have to live with the grades that will result from a decrease in study time. Or you can split the difference and cut 10 hours from your family and 10 from your studies.

In general, you have 3 priorities, but you can only pick two: school, family, or work.

Many students have balanced all three, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. If you feel your life can fit another 20 hours of work into it, then all the more power to you. On one hand, you have to understand it's going to be very difficult and very stressful, balancing the inevitable tug-of-war between tucking the children in to bed or finishing up that care plan so you can submit it on time. On the other hand, nursing school is only a couple years, which is pretty brief in the long term scheme of things.

Check your schedule and see if you can fit that extra workload into your life. Be honest with yourself and you'll figure it out pretty quick.

nlitened · Sep 4, 2014

Is it a full time nursing program? If so, then I don't see how you would be able to work the hours of most medical assistants and go into a full time nursing program. Both would be during normal working hours. Or are you able to work nights and weekends? But with that said, most programs suggest no more than 20hours a week if you must work. You will need time to study. Can you work full time and be in school full time...yes...it has been done before by many students. You just have to find what works best for you.

Motivated4Success · Sep 4, 2014

Thank you ladies. I really appreciate your honesty! Most of the schools are FT day classes. Only one which is 15min away from the job is two nights a week from 5-8pm. Then 10hrs of clinical on Saturday. But I'd be getting out at 5pm. So that still won't help.

Motivated4Success · Sep 6, 2014

Sorry, not ladies. Thank you all!!!! I put ladies.

OnlyDreaming · Sep 8, 2014

Talk to your job to see if they would let you get out at 4:45 to make it to class. Jobs rather be flexible than lose someone.

Motivated4Success · Sep 8, 2014

Hey Onlydreaming the job did offer me that option. I'm just worried about the whole nursing program & it being time consuming & hard. LOL