Maintaining health insurance - Working FT/attending NP school PT

[DesertSky, BSN]

I was wondering how many of you were able to continue working FT and attend NP school PT? The programs I am considering all have a PT study option, but I was wondering if I will also be able to continue working FT? I have a friend currently in NP school and she has been able to keep working FT so far, however she mentioned her last semester or two she may have to stop working FT in order to complete all of her clinical hours.

I was wondering if it is unrealistic to think I can maintain FT employment status while in a PT NP program? The reason I need to continue working FT is that I need to maintain my health insurance benefits. Would a PT NP student qualify for health insurance through their school?

Thanks in advance!

[xenogenetic]

No, not unrealistic at all to try to maintain FT employment as I know the NP program I attended was designed to be completed on a part-time basis two courses at a time that were held once per week for 3 hours. And yes, the university I attended extended health insurance coverage for the student but am unsure about the quality of that coverage or if it would extend to cover dependents or spouses, although.

[Dranger]

I use Tricare through the Army reserves but I realize my situation is unique.

Paying through state options? Health insurance through the school is pricey. It is certainly possible to work FT through school but I like having a life/fun so I opted for PT. If its necessary FT is a option for sure, just less free time of course.

[NurseVN]

I will graduate in May 2016. I have been working full time since the beginning. I also have 2 babies along the way. I took a year off to care for my family though. It takes me 4 years (as I took one year off) to finish my FNP with a post Master in Education. I sleep less than most people I know & work more weekends as well.

[Alicia777, MSN, NP]

Check what you need to be considered full time for full benefits. While I was in school it was only 30 hours, so that's what I worked..

[rninme]

I'm just getting ready to start my final semester of FNP. Have been able to continue working full time with a little creative scheduling. And, since NP school was a long range plan for me, I squirreled away tons of ETO hours. Some weeks I am scheduled 2 nights, others I do 3. Some weeks, I don't work at all - I take all earned time. Fortunately, my employer has supported my educational aspirations. It can be done - it isn't easy, little sleep, not much of a life outside of work, school and clinical time. But - I am almost there. If school work or clinical preparedness starts to falter - you have to consider cutting down the hours worked and having saved up vacation time will make it a lot easier to do. I had to keep my insurance benefits -- one of the joys of getting older -- chronic health condition that requires treatment/monitoring.