Need opinions on workload

[BBrinkerhoff]

I just started a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program this semester. I am currently taking 8 credit hours and working full time (36 hours) and doing extremely well this semester. I would like to take 9 credit hours next semester and continue to keep working full time. My advisor thinks that I should keep my credits to a minimum since I have to work full time. I also have no children and I know how demanding this will be but I know I can do it. I am just second guessing myself now. Any opinions?

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

As long as you recognize your own limits. I work fulltime and do class and clinicals fulltime as well. No kids here either, but I do have a disabled husband I care for. I'm doing fine, and I'll graduate this December.

[Annaiya, NP]

I don't think most people can handle this, but there are some that can and do great. You sound like you're one of the people that can handle it, so I see no problem with it. I'm guessing your advisor is just used to not recommending it. You just have to be able to get all of your homework and clinical hours done around your work schedule.

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

And sometimes I think they advise against it because I suppose it DOES help them with their graduation percentages if only people who aren't working or are otherwise distracted are attending their school...

[NJprisonrn]

I am in a full time FNP program. I was working 4 days a week last semester but now that I have clinical 2 days a week I am down to 2.5 days a week. I have no kids (which helps) but it still quite a lot of work. I think it really depends on the number of clinical hours required, plus all the clinical papers you'll probably have to write, plus the regular classes that you may want to consider. it's a bumpy ride!

[kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP]

It's wasn't the easiest, but very doable. I worked full-time, often worked OT too, and I'm a single parent. Good time management is your friend. Take advantage of head starts on assignments, and get them turned in. You'll barely break out in a sweat, as long as you don't procrastinate. With that being said, you'll feel like you're always either at work or working on an assignment. The only thing that suffered was my relationship with my boyfriend, because he got put on the back burner so many times. Good Luck!

[Roseyposey]

You are amazing! I am taking 9 credit hours this semester and recently cut my work hours back to one day per week (I am PRN). I don't think I could work that many hours; I am humbled by your dedication. I have finished my clinical hours, however, and find that I probably need to pick up some more hours, I miss my PACU!