NP school while working full time?

mammac5 · Apr 1, 2012

I would say no, but I'm sure you will hear from folks here who have done it and excelled.

I was in an accelerated program and could not work. My children are grown. Really I could only concentrate on school and my marriage - both turned out really well!

allnurses Guide · Apr 1, 2012

I was in an accelerated program full time and worked part time during the entire program. I worked 2nd shift on Fridays and every other weekend, so it did not interfere with clinicals/classes. My kids were in middle school and high school at the time. it was tough, but we all made it.

07302003, ASN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

I took one class at a time for two years, which I was able to balance with working F/T and kids, but at a certain point when you start clinicals there was no option but almost F/T school... some classes are OK but some at 30 hours of work a week, and you NEED to know the info. So, I would not count on being able to work F/T unless you have a LOT of help with your kids....

annfaith, DNP, NP · Apr 3, 2012

Is it possible to go to NP school while working full time and with small children? The program I am interested in allows for part time study. I did well in nursing school but I did not have kids nor did I work full time then. I am sure it can be done but I am anxious. What say you?

I did my full time FNP program and worked full time. The first year is just academics. The second year clinicals of 240 hours for 3 semesters with the summer being an 8 week semester. It was very hard. I work 12 hour shifts so I was able to take time off during the summer and work the weekends to complete my clinical requirements. My children are 18,13 and 9. This was still hard with one playing football and the other basketball. My husband was outstanding and supported me through this process. It can be done it depends on the support you have to assist you along the way. Hope this helps

foxyhill21 · Apr 4, 2012

I have a 3 yr old and 3 month, i go to school part time and work. It's very hard, but if you stay organize and have a good support system it can be done.

mom2cka · Apr 6, 2012

It's hard, but doable... I have 3 kids at home with my stay at home husband (5 years now) - it is the only way I think I could have done it / can do it - FT work (no more alternating shifts, though) x 2 years, PT school x 2 years (got the book classes out of the way as best I could so once clinicals began, I only needed to focus on clinicals); FT both this year, that's been fun but I'm still sane... this upcoming year (my last in my FNP MSN program), I'm going to weekends only at work (FT, 12 hour shifts, FT benefits) so I have more time for clinicals and don't have to worry about the $, daycare, etc. Very difficult to juggle - if I could have done it all (school) FT it would have been great, but in my area, and for our family, this was really the best arrangement. If not - we'd both be working 30+ miles away from home (bad economy, small town, etc) and I make 2.5x what he did... so while I don't want to think about the money - the reality is I have a mortgage, had to keep medical benefits, pay for living expenses for a family of 5.... we're frugal with a lot of things (no car payment, vacations, etc) so that I don't have to take out loans to live on at least. I keep in mind the advice - don't take out more in loans than you'll earn your first year out of school.... and I do keep the federal repayment options in the back of my mind for when I'm done... good luck!

MichiganRNk8 · Apr 9, 2012

Thank you all for the feedback!