Nurses who worked through school

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2012

You should have no problem if you have no one else to worry about but yourself! I was a single parent of 2 children when I finished my BS in Biology, and still a single mother when I got my BSN. It was not particularly easy, but nothing worthwhile usually is! My children are now grown, married with children of their own, and somehow we all managed to survive and thrive.

We still managed to go to the YMCA to swim together, both kids were active in school and sports, I was a Cub Scout leader and taught Sunday School. What I didn't do much was sleep :) I figured that I could sleep when I died because I sure didn't have any spare time for such nonsense at the time. You should have no worries! Best of luck to you :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2012

I did not work while attending a full-time 12-month LVN/LPN program in '04/'05. However, I worked 32 hours per week as an LVN at a nursing home while attending an RN completion program full-time in '09/'10. I worked two 16-hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday at the nursing home as an LVN charge nurse. This schedule enabled me to attend school full-time during the week.

ginaw623 · Apr 26, 2012

thanks to both of you...you are both inspiring :)

Trauma Columnist · Apr 26, 2012

I also worked full time during my LPN, ADN, BSN, etc..

We had two kids, a very supportive husband and we managed.

boushie87 · Apr 26, 2012

I would say if you are going to be doing the accelerated BSN I would not personally work. It is more than a full time position and it's only 12 months.. granted I understand people need money. However, if you are doing the "regular BS" program you should be able to work part time. I would not attempt working full time however. Nursing school is rough! And there is so much prep for clinical, etc it might seem like you have extra time in your schedule (say you have a day off) but you really don't! And this is coming from someone who already has a BS in Biotechnology and went to grad school for Genetic Counseling.. and I was able to work PT with both of those degrees. Nursing school is harder than both of those! Good luck to you :)

ginaw623 · Apr 28, 2012

thanks everyone

DutchRN09 · Apr 28, 2012

I worked 0.8 2nd shift and employer reimbursed tuition. No kids, but have a spouse and still managed to have a life. Now working and doing rn-bsn online [which is way easier than sitting in a class room and trying to work around a schedule]

caliotter3 · Apr 28, 2012

I would not do this with an accelerated program. Too many people have said that they had to step back to a traditional program because they could not keep up the pace. You want to give yourself the maximum opportunity for success. I would look for a traditional program if you plan to continue working while in school.

FLmomof5 · Apr 28, 2012

I would be concerned that it is an accelerated program. I worked full time + OT in IT while going to NS full time in the eve/weekend program. Still had a couple of kids at home and hubby was deployed.

I did remember my teenage daughter complaining once. She asked when I was going to have time for HER again. I told her "Aug 2010" (my graduation date)!

ginaw623 · Apr 28, 2012

Positive experiences only please! I have heard a million times "you won't be able to handle that", or "that's too much work". I want to hear from those of you who did it and succeeded. I don't need discouragement because as nice as it would be to NOT work...it is just not a realistic option for me. I am not willing to accumulate another 60K in debt for my second degree.

allnurses Guide · Apr 28, 2012

I worked full time, went to school full time, AND had a baby my third semester.

I'm not bragging or anything. :lol2:

What helped me though, in all seriousness... I worked three twelve hour shifts on

the weekends. That gave me all week to study, do homework, etc., and go to

class of course. Plus, when the baby came, my in laws played a huge part by

watching her whenever I had to go to class, study, or whatever. I couldn't

have gotten through that last semester without them.