Nursing school (BSN) and work part-time?

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I work at an assisted living facility in the Alzheimer's/Dementia unit as a nursing assistant. I plan on working either 16 or 24 hours (8 hour increments) per week while I'm in nursing school. Done with prereqs, and starting nursing school this fall. Is this doable?

Also, I eventually want to work in a hospital or clinic setting. Will having this work experience at an assisted living facility still be useful? I figured it would be good experience.

I still want to do well in school but how much do hospitals look at grades? Do we put them on the resume?

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It all depends on your schedule, how you study, how well you want to do... etc. It has been done and can be done... But your social life will suffer! Nursing school is very intense, If you can get away with it I would only work weekends (which would probably be your only option anyway if you work 8 hour shifts and are going to school full time.)

If you are wanting to work with geriatric patients, your current job will be of great experience to you! I'm sure it will look great on your resume.

I am not 100% sure about grades, but I would not see why a facility would ask for them. As long as you pass the course and get certified, you have the credentials to work. I don't think it matters to them as long as you passed the certification test. Keep in mind the min. grade for passing nursing schools, depends on the school, but ranges from a B or C average.

The only thing I would include is where you did your clinical (practicum) because it shows your experience, and the people you work with can also become great references for your resume. Doing your clinical at a hospital you are applying for a position for helps as well. When I applied for my current position as a HCA in a hospital, they loved that I did my practicum in the hospital because I already had the basic routines down. Hope that helped some!

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starting BSN on the 23rd!

i also plan to work...i work as a living caregiver to the elderly. i have always worked thruout my pre reqs, my social life does suffer, but i tell my friends to hang in there with me. so far they have been understanding...but it can get pretty isolative so be warned. if you the type that likes to hang out with your friends then i would suggest u resign!!!

if my work does interfere with my school work i will not hesitate to resign, mind you my work is very easy. my current client is very understanding and she sleeps most of the daytime and at nite she sleeps all the way thru. so if i stay with her i think i can do it. there is wifi so i could get a lot done during my two days i spend with her...

good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.

It's certainly do-able. Myself and most of my peers did it, and we were in an accelerated program. It's not easy, but in a way it gives you an advantage. It is a resume booster, source of income, and it essentially forces you to manage your time and not fall behind.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Yes it's doable. I'm in an LPN/BSN bridge program. I work as a hospice nurse and only work on Wednesday and Saturday (8-10 hr shifts). I have one class Monday, 2 Thursday, and 2 Friday. I also take call every other w/e. I have no social life except between semesters, but my husband understands. It'll be worth it in the end. Good luck to you!

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