Nursing School Full-Time & Working Full-Time...Is it possible?

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Oct 21, 2011

I would start out part-time and see how it goes first, you need to maintain good grades and have science and some math classes that can be intense so I would start out slow. Take one or two classes at first, then if that goes well maybe 3/4 before going full time.

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Oct 21, 2011

I don't know about working full time, but I was a single mom to two boys, went to school full time, and worked part time on the weekends.

We did end up on food stamps to make ends meet.

However I managed to make it to all of thier parent teacher conferences, and most sporting events that they had, although for practice and games I usually had a text book in hand.

It is possible to balance things out if you have a support system to help you, you have to know that for the most part nursing school comes first and some things like a clean house and home cooked meals are not a priority (unless you have help) my house was "nursing school clean"

Neglected ChildrenAuthor unknown (but had to be aNursing student!)

Our home is seldom very clean

The meals are not as good

And we don’t take a bath,

As we ordinarily would.

The hamper is overflowing,

The ironing is seldom done,

And the socks that were neatly in the drawer,

Are practically down to none.

She was a model mother,

The house was shiny and bright,

She was so even-tempered,

And a perfect "guiding light".

But all that now has changed,

Dust "neath the bed does pool",

Where is that wonderful mother?

Why Mother goes to school!

She has no time for cleaning,

We kids must do our best,

We’re having eggs for dinner,

Cause Mom is having a test!

She got a terrible longing,

A nurse she wanted to be,

So she nagged our dad for tuition

And the poor guy had to agree!

So every morning she packs her books

And walks out of the door,

We’d like to try and stop her,

But we’re sticking to the floor!

We take our vitamins and drink our juice,

Cause it would be terribly cruel,

If we caught a cold and fever

And Mother couldn’t go to school!

So if you’re in the hospital,

And on your back you lie

If you happen to see a student nurse

Tell Mom we all said – Hi!

SweetseRN · Oct 21, 2011

I had a woman in my class with a new baby born right before first semester who proceed to have a second child during 3rd semester. She was a waitress part time too.She graduated at the top of my class. Can it be done, yes. My program was extremely challenging as I am sure all nursing programs are, but if you really love it and you really want it, yes you can!

morte, LPN, LVN · Oct 21, 2011

Yes, it can be done, but you changed the premise by adding in child/children. then the answer becomes probably not. consider carefully, enlist all the help that you can, good luck

AZMOMO2 · Oct 21, 2011

Do you have a strong support system? With one anything is possible. Without, probably not. Many will feel neglected, you will feel overwhelmed, and no one will get just how hard it is except a fellow student.

allnurses Guide · Oct 21, 2011

Working full time, school full time and a single mother? I encourage you to give this very grave thought. Something will have to give.... Time and attention to your child or losing your job or flunking out....and likely after just about losing your sanity. You can't imagine the pressure of that at this time. Lots of people are talking here about working part time. You asked about full time. If you can work part time you might be able to make it work. If you have family nearby willing to help you might be able to make it work. By yourself? To be honest...no. I would not recommend it.

athflying · Oct 21, 2011

I went to school full time and had 2 jobs, so yes it is possible. I don't have children and at times my grades suffered, but I made sure I was never close to failing.

badphish · Oct 21, 2011

i went thru a transition course LPN/PARAMEDIC to RN course that was a year long with mostly single moms that also worked full time, its hard but do-able. you need to find the right program for you. i suggest getting your 2 yr RN first then going on to the BSN while already working and getting paid as an RN.

I worked fulltime and went to school. i did 24 hrs on 2 days off and my school was shift friendly they gave the exact same class on 2 different days so if i worked one day i could catch class on the other day. school, lab hours, clinicals and working was a b*tch, didnt see the wife much. i must say the sacrifices are worth it.

shop around its do-able.

PS my best buddy she was a single mom, working full time with two school age kids

badphish · Oct 21, 2011

damn just had an off kinda topic thought, man if ipads had only come out 2 yrs earlier. id buy every book in digital format, load up them and the lecture slides into PDF expert and highlight and mark up the day away. only one thing to lug around. my school had a downloadable version of all the slides etc.

sweet

OR-RN2011 · Oct 21, 2011

I LOVE this! I am going to share it with my friends that are still in school. The poem I never post and am still getting use to this

Thanks

ORoxyO · Oct 21, 2011

You can do whatever you put your mind to! I did it, and got mostly A's too. Plus that job I had in a hospital is the reason I got my RN job.