Nursing school vs. Work

Ok, so I have an apartment that I have to pay off and my loans haven't come in and probably won't till the month of september or october. Anywayz I have to work to pay for my apartment and don't know whether it's best to work during the days I have school or weekends? I already have time management issues b/c I procrastinate..... For those that work, how do y'all study and work at the same time and come out with good grades?

[Jules A, MSN]

I worked two short shifts during the week and then 12's every Saturday and Sunday. I studied every single night for at least an hour normally 2. I kept a book or my note cards on me at all times and any spare minute I would study. Definitely stay on top of your studies and hopefully having such time restrictions will actually help your procrastination issues. Wishing you well.

[Kasia3]

I guess the key here is to be extremely organized.I'm also waiting for my school loans which will come through I believe at the end of the septemeber.I'm planning to work 5 days a week(for couple of hours,max 28 hours a week) and if it wont work I will just be working weekends (14,16 hours).If you set your mind on it you can do it...

[Kiringat]

Be very, very well organized and absolutly force yourself to get things done on time. I was an amazing procrastinator, and I had to resort to bribing myself with a treat (an hour or two off to do something fun) every week if I stuck to my study schedule.

It helps to have a flexible employer as well. I was able to work early morning shifts, weekends and at other odd-ish times and averaged 20-40 hours a week. It wasn't fun, but I did it.

Good luck.

[JJRN09]

i have been working weekends the entire time i have been in school, both prereqs and now nursing school. i have managed to keep up my grades because i don't really have a choice. my household consists of my husband, 4 children, a dog and myself and one income just doesn't cover everything. i have gotten through it by structuring study time, family time, and down time for myself. you can do it if you set up a schedule for yourself and stick to it. just remember there is light at the end of the tunnel that we are al striving to reach.

[LAM2010]

I work 5 nights a week - 7pm to 11pm. I used to have off Friday and Saturday nights, but once we started clinicals and we had to go visit our assigned patient the night before, I had to change one of my off nights to Tuesday (and off on Saturday too). My boss helped me out before, but I am not sure they will do it for me again and I must have off Monday nights this semester.

Anyway, you have to manage your time and really not procrastinate. I actually procrastinated a quite a bit and then I'd end up being up til 2 or 3 am nights before tests (never before clinicals, though!). I did it but it just created more stress (I also have a semi-husband and a 4-year-old). I would read during our lunch breaks at school and as much as I could at work (I am a customer service rep).

If I didn't have to pay for daycare, I doubt I'd even work - thank goodness my boyfriend makes good money and can pay most of our bills. But I really do better when I have more stuff taking up my time, so having a job isn't so bad.

[missjennmb]

If I didn't have to pay for daycare, I doubt I'd even work.

Daycare is a beast isnt it? I work solely to pay for my daycare, and thats about all that I can cover w/ my part time paycheck. I work about 56 hrs every two weeks, and daycare for me is $300 every two weeks, which leaves me $100 to put towards the 45 mi each way trip to work, 4 days a week.

[Jules A, MSN]

Daycare is a beast isnt it? I work solely to pay for my daycare, and thats about all that I can cover w/ my part time paycheck. I work about 56 hrs every two weeks, and daycare for me is $300 every two weeks, which leaves me $100 to put towards the 45 mi each way trip to work, 4 days a week.

Having critters is expensive, lol. I admire your hard work. Sending good thoughts your way. It will be over before you know it. :)