So i got into the nursing program at the university of Hawaii and i start this fall. I've been working at the same part time job since the last semester in high school, and my pay there is pretty good for just a part time job. So basically, i've been supporting myself since high school. I paid my own bill, bought my own gas, food, clothes, whatever. Of course I got help from my parents for school, and they will continue helping me with my financial needs for school. I really want to continue to work, so i can pay for the little things. I'd hate to always ask mom and dad for money during the semester because i have no gas, or because im hungry and such, better yet, id hate to see them pay my bills!
So what I wanna know are your experiences with SCHOOL AND WORK. What I heard so far is "dont do it."
wow! thanks for all the quick replies, and thanks for the advice! well, I've decided that i'll continue working part time. I do realize that I'll have to sacrifice a lot, but im willing to put up with it.
but for the people that work FULL time, or for the people with kids and such, much props to you guys. idk how i'd be able to keep up with it, but seeing that its do-able, gives me confidence. thanks for everything.
I work full time 830am-430pm Mon-Fri, and then go to school Mon-Thurs 530-1030pm. You can totally do it but you have to want to do it! You have to have all your heart into it and drink a lot of coffee lol! Also know that weekends will be for studying and usually studying ALONE! When I started my first semester (I am going into my last semster this coming Fall) the first thing the director of the nursing program told us was to quit our jobs. Yea sure...Are you going to pay my bills? LOL...just isnt an option. But I have been doing well so it is totally doable! You just need to devote yourself. Good luck!!:nuke:
I have to work full-time to help my single mom support our family. My supervisors have been extremely awesome in making sure my work schedule works around my school days. I work F/S/S 12 hr shifts and go to school the rest of the days. Yes, it is stressful, and no it is not for everyone. Toward the end I get sick and don't feel well mentally or physically because I'm super stressed during finals every semester, and because of it I call off one day to regroup. I haven't needed to call off more than that.
Try it. If it gets too hard then you know you're lucky enough to have your family's love and support.
i have to work full-time to help my single mom support our family. my supervisors have been extremely awesome in making sure my work schedule works around my school days. i work f/s/s 12 hr shifts and go to school the rest of the days. yes, it is stressful, and no it is not for everyone. toward the end i get sick and don't feel well mentally or physically because i'm super stressed during finals every semester, and because of it i call off one day to regroup. i haven't needed to call off more than that.
try it. if it gets too hard then you know you're lucky enough to have your family's love and support.
i totally know what you mean about getting mentally and physically sick by the end of the semester! i am the same way...i got 3 colds and couldn't think straight by the end of this 3rd semester. i am on summer break now and am enjoying the time!
I worked 3 nights a week, 12 hour shifts at a demanding hospital job, and it was tough....but doable. were there days that I spent entirely asleep? Yep. Were there nights that I thought "I can't do this"? Yep. But I wouldn't have traded a moment of anything I went through in 2 years of NS.....It's why nurses can survive anything!
It is so nice to read about so many people that are actually willing to do what needs to be done to be successful at work and school. There is no way I would have gone back to nursing school if I couldn't have continued to work. Hearing people say that it is nearly impossible to work and do nursing really irritated me especially when they are advocating loans for living expenses. I had one friend who worked, her husband stayed home with the kids during the day and then worked nights to keep the family in the black. Where there is a will there is a way. :)
I've just completed RN, BSN program. It was a nightmare for me. Work, School, Children and a husband didn't mix all that well for me. I had to shut out a lot of my family just to stay focused. In LPN school things were a little easiar I didn't work at all just went to school but making the transition to LPN to RN was definitely a major challenge and I would never do anything like this again. I was stressed out for almost all the years I was in school. I carried 32hours at work for several years than I had to decrease this because the work load was becoming unbearable. It is doable and it takes lots of dedication and perserverance. If you dont have kids or significant others to worry about it maybe even better for you. Keep your head and a push on. If your family is willing to help you then let them. Pride is good but succeeding is better.
Sko at UHM? Personally, I think you can do it! To be honest, I quit my job during my 1st semester at UH but that was bc i was having a hard time with pharm. I have to warn you, though, the 1st month or so, the school workload will be tough (Lot of chapters!) How many credits will you be taking? Anyways, the 1st semester will be less condensed as the semester will go by. 2nd semester, I think you can handle work as well. 3rd semester (I am approaching it) might be a little too demanding tho-2 long clinicals and lectures compared to only 1 in your 1st and 2nd semester, not to mention dealing with precare and careplans. However, you learn to prioritize and time manage better and you will inevitably lose some sleep and contact with your non-nursing friends since nursing school will demand some dedication. Good luck!
I have NS 4 days a week (8.5 credits), another 4 credit class two of those days a week, and work two days a week, and I'm fine. I could stand to pick up another day at work and I'd still be okay.
wannabemurse
18 Posts
wow! thanks for all the quick replies, and thanks for the advice! well, I've decided that i'll continue working part time. I do realize that I'll have to sacrifice a lot, but im willing to put up with it.
but for the people that work FULL time, or for the people with kids and such, much props to you guys. idk how i'd be able to keep up with it, but seeing that its do-able, gives me confidence. thanks for everything.