Nursing School and Working. Smart idea?

It's like a Vit C · Feb 28, 2017

If you have the luxury of not having to work and can still afford school and life then by all means focus all your attention on school. Nursing school is a grind and can be very demanding. If not, then I recommend trying to find part time work as a patient care tech or whatever they name that type of position at your local hospital. I had to work throughout nursing school and found that working as a nurses aide put me far ahead of my nursing student colleagues when it came time for clinicals. In addition it gets you a foot in the door come graduation. Finally it gives you a glimpse into the life of a nurse and you can decide early on if you love it or hate it.

JJL618, RN · Feb 28, 2017

I have made good money and saved a lot of money to where I won't have to work if I get into the program this Fall. I'm kinda scared of not bringing home a salary for at least two years, but I'll make up for it after I get my degree. I don't have a family either, so my goal is to treat school like it's my full time job.

LunaTunaPineapple · Mar 6, 2017

I obtained little part-time job, I only worked 2-4 days out of the month. Needless to say, I was usually between school and home all the time because I had no money to do anything extra. It paid off though. I was a home caregiver BTW.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Mar 6, 2017

Nursing students!
I start nursing school in the summer. Right now I have a steady 8-5 job that I won't be able to keep once I do start nursing school. Once I start, should I look for a part time job? or should I just focus on school? What did y'all do? If y'all did have a part time (or even full time job) how did y'all balance everything out? and what kind of jobs did y'all have? Help!

I may be the voice of dissent, but I truly think that the answer depends on how rigorous your school is, as well as your own intellectual abilities and life challenges.

As for me, personally, I am a "smart" person who generally does well in school--e.g. Straight As in prerequisites--though i worked my behind off!

I was was unable to work much during nursing school. I just wouldn't allow anything to get in between me and my desire to complete nursing school. I tried working per diem / on call and it didn't work.

I *needed* money really bad, as a single parent; but for me.... assuring I graduated and became a nurse was my bigger and primary goal.