Nursing Student & Working....HOW!!???!!

studentLJinCA · Apr 14, 2011

I am interested in the answer to this question too!

I start in the Fall, and like you, I have rent, car payment, insurance, etc. to worry about each month. Out of all the excitement of beginning the nursing program, money is what worries me the most. Plus, since I'm under 24, my parent's income was taken into account when filling out the FAFSA, regardless if they support you financially (which they don't).

I've heard that those most likely to 'flunk out' of the program are those trying to work too much. I'm saving every penny I can right now and plan on not working the first semester just to gauge what I will be able to handle.

I'd like to hear from those that have gone through nursing school WHILE working (without the help of a spouse/partner).

2ndyearstudent, CNA · Apr 14, 2011

Can anyone give any suggestions? Maybe any success stories of working and attending nursing school? Any advice would be excellent!
Thanks!!!

Hello,

You will hear a lot of stories and testimony from students on this board in particular who worked full-time+, had 7 kids, a husband, two boyfriends and "I made it through nursing school so you can work full time and do it too."

Whether this person actually made it through or how isn't the point. The point is, "What is the best way to set yourself up for success in nursing school?"

There are no black and white answers. You basically have to work as much as you can, but no more. Where that level is depends on you, your job, and your program. For me, I was able to work 24-30 hours a week and barely maintain my sanity and a 4.0 GPA in nursing school. I used school loans to cover the rest of my bills, which are substantial.

For you, or others, it might be diffferent. Some people have a job where they can study half of their 8 hour shift. I worked as a CNA and Home Health Aide...no studying.

Good luck!

canigraduate · Apr 14, 2011

Well, I would find a roommate. Pronto. And be prepared to not have a full night's sleep again until you graduate. Look (carefully) into student loans to supplement your income so you can have more time to study. You'll need it.

My class had several working students who tried to work full time and they failed the first semester. We had a few more in academic probation that had to cut their work hours down to around 20/week to pass.

I've heard that it's doable to work 30-40 hrs and be a nursing student, but I've yet to see it happen.

Good luck, though!

qestout, ASN, RN · Apr 14, 2011

How many credits do you have to take at once? What classes are they? Some are more difficult than others, or have more projects.

I didn't work for first three semesters, and loaded up my schedule with extra credits for the future (plan on going for BSN). Now, I work 26-30 week with a lighter course load for ADN. I have plenty of time for homework/studying now.

walkingon, CNA, LPN · Apr 14, 2011

Absolutely agree with 2ndyearstudent. Your making it through nursing school depends on a lot of variables that won't be exactly the same as anyone else's experience. You will know what you can handle after a quarter/semester or so. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned looking into scholarships - the two I got are getting me some badly needed extra money. Writing a few essays is definitely worth the $; check out scholarships.com. Good luck!

cmw6v8 · Apr 14, 2011

I'm in nursing school and I currently work 13-16 hours a week. I personally can't do more than that in order to stay sane. My husband and I mostly live off his income. The main reason we have been able to stay afloat is that we rent our basement to my little brother.

The key for us has been to minimize our expenses. You said you have a car payment. Any way you can pay it off before school begins? Or sell it for a cheaper one that you can just get by in during school? Do as much as you can to minimize your debts and financial obligations. Get a roommate, or two. If you have to find a cheaper place to live, do it. Ditch your cable, don't eat out, don't buy anything you don't need. It's hard to do, but it works.

blackandyellow · Apr 14, 2011

I cut down my hours to the mininum that was required for health insurance which was 24 hours. I generally work more than that but if I have a busy week coming up I downsize it to 24. I work a ton on weekends, holidays, vacations, and I save a ton of money from working overtime and put it in savings for when the semester starts and I have to work less hours. I was lucky this year because I had only had nursing classes three times a week but this fall it will be 5 days a week so I will most likely be working 24. I also made school my number one priority and worked my work schedule around it. I know not everyone can do that. I would also like to add that I had zero social life this year. I was either studying, working, or in school.

Morgan0429 · Apr 14, 2011

I am almost finished with nursing school. I'm 26, husband...no kids...and I work 16-20 hrs a week at a hosptial as a PCT. It is possible! But it does vary from person to person. I have classmates that work only 8 hrs and they can barely handle that and others that work overnights. I also had to take out student loans. The loans are not for paying for school...they are for bills and stuff only. I had a nice FT job before this and had to supplement my income somehow.

You have to make MANY sacrafices in nursing school! Do whatever you have to do to make it through... its only 2 years of your life!!!

reesedatdude · Apr 14, 2011

Thank you so so very much for the advice and comments everyone! I really appreicate it! It definitely has me looking at things so much more differently now!! I can't express my appreciation for each of you!!!

reesedatdude · Apr 14, 2011

Hello,
You will hear a lot of stories and testimony from students on this board in particular who worked full-time+, had 7 kids, a husband, two boyfriends and "I made it through nursing school so you can work full time and do it too."
Whether this person actually made it through or how isn't the point. The point is, "What is the best way to set yourself up for success in nursing school?"
There are no black and white answers. You basically have to work as much as you can, but no more. Where that level is depends on you, your job, and your program. For me, I was able to work 24-30 hours a week and barely maintain my sanity and a 4.0 GPA in nursing school. I used school loans to cover the rest of my bills, which are substantial.
For you, or others, it might be diffferent. Some people have a job where they can study half of their 8 hour shift. I worked as a CNA and Home Health Aide...no studying.
Good luck!

Thank you so much for responding to me 2ndyearstudent!!! I really appreciate the advice that you gave!! I never even thought of things in the way that you explained! You said that ------"Whether this person actually made it through or how isn't the point. The point is, "What is the best way to set yourself up for success in nursing school? There are no black and white answers. You basically have to work as much as you can, but no more. Where that level is depends on you, your job, and your program."------I couldn't have said it better myself. You sumed it up so well!! It definitely has me thinking because like you said, everyone isn't the same. I have to examine my own situation and see how I feel and where that takes me.

Thanks again 2ndyearstudent!!! VERY VERY much appreciated!!! :clown:

Trilldayz,RN BSN · Apr 14, 2011

It depends how you work under pressure... I worked during nursing school and I realized that my grades were better because I knew I had less time... so I really didn't play around with any free time that I did manage to have.... and I really studied! So i tend to work better under pressure. Now that i'm not working this semester though my grades haven't suffered or anything, but I have sooo much free time now and so I don't study as much, due to procrasination.