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

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Apr 16, 2011

A previous poster mentioned that you will hear (apparently ridiculous) stories from people working with many kids and complicated situations. The end of the thought was that while people might get through, they might not be setting themselves up for the greatest chance of success. I agree that this is something you need to take into consideration. Being successful and "getting through" may be mutually exclusive to some degree. However, you have to do what YOU have to do, and no one else can really decide that for you. I do work full time, I have three kids at home and I'm doing fine. Am I acing nursing school? No. But is that my focus right now? No. I had to maintain my work status because I'm the only income and benefits for our family of five. I am not in a position to take loans right now to cover expenses, I needed to work. Having all As would be wonderful, but getting through with Bs is going to get me to safe, competent nursing practice. I'm doing the best I can, and it is doable. I think that back when I was a student without family and work responsibilities, I did not have the time management skills that I have now (not that there aren't younger students that already have that skill, I just didn't). Bottom line, for some it's possible, for some it's not. You're the only one that can really evaluate your needs and abilities. Good luck.

sunshine100 · Apr 16, 2011

Nursing school is like going to any other program. I work overnights and got lucky to find a job where I get plenty of time to study between doing my rounds (CNA). I go to school after work and then after school I sleep and do it all over again......I don't have much time for fun anymore but I will be taking summer off from school.

courtney1217 · Apr 16, 2011

I'd try to take as little credits as you can if you have to work. I start Fall 2011 so I'm saving as much as I can for spending money and probably goin to include my expenses in my loans so I know that I'll be covered. Luck for me my mom is helping me out.

inthere · Apr 17, 2011

I begin nursing next month and I currently work 40hrs a week. I have no husband or anyone else to help me with the bills or kid so I anticipate things will be slightly more difficult for me then some of my fellow classmates to be...notice I said slightly. What do I have to my advantage? A love for all things allied health and science. I have an affinity to it and a nack for picking the stuff up quickly. Also my job is super easy...literally I do nothing all day expept read, play cards and sometimes watch movies ( so you can guess what I will be doing all shift...that's right studying and playing cards..haa haa). Also I have a motorola milestone so I will be putting my notes on it for quick reviews through and awesome app called thinkspace....love my android...I am an app junkie.

ooomonkeys · Apr 22, 2011

It's definitely doable. GL to you man!

LuckyinKY · Apr 22, 2011

I am a nearly full time ADN student finishing my first year. I work 40 hours and have 2 children. My grades are good; As and Bs, but I have a great job that allows me study at work. Look into research jobs or desk jobs where you can study while you work. I have heard of people working night shift desk jobs successfully.

I am not truly full time because I took all of my non-nursing classes prior to admission, so I am carrying 8-10 credits a semester. I don't sleep much and my family has been put through the ringer, so it is certainly not easy, but is possible.

ForeverLearner2010 · Apr 23, 2011

I guess I'm a bit late for the original posting, but hope I can offer a bit as well. :)

I'm 33 years old, about to start my last semester of nursing school (ADN), and also work full time. No kids, thankfully, but my husband is a full time student as well, with only a part time job to help float the bills. It works for us, though. I'm making A's and B's in Nursing school, so I'm not just squeaking by, either.

My advice is this: Yes, you can work full time though nursing school, and succeed. Yes, it is a bit more challenging than not working at all, BUT, as I learned during my first college experience, sometimes working is what forces you to make time for study. Its all about time management. I'm lucky enough to work full time as a CNA in a Geriatric Psych unit, and all the nurses I work with are wonderful people who constantly call me over to "listen to this," "what do you think about this," or, "see this -insert skin impairment thingy here-?" Working in the right place can bring your schooling together into the real world. I listen in on reports, my nurses quiz me on my psych and other drugs, and they help me think beyond the text book. Its amazing how different real nursing is from school!

Seriously, good luck to you. Nursing school isn't easy, but it is a wonderful experience.