Nursing student & working..is it possible?

loriann, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

I think it is possible, though it will be difficult, especially with children.

I went through an accelerated BSN program and worked every Saturday and Sunday (16 hours weekly) as a hospital social worker. I'm single with no children, so the only income I had was from work and some student loans.

I think the only way you will know is to try it. Perhaps you could consider taking out student loans? Do you have family nearby that can help with the children? Are afterschool programs or extracurricular activities a possibility for them to give you a little more time for studying and still have them involved and taken care of? Do you have a part-time job already lined up and will it not affect the days you are scheduled with school? Just some questions to think about.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

I didn't work while in school, as I received unemployment checks.

However, several of my classmates worked full-time and attended school full-time. They usually worked the graveyard shift at nursing homes, either the 10pm to 6am shift or 11pm to 7am, as CNAs (certified nursing assistants). After completing their shifts at work, they would arrive to class at 8am every morning. Since many of their elderly patients were asleep during the night shift, these students had time to study at work between patient rounds. It only takes a few weeks to earn a CNA certificate, but the experience is valuable.

melvolden · Jul 27, 2007

Hello, I know exacty how you feel... I am currently in a simular situation. I am starting classes this Fall (at the age of 36). My background is in accounting/business; therefore, I am taking a number of Gen. Ed. courses to catch-up. (Most of the courses I had taken for accounting/business will not transfer to the Nursing Program.) I am currently working full-time and am enrolled in 18 credit hours this Fall. I am a single parent of two (ages: 8 & 17); therefore, I have no other choice but to work while I attend classes. I will admit, I am very nervous... I foresee quite a few stressful days ahead... The only way I will get through it, is with the help of God, friends, and family. If Nursing is something you truly want to do, then I say, "GO FOR IT!!!!". We can muddle through together... :yelclap:

Melissa

melvolden · Jul 27, 2007

I posted the following in reply to your post in the "Nursing Humor" section. I wanted to make sure you receive it.....so, here it is again. (Sorry if you've already read this....)

I know exacty how you feel... I am currently in a simular situation. I am starting classes this Fall (at the age of 36). My background is in accounting/business; therefore, I am taking a number of Gen. Ed. courses to catch-up. (Most of the courses I had taken for accounting/business will not transfer to the Nursing Program.) I am currently working full-time and am enrolled in 18 credit hours this Fall. I am a single parent of two (ages: 8 & 17); therefore, I have no other choice but to work while I attend classes. I will admit, I am very nervous... I foresee quite a few stressful days ahead... The only way I will get through it, is with the help of God, friends, and family. If Nursing is something you truly want to do, then I say, "GO FOR IT!!!!". We can muddle through together... :yelclap:

Melissa

loveyou4 · Jul 27, 2007

Thank you for your encouraging e-mail. It's nice to have someone to talk to that is going through the same thing. How are you planning on working? Currently I am a secretary at an elementary school....great hours...terrible pay. I know I will have to quit that and find something else. I was considering trying to get a job at the hospital as a secretary on nights. I just know that it will be very tough for my family but I think the reward at the end will be worth it for all of us. I am hoping to enter the program next fall because I have to get a few gen eds out of the way. Keep me posted.

loveyou4 · Jul 27, 2007

I forgot to add that I am 36 as well.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2007

I worked 32 to 40 hours a week to pay the bills while I was in nursing school. It was extremely hard. You can do whatever you set your mind to do. I didn't have kids however, so I had it easy. LOL

Best wishes!

Karencita1228 · Jul 28, 2007

I didn't work while in school, as I received unemployment checks.
However, several of my classmates worked full-time and attended school full-time. They usually worked the graveyard shift at nursing homes, either the 10pm to 6am shift or 11pm to 7am, as CNAs (certified nursing assistants). After completing their shifts at work, they would arrive to class at 8am every morning. Since many of their elderly patients were asleep during the night shift, these students had time to study at work between patient rounds. It only takes a few weeks to earn a CNA certificate, but the experience is valuable.

I'm not sure if this question is personal, but how did you receive unemployment checks? Is it because you were going to school? Or was it for another personal reason with another job?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2007

I'm not sure if this question is personal, but how did you receive unemployment checks? Is it because you were going to school? Or was it for another personal reason with another job?

It was unrelated to school. Basically, I could not handle the 250 mile roundtrip commute to work every day, and the Unemployment Dept. agreed with me that this magnitude of commuting was rather excessive.

phabuious · Jul 28, 2007

I live in NYC and worked as a full time live in nanny (for a family with 3 boys) through nursing school. I had done several of my co-reqs the year before I entered my ADN program, but I still did 2 semesters with 15 credits. It can definitely be done. The great thing about nursing classes is that you don't have a tremendous amount of homework - just your care-plans, which are tedious, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too tough. The majority of my nursing tests were on Monday mornings so I studied on weekends.

Crimsonking · Jul 28, 2007

Thank you for your encouraging e-mail. It's nice to have someone to talk to that is going through the same thing. How are you planning on working? Currently I am a secretary at an elementary school....great hours...terrible pay. I know I will have to quit that and find something else. I was considering trying to get a job at the hospital as a secretary on nights. I just know that it will be very tough for my family but I think the reward at the end will be worth it for all of us. I am hoping to enter the program next fall because I have to get a few gen eds out of the way. Keep me posted.

Hi Loveyou4,

I can definitly relate to your plight. I'm a 31 year old father and main provider for my family. I have a 5 yr old daughter. My wife also works, which helps a lot. We had to scale back our lifestyle somewhat to make this work. Got rid of LAN line phone bill and just kept Cell bill, as an example. The biggest change was switching jobs. I had to find a job that allowed me to attend school during the day. My college does not provide night classes for nursing and all the clinicals are during the day. I took a job at a hospital. The hours are perfect and they seemed to be the only employer who would tolerate me going to school. You'd be surprised to see how many employers did not want to hire someone who is in school.

Given your experience as a secretary, you'd be perfect for a Unit Secretary or an Administrative Assistant. I'm currently a Unit Secretary and love it. I have relationships with both Nurses and Doctors and gaining valuable experience. In my area, once you're in Nursing 1, you can work as a CNA. It shouldn't be to hard for you to find suitable work while your undergoing this transition. Keep your eye on the prize! It's very do-able if you want to make it happen.

Good luck and God Bless!