Part-time job and nursing school???

twarlik · Dec 15, 2004

I graduate from nursing school next April and have worked the entire time. I currently work about 20 hours a week and I find that I have plenty of time to study. Of course, I don't have a child to deal with so I might not be the best one to give advice.

My advice to anyone who's considering a job in healtcare and is also going to nursing school is DO IT!!! I have learned so much in my year working at the hospital as an extern that I can't imagine graduating without having that experience under my belt.

Good luck with your studies and new job!

LadyK82 · Dec 15, 2004

I worked for General Motors while going to school and it was only 30 hours a week, but it was really tough finding time to study & spend time with my family. I don't have any children, but I don't know how I could have done all three at once. I also know that my personal stress level is kinda low, so it all depends on the person. Time management was a major issue for me. I say give it a try anyway. The worst that can happen is that you may decide it's not for you. Or, you may love it and be able to make it work. I think it's worth a try. Good luck to you!

hypnotic_nurse · Dec 15, 2004

If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm a little nervous about working in a mental hospital because I've never been around mentally ill people...

You probably have and just didn't realize it.

I work psych as a second job; my best friend (also a psych nurse) likes to say that the biggest difference between staff and patients is that we have keys. :) You will do just fine.

If you are a good student, working 2-3 nights a week is probably not going to hurt your grades at all. If you struggle in school, rethink working. :) Yes, your daughter is small, but Daddy time is wonderful for any child -- as long as he's willing to take that responsibility, this will be a good think for your little one.

FocusRN · Dec 16, 2004

Well, I just got a job offer today for a patient reigstration rep (the ones that check people in). And it is very part time, just every other weekend evening or night shift. I think it is a great schedule because number one I will only be working on weekends so, even if I work nights, I won't have to get up to go to school in the morning (unless I work Sunday nights), and number two because I will be working every OTHER weekend. It is really great. So I say if you can get a great schedule that won't be time conflicting with school, you should do fine.

Tony35NYC · Dec 16, 2004

the biggest difference between staff and patients is that we have keys.

Hypnotic nurse, your are too funny! :chuckle

hypnotic_nurse · Dec 16, 2004

Hypnotic nurse, your are too funny! :chuckle

A sense of humor goes a looooong way in this profession!!!

Nursemelo · Dec 16, 2004

I'm graduating in May and i've worked through all 4 years of nursing school. I used to work at wal mart on friday nights saturdays and sundays, now i work at a special care home with people who Alzheimers and other varioud dementias, only work saturdays and sundays. I find it hard, but it's managable. Many times I end up skipping the gym or getting fast food when the homework is really piled up. I think you have to have a strong motivated personality, but you have to take care of yourself to. I'm on the echinacea and vitamin C trying not to get to run down. By working every weekend i go months without a day off to myself. If it's got to be done you'll find a way to do it.

ICUnowOHN · Dec 16, 2004

I just had an interview today for a job as a behavioral health tech at a local mental hospital (in case your wondering what that is exactly, they just watch over the patients and assist with basic care, kind of like a CNA). I start the ADN program Jan 18th. I'll be working evenings only 2-3 days a week. For those of you with jobs and also in the nursing program how hard is it to find time to study and also still a little time for yourself and family. I also have a 5 month old daughter that needs me. The extra money and experience would be really nice but I'm starting to wonder, can I handle it?? The only thing I can do is try. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm a little nervous about working in a mental hospital because I've never been around mentally ill people :stone , but I've considered possibly being a psychiatric nurse because psychology is of such interest to me. They said I would either be in the adult unit, child/adolescent unit, or detox unit. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for child/adolescent if I get hired. I've settled into being at home with my daughter now. I have been for the last five months and I just don't want to take on too much at once. How many of you also work???

Trust me, you are constantly surrounded by the mentally ill :)

Anyhow, I worked a full time night job until my final clinical semester. I did have a 5 y.o. daughter, and another on the way. The job I had was great, since I could actually do some studying there, and I had lots of help at home. If you can manage your time well enough to keep the childcare stable (and safe) and you can stay focused, you CAN do it. It is by no means easy, as if it would be if all you had to do was go to nursing school, but it is possible. It actually sucks at times. You may have to go with less sleep than you need at times, and etc.......

If you have your family to help, you can do it.

Good Luck :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2004

When there's a will there's a way. I worked because it was necessary for me to make ends meet. If all you are taking is nursing courses and not co-related courses then you'll be o.k. It will be very tough and you might find the sacrifice on your family too much, especially if you're already surviving well without the money. My advice always has been, if you don't have to work, then don't. Can it be done? Yes, absolutely it can.

Good luck to you!