working full-time + school for MSN?

allnurses Guide · Oct 7, 2007

The three twelves make it easier, although I've worked 2 12s for most of it. I only take one class a semester, and the amount of reading and research needed for just the one takes a lot of time.

Make sure the family knows they still come first, and they'll respect your studying time a little better, at least mine does. It is really doable.

I do homeschooling, Boy & Girl Scouts, a weekly Tae Kwon Do class, church, my class, work nights either 2 or 3 12s a week in the ER. Oh, and hang out on AN.com! Recently took on being a clinical instructor one day a week; still waiting to see how this will turn out!

Just remember, you aren't failing if you don't get an A! Go for it, and enjoy. You can do anything you are willing to make the time for.

:icon_hug::studyowl::studyowl::mortarboard:

amberfnp · Oct 8, 2007

Hi sweetie715. I just applied for an MSN online distance program. Hoping to start spring or summer 2008, part-time. I too work 40 hours/wk, Mon-Fri. (and need to work FT). No 12 hours/3 days options here. It's 8a-5p and benefits only at 40 hours/wk and I have been there so long, I don't even want to think I may have to leave to accomodate my school schedule at some point. I also work prn in the ED.

When I did my RN-BSN which was primarily online (we met once per month), I made it through by taking a day off here and there when papers were due or had big tests, and by staying up late many a nights, after putting my son to bed. It wasn't easy, but it was doable. However, there was not much clinical to work around. FNP is going to be way different I suppose, now add in a new hubby and hopefully a baby in the next year. I think I can do it, although I know I am in for a tough road ahead...

Well, that probably didn't help ya much, but at least you know you aren't the only one!

HealthyRN · Oct 8, 2007

I am in the first semester of a part-time program for FNP. I currently work 40 hours/wk. It is doable, although I have a lot less spare time. It is possible though!

HospicePalliativeRN, RN · Oct 8, 2007

I currently work 40 hours/wk. It is doable, although I have a lot less spare time. It is possible though!

I agree with you. I work full-time, have family responsibilities at home, and am chipping away at my master's degree one course at a time. You're right about the spare time - "What spare time?" I usually say. I am currently in my fourth semester of the program and expect to graduate in the spring of 2010. Sometimes that date seems so far away, but I try to just take things one day at a time. I took two courses my first semester of the program (last fall), and was overwhelmed with the amount of time and effort needed to prepare for each class and complete the assignments. I had recently completed a modular RN-BSN program in 2005 with little difficulty, but there is much to be said about the differences in professors' expectations between undergrad and graduate work.

So, starting this past spring, I decided just to take one course at a time. Besides giving me more time to focus on each course, this has also been better for me financially because I attend a private college with $650+/hr tuition rates and have thus far been paying out-of-pocket to avoid student loans. Plus, I am also beginning my thesis work, which is enough work in and of itself - who needs 2+ courses on top of that? The one thing that I really like about my program is all courses are one evening a week from 6P-9P (or 6P to 10P for 4 s.h. courses). This is nice for people who can't be away from home more than one evening a week. It is also convenient for those daring folks who work during the day and want to take more than one course a semester.

Like HealthyRN said, obtaining a graduate degree while having other full-time responsibilities is possible. I believe that if you really want to obtain an advanced degree, you will find a way to do it. Essential ingredients include: determination, endurance, a positive attitude, an ability to see the big picture, and, as always, a sense of humor.

Take care and good luck to you all!

Mark

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Oct 8, 2007

I'm currently working 3 -12's a week while attending school from 8a-8p on Tuesdays. It's tough fitting in class stuff with work, but being able to self-schedule is helpful. Right now I don't have a family to add to my responsibilities, so I can't comment there!

anc33 · Oct 16, 2007

I work 50-60hrs/wk while taking classes for my MSN/MPH. Right now the classes are mostly online (MPH is totally online) and I am able to take 1-2 classes per semester. At this rate I feel like I am never going to finish. Also, it will soon be time for clinicals and other assessment courses and I think I am going to have to find another job to accommodate that. I will probably end up going back to the hospital to work 3 12s.

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 21, 2007

I went part time.. 24 hrs a week when I started the clinical portion of my FNP program. No way could I handle a 40 hr week plus doing about 34 plus hours of clinicals a week. NO WAY ! I am more relaxed now and can focus on school and papers and reading and my clinicals.

carachel2 · Oct 22, 2007

I would say it is going to be doable for awhile, but it will require some schedule re-adjusting once you hit your clinical classes. While we don't meet every week, it does amount to every other week for about 8 hours at a time. Add a day in there for reading and studying, one for writing and then another for getting in your clinical time.

If you have no kids or family then I would definitely say it is going to be very busy, but you can do it. Just be prepared and flexible for the demands of different classes to change.

enfermera1 · Oct 31, 2007

I work full time and am currently working on my MSN online. It requires a lot od discipline. But ,is doable.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2007

I just posted similar concerns on the Walden thread. For my ADN to BSN I worked 3 12's which made it easy. But now I work Mon-Fri. 5 8's in a row and I'm concerned.

But like I've always said "when there's a will, there's a way".

Good luck!

yellow finch, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

Great thread! I started my FNP program working a minimum of 36 hours as a full-time student. It was online which allowed me to manage classroom time around my work schedule. At first, taking on a full-load in school wasn't a problem because the didactic areas were easy for me. I was able to study at odd hours and still keep up with my assignments, quizzes, exams, and papers. No problem!

Then the first year ended and "real" clinicals started. I had 180 hours of clinicals to complete this past Spring along with a lab course and research class. First I dropped research when I found I couldn't keep up, then at last I had to give up my clinical course. I cried for days thinking I was a failure and couldn't hack it. Looking back I'm glad I did it! Although I've extended my graduation by an entire year (ugh) I am enjoying school a whole lot more and not struggling this semester. This time, clinicals will be easier to complete because it will be the only class I'm taking this coming Spring.

I hope this added something to the conversation. My original graduation would have been next month... I have to get past that and enjoy the remainder of the program. It's not impossible, but there are struggles along the way sometimes. So far they've been worth it. :)