for ppl in full time np program, how are you working???

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I recently made a change from the part time cohort to the full time cohort, somebody dropped before the program began this summer so I haven't actually began classes. My motivation for the switch was finishing in two years instead of three. Being a single parent I felt it best that I finish in the two years because no matter what 12 hour shift I work, day or night, I end up losing valuable time with my son. Also my mother, although very supportive, wants her time to be her time. She doesn't complain but I can tell that helping me out is taking away from her life. I hope by becoming an NP I can find a job with "office hours" and with little to no on-call time. My only problem now is being successful in the program while still working. Just was curious to know how others decided to work during their programs??? I really don't want to go part time because the health insurance premiums become quite ridiculous. I've considered going agency because u can work when u want to and make a lot more per hour. My friend did this and pays for a health plan independently which rate is comparable to what she was paying at the hospital which being a full time employee. I'm just scared because I know agency has its dry spells where you'll end up getting cancelled a lot. Anyways before this post becomes too long I'll stop, but replies and advice are greatly appreciated

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Specializes in ICU.

Many Of my friends are working weekends. I'm going to work 3-12 hour shifts in a week, 2- 8 hour clinical days. Leaving 2 full days for homework. This is what is working for many of us.

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Thanks

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Specializes in Oncology.

I'm not to clinicals yet, but I work 2 12 hr shifts/week. 3 ocassionally. When clinicals start I'll prefer to work weekends. My manager is great with working with my schedule. I also work PRN for the increased pay. Have almost divorced a couple times during the past yr and planned to get my own health insurance (most schools offer VERY low cost health insurance to students, that might be your best bet).

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My answer to this is RADICAL, but this is what I decided I must do.

First, I went to school part-time, online, to obtain my bachelors. It took YEARS and ruined my marriage. I almost gave up so many times. For me, the work was just too time consuming and I could only take one to two classes at a time. I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN. I am now 46 and feel I don't have the time and strength to repeat this..working every day, studying every night...etc. My solution?? OK..HERE IT GOES!

I worked up til one week ago. In February, I went to my bank and took out a home improvement loan. Basically, a loan for a percentage of the equity in my home, in my case a loan in the 20k range. I knew I would receive NO loans after i quit work, so I did this early. Left it in the bank, untouched, will use when i need it. Next, I applied for every scholarship and school loan I could. I received a grant from TSAC for 7k a year (beginning this fall) that does not need repaid as long as I teach after I graduate (that can be at night, online classes). Next, I applied for all the financial aid I could, subsidized or not. My rationale? I will only be in school a short-time therefore unsub. vs. sub not as substantial an issue as was during bachelors program. I was able to save some (knowing this was my plan) and have left that untouched as well (not much, but a few thousand by having extra taken out of my check and put aside for me...every lil bit helps!)

Next, I applied for health insurance through my school and was immediately accepted. Since I am no longer working with no insurance available, and have carried insurance uninterrupted for over a year, I was immediately accepted with no preexisting conditions. My two children and me have pretty decent insurance, coverage and rates are acceptable.

Working with my advisor, I came up with a GRUELING difficult schedule, but one where I can graduate in 18 months.

There you have it...at least the most important points...how i plan to graduate with my FNP, not working, with no family/friends who can help me, as a single mom. I know this plan is not for everyone..but for me the only way I can really have a chance of making it! Hope that at least gives you something to think about.

Julie

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I ended up going part time. real part time at first just taking a class here and there, but then I started taking two classes..then before you knew i had to do clinicals. I think I was lucky tho because the program held class one day of the week, so I was able to request off on that day of the week. I really had no social life, so social time was study time. The hardest semester for me, was advanced PA, and pharmacology. A big point for me: I HAVE to work, I got a mortgage and expenses. Now that im in clinicals ive adjusted my schedule so that I have more days in the week to complete my clinical hours. I had to do clinicals 3 days a week to get my time in, plus work three 12s. and again I have no social life

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Just want to add...I have a mortgage, utilities, all of it every month. I have no additional income. I just came up with a radical plan to live lean for 18 months and go for it!

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I work doubles on the weekends with one 8 hour shift during the week for a total of 3 days. I did it for 2 1/2 years while in my program and now I am done!

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Specializes in Peds Med/Surg; Peds Skilled Nursing.
Many Of my friends are working weekends. I'm going to work 3-12 hour shifts in a week, 2- 8 hour clinical days. Leaving 2 full days for homework. This is what is working for many of us.

God bless you. I think this will be may fate too when i start clinical next semester, if cannot get into a weekend program.

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