Looking for Advice about becoming a nurse

Maisie · Feb 23, 2005

I don't know of any part-time programs, at least not in Illinois. I was told that nursing school students should not work. I know of some who are working now during the prereq phase, but even that is difficult.

You can take your prereqs part time in the day and evening. Just not the nursing courses. Wait list are very long in most locations to actually get into nursing school. You might want to talk to a school counselor about their entry requirements.

dawn1971 · Feb 23, 2005

Hello everyone,
I'm a 47 year old working single mom of 2 boys (ages 14 and 20) and am interested in becoming a nurse. I already have a Bachelor's degree in Business and Information Systems, but have decided that is not what I want to do for the rest of my life. For the past 8 years I have worked in the Sports and Recreation Industry but now I am looking to do something that is more fulfilling and meaningful.
Anyways, I'm looking for advice about the best way for someone in my situation to pursue this dream. Can I complete training and work full time? are their part time RN programs? I live in "NOT SO SUNNY" Southern California and am interested in feedback that any one has about training options in my area

I'm in Indiana and have a BS in Sociology and am in an excellerated BSN program. I have two kids, and there is NO way I could work full time (in a normal 9-5 job). I had a year of pre-reqs I had to get out of the way (all the science stuff I avoided the first time around), I guess you could do those part time and continue to work, but once clinicals started,I don't think you could. Clinicals start for me in the fall and I have to do two 10 1/2 hr. days in clinicals, plus two lecture classes that meet two days a week. That is only going to leave me one day a week and the weekend to work. Not to mention studying and the kids. In addition to that, because we already have degrees we are not eligible for federal grants. I'm taking a ton of loans out, but If you look at the fact that I hated my last job and will work until we are at least 65, what's 2 years of struggling, for a lifetime of having peace that you chose the right career for you...???

angel61 · Feb 27, 2005

I also live in Southern Cal am currently enrolled in a part-time LVN program that lasts 18 months. I'm not really sure if you want to go straight RN but you should also consider taking LVN first then take transition classes from LVN to RN afterwards. I believe once you complete your LVN, you can take the RN classes online if you prefer. Some vocational schools allow you to go part-time LVN some only have full-time programs. The one that I'm going to be attending is Sa-Su clinicals (when they do start) and Mon. night theory. There are other schools that have different days and times for their part-time. They highly discourage you to work if you are going to be attending full-time but they also understand that some people cannot just stop working for a year or two to go to school. The only bad part about working full-time and going to school part-time is you basically won't have time for anything or anyone else for the next 18-20 months depending on where you decide to go. But what is a year & a half when you know you're doing something that will fullfill you? I know it'll pay off in the future. Some schools that I know that offer part-time classes are Concorde Career Institute, American Career College, and Summit. You can also check allnursingschools.com to do some research on some of the schools you might be interested in. Good luck to you and I hope I helped in some way. :nurse:

bubbies · Feb 27, 2005

Thanks for your input. I have actually contacted Concorde and American Career Colleges already and am thinking that this may be my only option for right now. Ideally I would like to go for the direct entry MSN program, but I can't find any that are part time, atleast not in my area. Anyways, thanks for your advice. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Good luck to you in your schooling.

I also live in Southern Cal am currently enrolled in a part-time LVN program that lasts 18 months. I'm not really sure if you want to go straight RN but you should also consider taking LVN first then take transition classes from LVN to RN afterwards. I believe once you complete your LVN, you can take the RN classes online if you prefer. Some vocational schools allow you to go part-time LVN some only have full-time programs. The one that I'm going to be attending is Sa-Su clinicals (when they do start) and Mon. night theory. There are other schools that have different days and times for their part-time. They highly discourage you to work if you are going to be attending full-time but they also understand that some people cannot just stop working for a year or two to go to school. The only bad part about working full-time and going to school part-time is you basically won't have time for anything or anyone else for the next 18-20 months depending on where you decide to go. But what is a year & a half when you know you're doing something that will fullfill you? I know it'll pay off in the future. Some schools that I know that offer part-time classes are Concorde Career Institute, American Career College, and Summit. You can also check allnursingschools.com to do some research on some of the schools you might be interested in. Good luck to you and I hope I helped in some way.