"Don't Work" Isn't An Answer

[mirandaaa]

Prepare for a minor rant...

I've been a member on AN since Feb. and was an avid reader for months prior to creating an account. I've noticed on tons of threads asking for advice on working during school, a very popular response is "don't work" or "you won't be able to work full time and go to school".

Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to take off for two years or cut back on hours (and pay) in order to focus solely on school. Not everyone with an interest in nursing is blessed with extra money or another person to keep them afloat while they attend school, and some are unable to take out more loans on top of school loans to pay for their living costs.

Please stop giving "don't work" or "you can't work" as answers, because it's not only discouraging, but it gives the impression that it isn't possible to complete nursing school with a job.

I'm not saying it's easy and of course there are restrictions on working hours availability since school will need to take precedence, but with proper time management, support, and dedication, working full time can be done during nursing school.

/end rant

[ComeTogether, LPN]

It's really, really hard to work full time in nursing school. Not only are there clinicals several days a week, but there are also classes to attend. I think its very unrealistic to go into it thinking it will be possible the entire time. You can think you are capable all you want, and some people are, but I think its better to be told up front that it's not a realistic expectation so that you can prepare.

I think anyone who says don't work period, is also unrealistic though. I just think most people need to find a way to supplement, whether it's with loans or cutting back on expenses or hours.

[ComeTogether, LPN]

this type of job is ideal, because it's pretty much part time but it's not. :-)

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

I did not work when I was in school...All of my classmates who worked as CNAs during school had jobs promised to them before graduation. It only took me 2 months to get a job, but they were two very stressed out worrisome months. I wish I had worked as a CNA in order to be more hireable after I passed NCLEX.

I say if you can handle school and a job at the same time, do it! But if you are going to do it, consider a CNA position because it really does help you get hired.

[Shan801]

Just completed my first semester of nursing school and I worked around 32 hours a week throughout. I'm also a single mom to a sweet little one year old girl. I think staying organized, sleeping enough, and "choosing my battles" so to speak, helped me get through it. I think anyone can do it if they are committed to accomplishing their goal. Don't let anyone discourage you.

[Lvn1973, ASN, LVN, RN]

I was a CNA while in LVN school and found the best fit for my schedule was to work for a home care nursing registry. It gave me the flexibility required during nursing school and the option for me to increase or decrease my hours as I needed.

[shabish, CNA]

It really is encouraging reading your stories. I posted on a "moms" board I have been a long time member & everyone of them said Nursing school is a full time job & I cant expect to be successful going to school & working f/t. I was so upset. I am trying to make a plan of how I can keep my job & go to school. This is a really good thread. Thank you all!

[shabish, CNA]

I say if you can handle school and a job at the same time, do it! But if you are going to do it, consider a CNA position because it really does help you get hired.

Wow that is really good to hear coming from someone with a BSN! I have been considering this & hoping it would help me.

[shabish, CNA]

I worked a 40+ hour per week day job all through nursing school. Had class in the evenings and clinical on weekends. Did it suck? Yup. Did I make it work? Yup. I was pretty much non-existent in my husband and daughter's life for those two years. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Part of what has me worried is I work nights and the only programs I can find are daytime. I want to know how I can work nights & then go straight to class & be able to take in the info.

Any advice?

[MidLifeRN2012]

I worked 40 hours a week at my last job in accounting during the day and attended school for the entire program on nights and weekends. It was totally doable, if not stressful. It depends on how much of a social life you think you need.

Older workers who are single and with debt and care for children don't have the luxury of quitting their jobs. School would have had to be postponed if need be.

[OneDuckyRN]

Not working (or working very little) would be the IDEAL situation. But you're right, it's not realistic for everyone, or even almost everyone. I held down 2 jobs while doing my ADN and managed to keep a 4.0 throughout. I was in school pretty much full time hours on top of working about 50 hours a week, plus completing assignments and studying for exams. Was it hard? Yup. Did it suck sometimes? You bet. Would I do it all over again? Sure would. But I'm the one who chose to go back to school, and had to find a way to support myself and my (disabled) husband while I was doing it. Between the two jobs, my tuition was covered, and one was full time so I had benefits. Our parents helped out with groceries once in a while, but we managed to survive without my having to take out financial aid.

Fast-forward to right now, and I'm doing an accelerated RN-to-BSN while working full-time (slated to finish in December). I'm also going through a divorce. I would have to say that this trip through school is more stressful than the last one. I'm not sure if this is due to the divorce, or if work stress is a bigger factor. Either way, time management is absolutely crucial. This time around though, I've tried to let go of some of my perfectionist tendencies. My grades are still high, but I'm not stressing out about not having a perfect 4.0 this time. I'm determined to graduate on time, but at the same time, my mental health is extremely important.

I guess my point to this little diatribe is that working full-time and doing full-time school is entirely possible, but it means that you won't have much of a life outside of work and school. Making a schedule and sticking to it is so important. I worked every single weekend for 3 years and missed a lot of family activities. Completely worth it in the end, though!

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

For those who live in the US how is your program structured. How many hours a week would you do in class?How many hours a week would you do when on placements?

First year we do between 6-8 hours four days and a 1/2 day a week in class. Clinical is approx 4 days a week, 8 hours a shift for 4 weeks

Second year: Same for the class hours. Clinical is 40 hours a week for 12 weeks additional hours for the related assignments

Third Year: Same for the class hours, clinical is 40 hours a week for 12 weeks as well as additional hours for related assignments. We also do an additional 9 weeks transition full time with an additional 10-20 hours a week for all the course work we have to do.

Managed to work between 8-20 hours a week for the first two years. Up to full time on course holidays. In 3rd year worked the same hours when in class however had to take some annual leave when on clinical otherwise I would have been working between 2-4 weeks without a day off

[Bbett, MSN, NP]

My program has always been two 9 hour clinical days and two days of 6-8 hours of lecture depending on which rotation we were in. Comes to around 30-35 hours. Almost always Monday-thursday which makes it nice because then you have Friday- Sunday to work.