"Don't Work" Isn't An Answer

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 7, 2015

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?

Each US program is conducted differently because each state determines the educational requirement for nurses. Therefore, some states have more stringent requirements for nursing education than others.

I completed an LPN program, which is equivalent to an enrolled nurse in the UK or Australia. I attended school five days per week, Monday through Friday, for 12 months. Classroom (didactic) days took place on Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30am to 3:00pm, and clinical rotations occurred every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30am to 3:00pm.

A few years later I completed a 14-month LPN-to-RN bridge program. Classroom (didactic) days were every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, and the one clinical practicum shift happened every Wednesday from 6:00am to 2:30pm.

My RN-to-BSN completion program was totally online.

nlitened · May 7, 2015

I worked my ass off in preparation for nursing school to save money so I wouldn't have to work during. So there is also that option. I also know someone who has cut back to part time and applies for every scholarship/grant she can get to supplement lost income.

Yes, working full time is doable but may not be realistic for everyone. Same thing with just flat out quitting your job. Each student just needs to find their balance.

smf0903 · May 7, 2015

This is a great post :) I think this applies to pretty much everything, not just a job during school. People ask if they can have a baby while in school, if they can go to school with little ones at home, can they work, can they take these classes together...If you want to do it, you can usually figure out a way to make it happen. I ran into this "oh my gosh, you can't possibly do that!" shpeel in school, from school academic advisors of all people. While I understand that maybe some people have difficulty balancing things out, that doesn't hold true for everyone. Everyone knows, for the most part, what they are willing to sacrifice for something. Everyone knows, for the most part, how strong or weak they are as a student. People do what they have to do to bring their dream to fruition. Sometimes there are non-negotiable parts, you find a way to make it work

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · May 7, 2015

I've had similar thoughts when seeing that advice here on AN. It's an ivory tower ideal, but not the reality for a lot of people, and it's not helpful to say "You can't work during nursing school!" to people who need to work.

I worked 24 hours a week, but I also had a newborn at the time. Nursing school isn't a picnic, but it's not the all-consuming deal people make it out to be either.

Alwystdnt86 · May 7, 2015

Thank you. I've always had and wanted to work during school. I'll admit, it had been difficult not to be envious of those who complain about how they are going to study all night and your are sitting over there wondering if you'll even have an opportunity to open a book before 10. But, for me it's worth it knowing that a little financial stress can be alleviated. I can focus better. Are there times where those people will do better or score higher than you? Probably. But it'll give you confidence knowing you can hang in there, support your family and go to school. Especially if you want to further your education someday. Good luck to everyone who does have to work. It's tough but definitely doable.

pumpkinspice · May 7, 2015

Many people in my school are working. It's definitely more difficult as it leaves less time for studying, but they seem to make it. Everyone has different situations, so when someone says "It can't be done", possibly they don't feel they could do that. But it's not impossible. I would look for all support available to you. I am in Ontario, and we have a lot of options here concerning support.

wannabecnl · May 7, 2015

I was fortunate to not work while in school; I was in an accelerated direct entry masters program which ran at a psycho pace, but I really don't think any nursing school curriculum is a cakewalk! That said, when I think back to the hours I actually spent doing homework, I could have possibly worked part time. I was at school during the day, spent the evenings with my kids, and when they went to bed, out came the teapot and the stack of books! Several of my classmates had jobs, though most of them didn't have a family yet.

You'll find a way to make it work. Find hybrid or all-online courses so you can do them in your off hours. Go into a program with some flexibility in the course scheduling, OR make sure you'll have a nice consistent schedule every week so you can work consistently, too. If you're an undergrad, look for work study; if you're going back like I did, find a program geared toward returning adult learners, which will be used to helping students with competing responsibilities! If you can, try to live, work, and go to school in the same area so you don't waste a lot of time in the car (or use the driving time to listen to recorded lectures, so you're studying while you commute).

Something has to give, though; there really are only 24 hours in the day, and you have to manage the time you have. Studying for nursing courses can be time-consuming, and that time has to come from the same 24 hours as everything else. I personally took those hours out of cleaning; I started in January, and my bathroom looked like a science experiment by spring break! :)

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 7, 2015

I'm lucky enough to not work doing school (any of it). I'm a SAHM now so I'm getting a baby sitter when I'm in class. I'll only be in nursing school for 2-2.5 semesters since I'm bridging. I'll apply for financial aid & use whatever I get for nursing school.

mirandaaa · May 7, 2015

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!

I'm glad to have received so many positive stories from nurses who were able to do both (even when told they couldn't!)

mirandaaa · May 7, 2015

This is a great post :) I think this applies to pretty much everything, not just a job during school. People ask if they can have a baby while in school, if they can go to school with little ones at home, can they work, can they take these classes together...If you want to do it, you can usually figure out a way to make it happen. I ran into this "oh my gosh, you can't possibly do that!" shpeel in school, from school academic advisors of all people. While I understand that maybe some people have difficulty balancing things out, that doesn't hold true for everyone. Everyone knows, for the most part, what they are willing to sacrifice for something. Everyone knows, for the most part, how strong or weak they are as a student. People do what they have to do to bring their dream to fruition. Sometimes there are non-negotiable parts, you find a way to make it work

Absolutely agree with everything you said!

mirandaaa · May 7, 2015

You'll find a way to make it work. Find hybrid or all-online courses so you can do them in your off hours. Go into a program with some flexibility in the course scheduling, OR make sure you'll have a nice consistent schedule every week so you can work consistently, too. If you're an undergrad, look for work study; if you're going back like I did, find a program geared toward returning adult learners, which will be used to helping students with competing responsibilities! If you can, try to live, work, and go to school in the same area so you don't waste a lot of time in the car (or use the driving time to listen to recorded lectures, so you're studying while you commute).
Something has to give, though; there really are only 24 hours in the day, and you have to manage the time you have. Studying for nursing courses can be time-consuming, and that time has to come from the same 24 hours as everything else. I personally took those hours out of cleaning; I started in January, and my bathroom looked like a science experiment by spring break! :)

I lol'd at your bathroom statement hahaha. Luckily for me, my boyfriend is a little OCD about things so every Sunday he has a very strict routine where he bleaches EVERYTHING (my nose hairs nearly burn out!) so if I slack a little on the cleaning, at least I'll have someone to pick it up for me for a while!

As far as the commute goes, I'm very luck in the sense that work, school, and home are all very close so it makes it much easier! Unfortunately my program doesn't seem to be too flexible, but I've been thinking about what one of the PPs said about working two 16s...I feel like that would be a great option to start PRN and just pick up two doubles a week and I should be set.

DeeAngel · May 7, 2015

I graduated in 1975 from nursing school. If you were caught working while in the program you were terminated from the program. I had two classmates kicked out for holding down jobs. Being accepted to the school was dependent on your agreeing not to hold an outside job. You don't get to ask a question but dictate what answers you will be given.