RN to BSN full time + working full time

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While I earned my ASN, I worked as a PRN CNA - IOW, only part-time.

I am now working as a full-time RN, and have been accepted into an RN-to-BSN program which amounts to full-time school for 3 semesters.

I'm wondering if this is too big a bite to chew. I'm too old to go 3 semesters without sleep. :no:

Anybody do it this way? Any pointers?

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How many credits per semester is that?

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Twelve credits per semester.

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I work full time and have a per diem I work between 8 and 12 hrs per week. I am only part time for my RN to BSN class and its rough. Even before taking on the per diem position it was rough. My classes are VERY paper heavy. I worked full time during LPN schooing and my ADN program and was able to handle it, The RN to BSN is rough trying to find the time to balance work, school and family. It isn't that its hard classes, its the classes are so research focused that it take a long time to produce a paper in addition to the quizzes, tests etc.

Personally, I would never want to do full time work and full time RN to BSN. And I have been able to juggle quite a lot during my schooling.

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Thanks for your reply.

I'm starting to think that way, too.

The other option - if I want to get my BSN - is to go slower by taking a course at a time online. I think that might be more do-able.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Rn to bsn 1 class at a time online is how i'm doing it. Make it easy on yourself.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I do six credit hours a semester. I am going to be finished in a calender year. Work full time, plus I just accepted a prn job at another hosp. 12 hours could be really difficult depending on the class. I have a class that I am finishing now that is more work that when I took 2 concurrently. You have to be really organized.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgial, Cardiac, Pediatrics.

I'm working between 36-60 hours a week and doing an RN-BSN online program, and so far have found it manageable. I only take three credits at a time for six week classes, so I'm not taking multiple classes, which helps. Means I don't get a break, but it's easier to manage.

Big thing that has helped me though, is writing and research has always been a stronger thing for me, so I don't tend to have to spend that much time working through some of the assignments or discussion. I schedule in time during the week to do what I need to do, and it's done, and that's that. I can't imagine taking multiple classes at once, though. That would be pretty rough with full time.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

I worked full time while doing my ASN to BSN, 9 credit hours per semester for 4 semesters. I probably could have done 12 credits per semester, but I spent over 2 hours a day commuting, so that takes up a lot of time. As long as you stay on track and don't get behind, it's very manageable.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

In a word...yes. It's a very big bite.

My RN-BSN program is 5-7 credits per semester but VERY paper heavy. I work part time, although I have 5 kids age 1-12 so "work" full-time at home too. But I find it a lot of work.

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I work full time and go to school part time and so far so good. However, I'm about to double up on my courses, so I'll let you know how that works out. 12 credits in six weeks, eeeekkk!!!

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

I am doing 9 hours a semesters. It has worked pretty well for me, I will be done in December and I started last August!

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