RN School and Work? Is it possible?

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Hey! I'm starting my pre-req's this august and enrolling in the RN program at Sentara next fall. My question is I have been reading about the scheduele's of the program and I am wondering if it is possible to work and go to RN school? I started a new job as a server so I could go back to classes at night, as my last job had me working 50+ hours making school almost impossible. I was too tired to pay attention once I got to class.

Once enrolled at Sentara I've heard you attend lectures MW and clinicals TR. Also, that all the days are generally 6-8 hours long. Is this correct? If so that would only leave evenings and weekends to work. I'm assuming it will be about 9-5 monday-thursday, then I would have to serve fri, sat and sundays...shifts don't start at 6 so it would be impossible to serve during the week. If this is how the scheduele works, how does anyone afford to stay afloat financially AND go to sentara? :confused: I'm just concerned and hoping someone can fill me in on this topic a little better.

:redbeathe Thank you for your advice in advance!!:redbeathe

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Specializes in Oncology.

I don't go to your school, but I know working is possible with NS. A lot of people do it. I did it. I actually worked two jobs during school. It was tough, but you definitely need a job with flexible hours. Serving is perfect. That was one of my jobs. You really have to organize your schedule, but it can be done. Good luck!

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at our orientation last yr, the dean came in and highly recommended that one doesn't work, or work no more than 20 hrs a week. I know plenty of students that do work, or have a kids (which is more than a full time job,lol) and they do well. One just has to plan their time accordingly. Best of luck

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Specializes in Pediatric critical care.

A lot of people work while in nursing school, it is possible. I did it. A friend of mine who is an RT at norfolk general actually goes to sentara son and she still works full time as an RT and she is doing fine through the program.

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I work 8-5, m-f, and attend school at night and on the weekends. I also have children. You can do it, you just have to find what will work for you. Good Luck!

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A lot of people work while in nursing school, it is possible. I did it. A friend of mine who is an RT at norfolk general actually goes to sentara son and she still works full time as an RT and she is doing fine through the program.

So your friend works full time and goes to school full time and still gets good grades? I hear about that all the time and I personally think is is crazy, no offense to the OP. My advice would be take advantage of the FAFSA I got a $3,500 grant plus about $13,000 loan offer. I won't be taking the loan but I would never sacrifice my health and brain to both working and going to school full time. You aren't going to have any time to study, or sleep. And just imagine the stress, you will stress about work while you are at school and you will stress about school while you are at work.

Just like you can "make it work" by going to school and work full time, you can also make it work not going to work full time. I would take the advice of the NVCC Dean and not work more than 20 hours a week. Find a roommate, take out a loan, and do what you have to, to get by throughout nursing school. My husband, 1 year old son and I are living in my mom's 1 bedroom condo with her, possibly until graduation so that I don't have to work. And guess what? I get awsome grades, tons of sleep, plenty of time with my husband and son, and I have the least amount of stress that I have ever had in my life. Sure its a tight fit but that's how we make it work. Don't get me wrong, I pray every day that her condo will sell so she can upgrade in order to accomodate my family, but regardless we will be living with her till summer 2011!

Sorry this was so long, I just think that there is always more than one option and I see too many students fail because they take on more than they can handle. If you can handle it go right ahead, but if you knew you could handle it then you most likely wouldn't have asked if it is possible...

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Specializes in Pediatric critical care.
So your friend works full time and goes to school full time and still gets good grades? I hear about that all the time and I personally think is is crazy, no offense to the OP. My advice would be take advantage of the FAFSA I got a $3,500 grant plus about $13,000 loan offer. I won't be taking the loan but I would never sacrifice my health and brain to both working and going to school full time. You aren't going to have any time to study, or sleep. And just imagine the stress, you will stress about work while you are at school and you will stress about school while you are at work.

Just like you can "make it work" by going to school and work full time, you can also make it work not going to work full time. I would take the advice of the NVCC Dean and not work more than 20 hours a week. Find a roommate, take out a loan, and do what you have to, to get by throughout nursing school. My husband, 1 year old son and I are living in my mom's 1 bedroom condo with her, possibly until graduation so that I don't have to work. And guess what? I get awsome grades, tons of sleep, plenty of time with my husband and son, and I have the least amount of stress that I have ever had in my life. Sure its a tight fit but that's how we make it work. Don't get me wrong, I pray every day that her condo will sell so she can upgrade in order to accomodate my family, but regardless we will be living with her till summer 2011!

Sorry this was so long, I just think that there is always more than one option and I see too many students fail because they take on more than they can handle. If you can handle it go right ahead, but if you knew you could handle it then you most likely wouldn't have asked if it is possible...

Yes, and she manages it well. She works weekend nights, and so she has the Monday-Thursday off for classes and studying. It is not for everyone. I worked part time like the last year or so in school. Just because you don't think its a good idea, doesn't mean it wont work for someone else. Not being a smart ass, but thats just my opinion.

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I didn't mean to imply that it was impossible. Like I said if you can handle it go ahead. All I was trying to do was let the OP know that there might be other options she hasn't explored yet.

Good for you and good for your friend that you both work(ed) and while in school, MANY people do it and pull it off, but there are also several students who can't even get through the harder pre-reqs because they take on more than they can handle.

I just hate the whole 'back in my day we had to walk to school both ways uphill in the snow' crap. As if everybody that wants to be a nurse has to go through things the hard way, like so many have before us.

Excuse me for coming across too blunt but I don't like to sugar coat things, I like the truth, just like most of us. If you can avoid going to school and work, do it. PERIOD.

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

I work 30 hours while in nursing school, I have to work that many at a minimum or I would not have health insurance any more with my job.

I am going into the second year of my ADN program and I am doing well. It just depends on your personality and what you can handle. Some people function better in periods when they are busiest, and I am one of those people. I find that the more I have to do the more efficient I can be.

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My heart really goes out to those of you who have no choice but to work and go to school at the same time. I can't imagine how hard that must be. I think my head would blow up.

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It's been a while since I graduated from school (14 years) but I worked and went to school. I was a nursing assistant and worked 3-4 eight hour shifts a week the whole way through school. It wasn't easy, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

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