RN working and going back to school

[roxystarfire]

Hello,

I have a question for the working RN that has done back to school for a bachelors degree and masters degree while working.

I want to get my RN license first and start working full time at a clinic.

Is doing an online bachelors program difficult while working?

After I get a bachlors, I want to then go for a masters. My goal is to become a nurse practitioner.

Any advice or tips? I would greatly appreciate it

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

the reason that question is impossible to answer is because "hard" has too many variables. What is hard for one is not for the other. I worked full time while going to nursing school. I kept that job because it had become rote to me and therefore, easier than learning a new job. I learned to discipline myself to reserve time to study. In my opinion, you should try to meet your goal. You can always make adjustments later if they are needed. Good luck on your journey!

[llg, PhD, RN]

As classicdame said ... too many variables to give a definitive "one size fits all" answer.

Some people are great at juggling multiple responsibilities at the same time and managing their time. Others are not. Some people are very efficient students and don't spend a lot of time writing, studying, etc. and still get good grades. Other people are not.

One tip: Don't expect to do both simultaneously full time and get a lot out of it. Most people find it very difficult to work full time while also be a full time student. They may get their degree, but they tend to rush through things so fast that the don't get the maximum benefit from it -- or they practically kill themselves working so hard. I suggest you start slow by just taking 1 or 2 classes to get a feel for how YOU personally handle the work/school commitments. Use that information to establish a reasonable time table and schedule for yourself.

[roxystarfire]

Thank you for the information. I do study hard and get straight A's at the moment and I am working a part time job...I just wanted to get an idea of what it is like for a working RN going to school online. When I mention difficult, I mean....what are some of the things that make it difficult. Thanks for the tips :)

[roxystarfire]

the reason that question is impossible to answer is because "hard" has too many variables. What is hard for one is not for the other. I worked full time while going to nursing school. I kept that job because it had become rote to me and therefore, easier than learning a new job. I learned to discipline myself to reserve time to study. In my opinion, you should try to meet your goal. You can always make adjustments later if they are needed. Good luck on your journey!

So, in your experience and time in school and working full time...was it difficult? If so, what would you say made it that way? I am just trying to get different opinions and experiences. Thanks.