School & work??

bassbird · Jul 11, 2001

I have found that hospitals can be flexible and work around your school schedule. They may also offer tuition reimbursement, which is an added benefit. How much to you plan on working? A number of my classmates and I work 20hr/week. This has worked out so far but you need to set up a schedule for yourself and plan your study time.

Another benefit of working for a hospital is that you get a chance to see if it is a place you would like to work when you graduate.

Best of luck to you. You can do it!

Brown Suga · Jul 11, 2001

I have been conflicted with the same situation. I am currently working in a hospital as a certified nursing assistant, and I will be starting a nursing program on August 20, 2001. I have already planned to cut my hours to part time when schools starts. The unit I work on mainly has elderly patients, who I have worked with for almost four years. I am debating whether or not to leave the unit, and try a new unit to increase my skills while in the nursing program. Should I take on the unit I already know like the back of my hand or move on to a new unit to gain more experience? Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Brown Suga:p

Brown Suga · Jul 11, 2001

I have been conflicted with the same situation. I am currently working in a hospital as a certified nursing assistant, and I will be starting a nursing program on August 20, 2001. I have already planned to cut my hours to part time when schools starts. The unit I work on mainly has elderly patients, who I have worked with for almost four years. I am debating whether or not to leave the unit, and try a new unit to increase my skills while in the nursing program. Should I take on the unit I already know like the back of my hand or move on to a new unit to gain more experience? Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Brown Suga:p

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2001

Lausana here is a consideration. I do not know your situation and how much money you need to make while in school but daycare centers are also very flexible and will work around your schedule. You mentioned in another post you was needing childcare. Many childcare centers will give you free or reduce childcare if you work for them. Childcare centers may not provide very much money but if you find one that will give you free childcare it would be wonderful because if you went somewhere and made more money you will have to be paying out for childcare which in turn could equal out to what you would make per hour in a hospital and as far as getting experience in a hospital maybe you can work one or two weekends a month in a hospital many hospitals are pretty flexible with students.

BrandyBSN · Jul 12, 2001

I definately understand your situation. My freshman year I had to take a job as a computer technician to try to earn enough to live on while going to school. I was 18, and I had worked full time while I was in High School, and still kepted a cummulative 3.8 GPA. However, trying to work, and be in nursing school caused my GPA to drop to a 2.9. I lost my scholarships (we have to keep a 3.25 to keep them), and about had a nervous breakdown. Then I found a good option, atleast for me.

Student loans can be a big help. I took out enough to pay my rent, and living expenses, as well as my tuition. Sure, it will have to be paid back, but after i graduate I will be able to work and pay them off. Wells Fargo offers a nursing student loan, with pretty low interest. I think they give you 10 years to pay it back. Personally, I chose to go into debt temporarely rather than going insane. This might work for you as well.

Good Luck!

cwood2b · Jul 12, 2001

I just graduated from nursing school and although I was fortunate enough to not have to work several of my friends did work throughout nursing school. The majority of them worked in the hospital as nurse techs or lab techs because of the flexibility of the shifts. They often worked nights and/or weekends in order to attend class and clinicals during the day. I will say that it was not easy for them, but it can be done. They became expert time managers. Good luck. :)