School and working?

brit.pz · Mar 19, 2015

It can be done. If I had to guess I would say 75% of my cohorts are working (at least part time) while in nursing school. Many of us are also parents. You just need to figure out a schedule and stick to it. Don't be surprised if you feel overwhelmed at first, it's normal. You can do this!

From my experience the only difficulty students have had with working and school (outside of being exhausted) is getting their job to be flexible around their clinical and class schedule.

As we move further on in the program our options have started to dwindle. Personally, I believe it is because they are banking on people failing and/or dropping out of the program. During our recent registration we were informed that contract negations for clinical sites have not been finished so the spots we think we're are getting could be changed at any time. Those who are working are feeling frustrated because their job requires some notice regarding their school scheduling and right now no one has a clue what will happen. But we know it could be much worse! At least we are allowed to try to pick and choose where we will go. We are lucky in that respect.

So if you do decide to work make sure they understand (and are willing to work with you) that you may need some flexibility in regards to school. Perhaps you could find a contingent position somewhere?

Good luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2015

My nursing school schedule back in 2009 and 2010 was as follows:

Sunday: off

Monday: off

Tuesday: classroom 1pm to 5pm

Wednesday: clinical shift 6am to 2:30pm

Thursday: classroom 1pm to 5pm

Friday: off

Saturday: off

I worked 32 hours per week throughout nursing school. I worked two 16-hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday as an LVN at a local nursing home. The weekend double shifts enabled me to have Monday through Friday off to focus on school.

Samanthamaries · Mar 19, 2015

Thank you for responding! I would like to work as a cna to get experience and a foot in the door. My school has a requirement of doing a nursing assistant class before entry to the nursing program. Also they have continuing education programs for CNAs , a friend was going to back to school and they paid for her to go all she had to do is work two days and they would give her a full paycheck and a job once she graduated I would love to find something like that but I don't want to put too much my plate and do bad in school or have trouble scheduling classes.i already have to make sure my classes end in time to pick up the kids. But I guess I'll figure it out ! Just seems like so much I applaud you for working and going to school with kids

Girlbudgetlife · Mar 19, 2015

It definitely can be done. I worked full time (2 different jobs) all throughout nursing school and I was a full time student and graduated with honors.

It just takes a lot of planning and the right study skills. I created a 4 part video series on how to study for nursing school and shared it you can get it here if you want: VIP LIST

springchick1, ADN, RN · Mar 25, 2015

I worked full time M-F while in school. I think it actually helped me because it made me follow my schedule I had set.

BusiestBSN · Mar 25, 2015

I have worked throughout my program and am now about to graduate without any issues. Having a little money makes nursing school less painful. I do PRN though, so there is no pressure to work during the incredibly hectic weeks.