Should I quit my job before nursing school?

strytellerjenn · Mar 17, 2009

i felt the same way. i have always worked. last year i was working a full time and part time job while going to school part time with a new born and was an A student. so i thought i could do it i kept my full time job but went to 32 hours instead of 40. that lasted maybe two weeks. then i went to 20. i work only 4-8 hours a week. there are weeks that i could work more but it really depends upon the material. it isnt hard its alot of stuff.

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2009

They told us flat out that we should not work. However, most of my classmates worked out of necessity. You should start out with adjusting your work schedule around school and see how it goes. You can always change the work situation at any time down the road. I do have one caution for you. Keep your outside activities, including the fact that you are working, to yourself. At my school, those who worked were discriminated against. It is too late to take those words back once they are already out and you are on the receiving end of poor treatment. You will get no empathy or sympathy from anyone at the school unless there is an individual who is favoring you. Just a friendly warning that I wish I had received. Good luck with your program.

RockinLadySN · Mar 17, 2009

I don't work now that I'm in nursing school.. I don't think I'd be able to handle it. There are some in my class who do and they can do the balancing act, but they say it's tough. I honestly do NOT see how the students in my class who work AND have kids keep it all together.. I think it's amazing. More power to them! :up:

If you can get by without working, IMO, I would suggest it. Obviously, if you have to rely on yourself for income, it may not be feasible. You may have to take a reduction in hours or just work on the weekends. My program flat out told us that this is going to be a lot of work and you won't have a lot of time for 'outside activities' (this including work). Good luck to you! :wink2:

Nursey103, ADN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

I don't work now that I'm in nursing school.. I don't think I'd be able to handle it. There are some in my class who do and they can do the balancing act, but they say it's tough. I honestly do NOT see how the students in my class who work AND have kids keep it all together.. I think it's amazing. More power to them!
If you can get by without working, IMO, I would suggest it. Obviously, if you have to rely on yourself for income, it may not be feasible. You may have to take a reduction in hours or just work on the weekends. My program flat out told us that this is going to be a lot of work and you won't have a lot of time for 'outside activities' (this including work). Good luck to you! :wink2:

I feel the exact same way!!! I've been working since I was 18 (I'm 28 now) and I decided to quit my job to do nursing full time and I'm glad I did. I have all the time in the world to study and when there is a break between classes, semesters, or whatever...I actually have time to rest. I love it and wouldn't change it for anything!! I did, however, save a lot of money while I was working so I would be able to cover my bills & other expenses while in school. So....if you could get away with not working, I definitely recommend it.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

I currently went from working over 35 hours a week to just 28 hours a week. I know its not much but I need every little bit of time off I can get.

Last semester I got away with it, this semester is totally different.

Do what you have to.

sh1901 · Mar 17, 2009

I am working full time and doing nursing school and I'm an A student. It's not easy. I have not social life (except all nurses) and I miss out on some things with my family, but we need to have the paycheck. I'm very structured with my time and don't really have wiggle room in my schedule, but when I am done with school, it will have been worth it.

If you can manage without working, then do it....I certainly would. But it can be done if you need to work and do NS at the same time.

Good Luck!! :up:

Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN · Jul 28, 2011

I've been having a hard time with this decision as well, but I believe I've finally come to terms with what's right for me, no matter others' opinions. Do what you know is right for you.

I'm still working at Walmart, been there a year. I plan on saving and leaving in September, but in all honesty, I’m not sure I’ll even stick it out that much longer. I’ve got managers coming at me like vultures now, wanting me to pick up extra shifts and do more tasks. Now why is that, when I’ve just put in for a request in less hours with my class schedules stapled to it? Really? Come on. I’m sure even with the struggles this may come with, I’m better off without a post-Sam Walton, dead-end job. I'm going into my last semester of prerequisites, I couldn't imagine the way they'd act when I presented them my 7-4 5x/week schedule after I get accepted. No way in hell I'm waiting around for that day. :yeah:

MMkai128 · Jul 28, 2011

I've been so up in the air about my work schedule too... I'm starting my first semester of NS in a month, and am currently working 40 hours a week out of necessity. I'm thinking of cutting down to 20 hours/week but that still won't be enough to cover my rent and bills. I got my tuition covered in full by grants from my school but unfortunately still have remaining living and travel expenses. I've heard the first semester of NS is the hardest simply because one must learn time management and LOTS of organizational skills and I don't want to fall behind because of a job. IMO, it'll be better in the long run to cut back on work/having a steady income in order to make the grades to succeed in NS. I've been looking into student loans but I'm very reluctant to take any out:uhoh3: We'll see how it goes...

mermcm83 · Jul 28, 2011

I agree...I am a casual employee at my facility, only working every other weekend, with the option to pick up any days that may be open. It's a challenge to work and attend school full-time, but it can be done. However, if you have the option to not work (plus) I definately wouldn't do it...

laceym · Jul 28, 2011

"Different strokes for different folks," is the saying that comes to mind. It depends on the person's studying habits and their financial situation primarily. I work part-time and have received an A and B in my first two nursing classes. I like having the ongoing reference easily available as well.