Should I quit my job before nursing school?

hellolisy · Mar 17, 2009

I personally limited myself to a per diem position, although you have to weigh in study time, financial status, etc. Nursing school is like a full-time job. You should talk to faculty and students currently in the program to give you tips and ideas before you start. Everyone is different, I just know personally I need more time than the next person to study and focus; I could never work full-time nor part-time while in Nursing School. Hope this helps, good luck! :up:

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

I worked full time while in NS. It is tough, but doable. It really depends upon your individual needs and circumstances.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

In my opinion, if you are in a financial position to quit your job, meaning you have family to lean on and they've told you they'll help support you financially, then I'd quit. When I was in nursing school I was very lucky to be able to live with my family, work during the summers, got student grants and loans to pay for school, then got a job as a student nurse for my last year or so (working 8 hours a week). I was able to devote a lot of time to school and still have a bit of a life on the weekends I had off from work. Summers were a time to work a lot more and save for the school year. I hope you figure out what will work best for you! Good luck!

Curious_53 · Mar 17, 2009

I currently work about 18 hours a week while in NS. It is really hard, for sure, but it's possible. There is not a lot of free time, but at least I have somewhat of a pay check and I am still surviving in NS. If you are fortunate enough to not work full or even part time, I would say don't work, or only work 10 or less hours a week. I am going to be dropping a shift or two soon (like at the end of this week) because I am feeling overwhelmed. This is my first clinical and it is SO much work.

If you can afford not to work, I would suggest not working, but if you must work then know that it is doable, but it will be hard.

Good luck!

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

at my school they won't let you be in the program if you are working more than 20 hours a week because in the past the drop/fail rate was so high. I am fortunate that I am a SAHM so I won't have to work and student loans will help with the new full time childcare costs I will have. If you are not in a position that you can stop working all together, I would cut back to part time.

Good luck in your endeavors.

firefox828 · Mar 17, 2009

I worked full time while in Nursing School... worked from 7:30-3:30, 5x/week... 3-4 days of evening classes.

Tough... had to do it for financial reason. You can do it with determination :).

proudpinay29 · Mar 17, 2009

if it won't affect your schedule at work, then it is possible...i'm full time college instructor when i was in nursing school, i maximize my time for each duty,..scheduling is really important to meet the requirements for both duties..it is tough and hard, but you can do it....

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

Just to clarify a bit, I would have loved to have been able to focus on NS, but I had to work. If you don't need to work, then I agree, you should think about cutting back your hours. If you have to work, then you have to do what you have to do, and just know that there are many of us who are/were in the same boat. Also, be sure to check your school's policy. Our only restriction was that if you worked nights, you could not work the night before clinical.

carmen7 · Mar 17, 2009

During nursing school I worked about 16-20 hours per week. Nursing school is very demanding and it was difficult to juggle both at the same time. I also know people who worked, had one or two kids AND went to nursing school. Although it was very demanding to work at the same time as go to school, I learned A LOT about time management and prioritizing. I worked as a waitress and work became a place that I enjoyed going because I didnt feel that I SHOULD be studying or I SHOULD be working on assignments while I was there. My income also allowed me to come out with a lot less debt that I otherwise would have. It really comes down to your personal preference. If you find that you are struggling doing both, I would identify this as early as possible before it effects your schooling.

nursestudent12 · Mar 17, 2009

I start nursing school in May and was told that we should not have a job while in the program. It's a full time accelerated program so I will have to quit my job soon. It will be financially straining on me but I do live close to family who will help when they can and I have applied for loans, scholarships and grants. Good luck with the program! :)

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

During the first semester I worked full time and part-time jobs. Now, the content is getting more in depth and starting this week I'll be only working 28 hours instead of the 35 plus hours I used to work.

I figure I needed atleast one non-weekend day to sleep in, study, run errands, and just regroup.

I do feel kinda of guilty, but I have to do this.

And no I'm not a SAHM or have parents to provide financial support. However this is my dream and I rather be broke now then broke forever.

So you have to weigh your options and if you can please don't work full time.