Should I work while in school?

RN403, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

It depends....are you currently enrolled in nursing school? With the workload that you have do you feel you could adequately balance both work and school?

People have worked FT, PT, PRN, etc during school and have been successful. I have also seen people work during school that have been unsuccessful with juggling both. It all depends on the type of person you are and what you can handle. I personally would say don't work during NS if you do not have to, but, as we all know bills need to be paid and cars don't run on air, so, if you must work then you will find a way to make it happen.

On the plus side, if you can balance both, being a CNA will more than likely benefit you in the long run. Best wishes.

guest769224 · Sep 1, 2014

I recommend that you do try a PRN or part-time gig!

This could be the shoe in to landing a job as a new graduate RN.

Such is my plan.

sjalv · Sep 1, 2014

I work about 20 hours a week in a non-healthcare field. I find it manageable but then again, I can study NCLEX questions and my notes while at work.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

I worked 32 hours per week as an LVN at a local nursing home while attending an LPN-to-RN program full-time. Then again, I was a nontraditional student in my late 20s with a mortgage and other obligations that necessitated the need to work full-time.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 1, 2014

I worked full time while going to school. It was the only option I had. Fortunately my employer was able to work around my schooling needs. Not every employer will be able to do this. I suggest you work as little as possible... and try to find a job within an acute care hospital system while you're going to school and work PRN. That can sometimes lead you to be able to find a job more quickly after you graduate. Once you're an RN though, your employer may not be able to employ you in the capacity. One of my classmates got a job very quickly (nearly instantly) because she worked in a hospital. This doesn't mean you're guaranteed a job right away even if you do this.

RyFutureRN · Sep 1, 2014

Keeping the working to a minimum is ideal. However, for a lot of us, including myself, life still has it's curves while in school, so we have to work.

The best advice I would say, is don't working somewhere that is flexible, because while in nursing school your schedule could change frequently, well at least in my program it does, so flexibility is key.

Some terms I can try to manage 25-30 hrs at work, while others only 20-25. A lot of majors in college may not require an extensive amount of actual "studying" outside of just the normal homework assignments, but in nursing study time is definitely crucial, and necessary. So you'll want to keep in mind that you don't want the situation where if you're not at school you're working, and if you're not working you're at school. You'll want time in-between for studies.

You got this! I believe in you!

malamud69, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

I worked every weekend at the hospital I currently work as an RN...why? So I could secure my job...still wasn't a guarantee, but certainly helped having a foot in the door...actually my days at work as a tech in the "real world" of the medical professions were a much welcome mini-vacation from the unreal and excruciatingly monotonous not to mention "high school, childlike" atmosphere of nursing school...follow your instinct-there..as in the real world...never one right answer...

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

It's up to you to decide whether you think it'll be more beneficial or not. Here's a list:

Pros: experience in healthcare setting, learning how to time manage effectively, earn some side money to ease financial burdens

Cons: less studying time for class or less sleep to make up for the studying, could possibly have inconsistent hours, less time for family

I'm sure there are others you can add to the list, but that's all I could think of at the moment.

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

Your goal is to graduate, so I would consider whether you typically respond to added stress well when already under pressure. Maybe think about how strong of a student you are to begin with too.

rubato, ASN, RN · Sep 2, 2014

I worked part-time in a hospital as a CNA on the weekends. I juggled nursing school, work, extra honors classes and my family. It sucked and I hated it, but it got me an immediate hiring even before graduation. I am a firm believer in working in the health care industry during school. My classmates that didn't are still looking for work, or settled for something they didn't really want.

PediPink_ · Sep 2, 2014

I think it all depends on your schedule. If your able to fit in a part time job and work for a few extra hours during the week then go for it. But also keep in mind a CNA job is very stressful and can be time consuming.