Students not working while going to school....

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So I have decided not to work while I go through the BSN program. I would like to hear from others who have or are doing the same thing. How are you getting through financially? Loans, parents, or other? I am a non-trad student that will most likely be taking out a few loans here and there to get me through, but I feel this is necessary to keep up with my course work. How about you?

It can be done. I worked full time, have a husband and three small children as well as my own family and close friends to keep up with :yeah:

... Did you ever see your family? There's no way I could do that. Not and keep up any semblance of a home at any rate LOL! Better you than me- cuz there's no way I'd go there. Kudos to you for being superwoman though! LOL! Seriously! :)

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I started a BSN program last fall and quit my (more than) full-time job to do it. I live with my boyfriend and his salary covers our rent, bills, groceries, etc. My school money comes from savings. I started taking my pre-requisites three years ago while working and started saving money at that time. I should be able to pull off 6 of 8 quarters without needing to take out any loan money. Unfortunately there are some additional unexpected expenses that cropped up that had to be paid for out of my school funds so I don't have enough to cover the whole shebang.

The reason I'm avoiding loans as much as possible is that I maxed out my subsidized loans during my first undergrad program. Any loans I take out now are unsubsidized so the interest rate starts accruing asap. While the rate is only 6.8% I still find it a hard pill to swallow to pay the extra interest!

I do work about 6-12 hours a week per diem for a physical therapist/bike trainer. I do project based work on the side, from home and (mostly) on my own schedule. That's a nice little bit of pocket money but it honestly doesn't amount to much.

Good luck to you!

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I worked 28 hrs a week (plus 8 hrs driving so technically 36 hrs p/wk) when I started nursing school. I almost had a mental break down to be honest. I have 3 kids (1, 3, and I homeschool my 14 yr old), a husband, school and work. I did great until I started to hit some snags and there simply was not enough time in the day to handle the crisis as they occured. My cars were breaking down over and over (even caught on fire once), my daughters both got very sick (one had $2k in tests because of gastrointestinal pain leading to a diagnosis of lactose intolerance and the other had so many ear infections she had surgery). This all happened between January 1st and March 31st, during Pharmacology (and other classes but Pharm is a real tough one). I got myself fired from work (on good terms, but i cut my hours more and more until they decided they needed to replace me).

My husband supports me, but because of the cost of daycare ($840 p/mo for 2) we are getting rid of our home and moving somewhere MUCH less expensive until school is over. We also buy food through a co-op which cuts down on our food bill and just generally try to live more frugally than we usually would.

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My parents are supporting me. I worked as a cna last summer but with a full load of classes until I hopefully graduate I don't expect I will see a job for the next 3 years.

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Specializes in long-term-care, LTAC, PCU.

I tried to work one day a week at a little stress-free PCH and found that to be to much during complex med-surg and critical care. I do have a husband who works full-time and twin five year olds. Thank goodness for moms. Money is extremely tight but we are getting by (with a little help from credit cards) I have to give props to those who have families and work part-time to full-time while going to school it's got to be rough.

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I've been working full-time and taking 2 classes this semester and this summer I'll be taking 2 classes as well. I've been wondering if I would able to handle working full-time while in nursing school. I'm single, I support myself, and I need health insurance.

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Specializes in LTC.

I've been working full time all the way up to a couple of weeks ago when I decided to go from 35-28. Even with the 28hrs a week It was still hard. Next month I plan to leave my job due to a my last nursing course being a 5 credit course done in 8 weeks !!!! I also think there will be scheduling conflicts with clinicals so I may not be able to work anyway. Although I'll probably be broke starting in June, I know it'll be all worth it. I do plan to use my student loans and savings to support me for the rest of the time I'll be out of work. I plan to work per diem for a agency so I could atleast afford groceries.

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If Nadya can live off student loans and take care of 6-14 kids than so can we!!!!!!

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If Nadya can live off student loans and take care of 6-14 kids than so can we!!!!!!

... I prefer to parent my children, not just pop them out like Pez.... ;)

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Specializes in na.

I also took a severance package, because they was offering those who wanted to leave that option. So when I was presented with the offer, I weighed my options and jumped on it and now I start my LPN program in June.

Unfortunately I will be using my job reimbursement option and student loans because they do not cover medical degrees or diplomas so I am only able to get coverage for my none nursing classes like A&P, Chemistry, Bio but anything that medical specified classes wont be covered.

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I really believe it depends upon the individual. Jan 30th was my last day of work due to lay off. Last semester I was BORED TO TEARS!!! (My shortened semester ended last week.) Although I am MOMOF5....I am kinda mom of 9 (hubby has 4).....however, only my 21 yo son lives at home (working and FT school) along with my 16 yo daughter. My 23yo daughter will move home when she gets out of the Army next week after 2 tours in Iraq as a combat medic. Hubby leaves for Afganistan at the beginning of 2010.

Two days ago I got a call from my previous employer (IT contracting company) and my prior client wants me back on May1!!!!! I am totally thrilled! And then May 2nd, I start NS (evening and weekend program and the client and employer KNOW....so not an issue!)

Some folks learn easier than others. Some folks can multi-task better. Some have more supportive families or significant others that can pay the bills. Some of us are simply doing what has to be done.

My hubby does NOT earn enough to pay all our bills. I was scared to death about how I was going to make it through NS w/o a job and keep my house - et. al. Now, I am relaxed and can't wait to get back to work and start NS!

I am glad you have the option you have. For me.....I would probably go stir crazy! LOL :heartbeat

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i had to quit my job when i started my bsn program bc the boss wouldnt work with my schedule at all. instead i got a small nanny job on the side to give me some extra spending cash. also, many hospitals in my area will pay back your loans for you if you sign like a 2 year contract with them. see if there is anything like this in your area

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