Tips for Nursing Students also working full time jobs (40hrs/week)

[IanTeig1982]

I have been accepted in my nursing program that I've been working towards for a couple years. I currently work full-time and unfortunately this cannot change, as I am my family's only income/health insurance. I would said my non-healthcare employer is being very supportive with letting me set my own schedule to fit work around school.

I have gladly accepted the fact that I will not have time for anything else besides school and work; my wife is coming to terms with this fact as well. My few close friends and family know that I will taking a long hiatus for the next few years.

Lately, everyone I speak to about this issue (school vs. work) is consistently telling me it's virtually impossible and that most students working more than 8-10 hrs/week tend to fail or drop out. I'm getting really tired of hearing this. I'm confident I can do it. I'm a decent student and strong test taker. I certainly acknowledge it's going to be tough, but I know people have been able to do this.

Overall, I'm looking for people who have been able to manage both nursing school and full-time work. What did it take? Tips? Do's? Do not's? I'll take ANYTHING at this point. Help set me (and other students in this situation) up for success. Thank you for your time and attention!

-ICT

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

I currently attend TECO in Florida now. I'm in the part-time PN program. I also work 40 hours a week and I'm a single mom. It's difficult and I wish I could study more but I have been doing well so far. The lowest grade I have gotten so far per course is an 87. Everything else is 90 and above. I am currently in med-surg 1. I have a lot of support family and friends wise. I don't get to study much at work, I do case management support for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Netflix, cable, hulu are distractions-yes-but necessary so mommy can get some work done. ? I have a 4 year old. Support has been the main thing that has helped me. This is from coworkers as well. If you want it bad enough, you will do fine.

[theantichick]

Very impressive for having to work a full time + job!!

Thanks! Summa Cum Laude for my BSN program, BTW.

[HolisticRN2016]

I am beginning an ADN program in the fall and after attending orientation last month they make you feel like it's impossible to work. I am a hairstylist and I can pretty much make my own schedule (I work for myself) but the reality is, most of my clients want to come between 3-7 wed-fri and on Saturday. Because school is pretty much mon-fri 8-3, I don't see how I can maintain my work schedule. I will probably work Saturdays and Sundays only but during the week will be the only time i have to study. I've made arrangements so that bills are not a "huge" problem, but I will definitely need to work at least 2 days a week. I feel embarrassed seeing so many success stories of people working full time and school full time. I'll admit, as I have in another thread, I have poor study habits and am not as organized as I'd like to be and am completed addicted to Netflix. But because I know this about myself, I am working very diligently this summer to prepare for school. I purchased a planner and plan on filling it up with school time/studying/family time (boyfriend and a 4 year old stepdaughter. My son is away in college)and again, working 2 days a week for me will probably be plenty. In spite of these challenges, my passion to become a nurse far outweighs my poor study habits and love for Netflix . Hats off to you full time working students! I'm very impressed at how you balance It all! SALUTE! This has been an inspiring thread.

[gradof2025]

Good for you! So impressive!

i am trucker experiencing mid life crisis, 42, English as a second language. Just registered for pre-reqs (well, one course, part time)...at this rate I will be graduating in 2025, if! You are an inspiration for me! i am glad i stumbled over your post.

[NuGuyNurse2b]

I did it, and I do not dispute the negative aspects of it. In fact, I did more than 40 hrs - I worked full time nights and I did part time work on the weekends because most night shift jobs don't pay that well, so it wasn't enough for me to pay my mortgage and living expenses. It is hard work - but doable. However, if you're alone like I am and have no one supporting you, try getting a big loan and living off of that, instead of working while in school. I didn't do it because I didn't want the repayment on top of financial aid, but in hindsight, I wish I had. I could've studied more, been more alert in class, absorbed more materials, etc.