What do you do for money during nursing school?

[Infofreak411]

I'm well aware that I will have to cut back to at most 3 days awake while I am in the program.

I live alone and just get by (like only 100-200 a month extra depending on overtime). I don't have a spouse to help out and my parents live too far away to move in and plus they're not understanding of school (they think I use school and studying as an escape from family)

So if I barely get by working full time, I am not sure what I would do having to cut back to 3 days a week financially... Plus having to pay for classes on top of it... Any ideas?

[Infofreak411]

Not necessarily. I (along with thousands of others) worked full time while in school? Is it hard? Absolutely! Is it doable? Of course it is. If you are sure you can't work during school, work a few years and save some money like a PP said. The less debt you have, the better.

My advisor told me that I cannot come into the program working full time or I will fall flat on my face and not make it through.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

My advisor told me that I cannot come into the program working full time or I will fall flat on my face and not make it through.

All advisors tell us to not work full-time. Those of us who don't have a rich uncle to bankroll our lifestyles had to disobey this advice and work full-time throughout the program. I know I did...

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

My advisor told me that I cannot come into the program working full time or I will fall flat on my face and not make it through.

Go to the search bar and search "working during nursing school" you will find 100s of threads on this topic.

All advisors are going to tell you that, but for some people, it's just not possible. It wasn't for me, and it wasn't for a friend of mine I. A different program. And the nice time about working full time is you accrue vacation time and then can take days off as you need them for school.

[Infofreak411]

Go to the search bar and search "working during nursing school" you will find 100s of threads on this topic.

All advisors are going to tell you that, but for some people, it's just not possible. It wasn't for me, and it wasn't for a friend of mine I. A different program. And the nice time about working full time is you accrue vacation time and then can take days off as you need them for school.

What about for people who school comes very difficult for and they are not able to go fulltime

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

I worked full time and did nursing school full time and graduated with honors. It's not fun but definitely doable as long as you work hard.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

What about for people who school comes very difficult for and they are not able to go fulltime

That's why I said some people. Not everyone will be able to work full time. But you shouldn't base your decision about working off of what an advisor alone tells you.

[direw0lf, BSN]

Are you in the nursing program already? I mean is your spot set? Because if so well this may sound bad but you don't have to worry about all A's although that would help getting scholarship money..but as long as you meet the requirements you have less pressure on yourself scholastically to be able to work FT.

I work as a dog walker also. I advertise at all the 55+ communities plus my friend is a vet tech so she can get me jobs. Sometimes I bring my school work with me to a quiet spot by a lake with the dogs and it's a great way to study and earn some money. I've gotten $500 a weekend at times. Every little thing helps.

Also use your teachers. Build relationships with them. I am so surprised when my classmates don't do this. Just by asking questions and showing interest I was nominated for an honors society and sent scholarship applications personally with the teachers offering to help me win (review my research or essay).

Like I said every little thing helps.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

My advisor told me that I cannot come into the program working full time or I will fall flat on my face and not make it through.

The advisor who told you that is not all knowing. Many have done it; not everyone can, but it can be done. I worked full time during my prelicensure program working double shifts on weekends and a few half shifts during the week. During my MSN, I worked full time, covered 32-80 hours of call per week with many of those on call hours being actual working time, and still pulled off a 4.0 GPA.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I worked nights as a ward clerk on weekends and all holidays.

[jena5111, ASN, RN]

All advisors tell us to not work full-time. Those of us who don't have a rich uncle to bankroll our lifestyles had to disobey this advice and work full-time throughout the program. I know I did...

I have not worked full-time exclusively through my program--graduating TOMORROW, yahoooooo!

But I worked as many hours as feasible during the fall and spring semesters, anywhere from 0-30 hours weekly depending on class, lab, and clinical demands/schedules. Despite the "advisor" dictating that students should NOT work during the nursing program. Edited to add: I have maintained a 4.0 in my nursing courses.

Over the summer, I worked full-time and overtime. I maintained a non-hospital job throughout nursing school because I made significantly more money than working as a CNA or similar. I have been extremely lucky to work for an employer who supports my career goals and has accommodated my schedule.

Also--it's important to reduce expenses during the nursing program. Try to cut out unnecessary bills. Prepare your own meals instead of going out. Homemade gifts instead of hitting the mall. It sounds cheesy but makes a big difference.

Good luck, OP! You can do it.

[waiting4ivpush]

I sell drugs to children and teenagers while at the same time babysitting them for their parents. Quite profitable. *jokes in poverty*

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I initially worked a lot as an EMT. Then I became a patient care tech but was laid off. So I became a unit clerk/paramedic/phleb (all same department) working about 48-60 hours a week. I'd try to not get to a point where you need to work more hours than you are comfortable.