Where Did you Work While in School? Pay & Hours.

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I'm going to start nursing school in January, and I'm excited but sooooo nervous. I'm nervous about doing something so new, and worrying about passing each test. I've been a home daycare provider for the last 2 years and make pretty decent money for living in SC (approx $600-$700 every week). Anyway, I'm quitting daycare to go to Nursing school and will get the max Federal Student Loan available which will give me around $10K for the year. It's not enough for us to get by on, we'll need to get help from our parents unfortunately. I thought about get a personal loan, and I'm a bit too scared to do that because that will rack up a pretty big debt after school! So I thought maybe I could try and do some babysitting as needed. I do have a CNA license good for another 2 years (just renewed it), but I don't think working as a CNA will be as flexible for me or as stress free. With babysitting I can still be in my home or their's and bring books with me to study if needed.

*I'm sure many of you worked while in school, so where did you work, how many hours a week, and if you don't mind saying... how much did you make? Thanks so much!! :D

i worked as a custodian for $11/hr. honestly, it was awesome. i worked for a christian church and they always told me that school was my #1 priority, and that they would do their best to work around my schedule. often times i had a lot of "down" time which allowed me to study. i had access to a ton of recources like computers and copier, so that really helped. as far as the work goes, i only did very general things like vaccuum here and there. i didn't have to clean restrooms because they had a cleaning service to do that. i also got to hear the church sermons on saturdays. they had their own coffee house so i had access to free coffee and mochas. the people i work for were great. our clocking schedule was based on the honor policy, so if i showed up a few minutes late, no bid deal, it means i would just stay a few minutes late. i made really good friends there. honestly, if i didn't have a car payment to make, i would want to work there again!

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i worked at an assisted living facility as a receptionist, full time-night shift (40hrs/wk).. the pay was $9/hr. but it was ok though, since i have time to read my books and do my assignments when not busy (ie 9p onwards)

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

When I was in school, I was still young and living at home with minimal expenses. I worked in central supply for probably 8 or 9 dollars an hour at the time ( over a decade ago). It was good because i leaned how all the equipment worked and how to "fine tune" things like pesky iv pumps and what not.

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I am in an ADN ladder program, which allows me to sit for my LPN after the first year. The first year I worked as an aide, every Sat and Sun. on 3-11 shift and made $12/ hr. Now, I work as an LPN every Fri, and Sat. and Tues night and make $22./hr. I never have time to study at work though. It's not really easy, but it's possible... and so worth it! Enjoy the journey!

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I waitressed at a steak house for three of my nursing career years. I worked primarily Friday night and Sunday brunch, with pickups when I needed extra cash. I took care of major expenses (ie books and computers) with my financial aid each semester. I lived on my own with roommates and still had enough to have a good time every now and again.

Tait

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Specializes in Burn, Ortho, Trauma.

I have managed to keep my full time job of 10 years through all of school. It has not been easy even though I am in a part time night & weekends program. I work 40hrs a week and suffice it to say I support both myself and my husband. I do need loans for tuition but not any of our expenses (mortgage, electric, cable, etc.).

I would recommend figuring out the bare minimum you need to live on and go from there. It's not like you'll have time for any fun or vacations! Our local hospital offer PSNA positions (Professional Student Nurse Assistant) that offer great experience and the pay is pretty good considering, about $12/hr. They know you are a student and will be very accomodating with your schedule. Hopefully you can find something like that. I would not live off of loans, I have always held a job when in school, the 1st time around with campus workstudy and now. GOOD LUCK.

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While I went for my LPN I worked at a Target. I didn't make great money, but I had been there for a few years so they really helped to work around my schedule. I don't know how, but I survived by living at home. I am thinking seriously about going back, and the place I work I know they won't assist with me going back so I will have to leave. I am thinking about going back into LTC since the pay is decent.

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Specializes in Gyn Onc, OB, L&D, HH/Hospice/Palliative.

Worked all the way thru school, mostly as a CNA in nsg homes, my last yr I was a PCT on a cardiac step-down unit- was great experience, the nurses let me do everything, I usually worked 24-32 hrs/wk, can't remember the pay, that was too long ago !!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am currently in nursing school and managing to work 32 hours per week as a medical assistant in doctor's office. I work 3 days a week so that I can keep my insurance. I support myself and my husband and pay cash for school as I go. My pay is $10.50/hour. It is not easy, but we manage to make it and it will all be worth it in the end.

Also, it took some doing to learn to live with B's instead of A's. I would rather have the time to devote to study but feel fortunate that I have been able to keep things going with only one year left. The biggest sacrifice has been absolutely no life at all - work, school, home - and nothing in between.

It can be done. Good luck!!!

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I've been a Stay-at-Home-Mom to my boys (just turned 4 and 20 months) since my first was born. My pay is lots of hugs and kisses :) Thankfully, I will not have to work outside the home during nursing school (still finishing up pre-reqs right now). I would be unable to have a job and go to school because I have a lot of obligations with my children that I must attend (speech therapy, etc.)

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I'm currently in Nursing school and work full-time at Kohl's. Fortunately I get to make my own schedule and am able to study at work (heck, I even brought my laptop in and did a care plan last week!) I make $13.75 an hour, and have good insurance. Finally found the man I want to settle down with and if things go the way they're heading, I may quit for my last year and get on his insurance.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Worked as a surgical tech during NS- worked 40 hours/week the first semester and 32 hours/week the remaining 3 semesters, plus call on weekends. Made about $18.00 an hour.

Hard to do but I had no choice..there is a positive though, I don't owe anything.:D

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