Who is working while completing NP?

Dranger · Dec 20, 2015

I dropped to per diem. I think it's certainly possible to work full time but I like having a life that includes video games, lifting weights, and going out etc.

Strategic saving and planning allowed me to do this but I realize not everyone can. Being a provider was not something I wanted to half a$$. So I spend a lot of free time reading medical texts, watching videos and comparing journals I otherwise wouldn't have time to do as full time.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 20, 2015

Dropped to per diem as well. My program actually makes students sign a pledge not to work over 24 h/week starting first clinical semester, as they kinda care for their beloved 95+ - 100% first time board passing rate and want to see it this way for every coming cohort.

Of note, NP clinicals are almost universally days and mostly weekdays, so while 2 12-hours shifts a week, one of them weekend, look all right, a job 8 to 5 on weekdays only might be not compatible with them.

BlackBettyRN,OCN · Dec 21, 2015

I work full-time, as well as PRN. However, my program is part-time. I have to maintain full-time employment in order to receive my employer's tuition discount. It's been difficult so far, but by no means unmanageable. I am doing well so far. I imagine I will cut my PRN hours once I start my practicum courses, as that will consume a large portion of my time, and I already have no life as it is.

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 21, 2015

I went to school part time. It took 4.5 years. I worked full time for the first 3 years or so until clinicals started then dropped to part time. Finally a weekend option opened up my last 9 months or so and it worked out awesome that way.

Most clinicals are during the work week of course so that's when you run into trouble.

CMSrn2009, ASN, BSN, MSN · Dec 21, 2015

I work 2 12 hour night shifts, Friday & Saturday as a weekend staff nurse. I also have a per diem night shift position at a second location but I rarely work there anymore, maybe one night a month. I am in my clinical year so it is a challenge but I managed to pull of an A- for my first semester of clinical. I know one person who is working a Monday-Friday management type job and she has been lucky enough to find flexible preceptors and is trying to use some vacation time as well. I don't think I could handle that but if you want something that bad I'm sure anything is possible!

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Dec 21, 2015

I am currently working full-time and PRN elsewhere but my program is part-time. I have certain days blocked out from my schedule due to classes.

When I start clinicals though I'll probably have to drop down to either part-time or PRN and work only weekends.

ixchel · Dec 21, 2015

I am planning to work while going for DNP. We just can't go another 4 years with one income. My plan is to probably do 2 12s, hopefully Friday/Saturday.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 21, 2015

I work full time Mon-Fri also, but haven't started clinicals yet. I managed to do all my didactic classes first so I can maintain my job. My manager offered to let me do varied hours or even drop to part time which I really appreciate but right now I will keep going for the next two semesters as it is. When clinicals start I'm hoping to be able to do them at weekends, or at least one weekend day a week. I am doing the acute care program so hopefully that will be possible. I anticipate dropping to part time for the last year but my partner is looking for a job right now so that needs to happen first. I am the only breadwinner in my family.

mtsteelhorse · Dec 21, 2015

I work FT M-Th and attend a part-time online PMHNP program. I will likely change my days to include weekend hours when clinicals start next month. I use some vacation days to study.

littlepeopleRNICU · Dec 22, 2015

I work full-time. I just completed my first semester...am in a healthy relationship, was able to maintain family and friend time, and made As in all of my classes. I start clinicals next semester and have arranged my schedule to allow me to stay full-time. I will probably go part-time in the Fall semester when I have clinicals twice a week vs one day. Or go to the dreaded day shift :/

I also should add that full-time for me is 3 12 hour shifts. Monday-Friday would be hard to maintain once clinicals start.

db2xs · Dec 22, 2015

I am in a post-BSN to DNP program and am doing it part-time. Right now I am completing the MSN-NP portion. I work full-time, but just like littlepeopleRNICU, "full-time" for me means three 12-hour shifts. I am amazed at those who are going to school and work five days a week. When I get to the clinical rotation portion, I will probably be working and doing rotations six days a week (maybe seven), but for now, I don't have to think about that!