Workin part time while going to nursing school???

sh1901 · Jul 22, 2009

Working while going to school does make it harder - but I am working FULL TIME and still managed to make Dean's list last semester. I also have 2 step-kids at home with about a million activities that I participate with. It's all about time management.

You also need to consider that nursing school is stressful as it is. So, alleviating any stress that you can would be a good idea. You need to determine for yourself which is more stressful for you - working while going to classes OR concerns over finances? Only you can say for sure which one will make you more stressed.

Are you in a program that has winter break and summer break? If so, could you survive on what you have saved if you worked during those breaks to supplement what you have saved?

Good Luck!

RNperdiem, RN · Jul 22, 2009

Many, if not most of my fellow students worked a part time job. A few hardy souls managed full time.

I lived at home with my parents to save on rent and food, but my savings and part time nursing assistant job paid for all my community college tuition, books, car insurance, gas, clothes, health insurance(cheaper 12 years ago), and other expenses.

I was young and single and contributed to the household in cooking and chores. I made that money stretch.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2009

I worked as a nursing assistant in a nursing home 3 days a week during my last year of nursing school to help pay bills and one of my classmates moved in with me. We had a blast. Most nursing homes will grab a nursing student up in a minute because they know you will give good care. Plus, you will learn a lot. It was one of the best educations I could have gotten. Nursing homes always need help so if you ever want to work extra time, just pick up the phone and call them.

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2009

Totally do'able. I worked 24-36 hours a week while in nursing school. You might not get a day off for weeks at a time, but you do what you must.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 22, 2009

I worked full time while getting all my degrees. Not easy but can be done. You really have to be self-disciplined and make education a priority. You can try it for a semester and see how it works.

NurseKeiKei · Jul 22, 2009

This question has been asked time and time again and the answer differs amongst each person you ask. The truth is there is really no straight forward answer for this one. You will need to ask yourself what kind of student am I? Will a 4-8 hour workday preclude me from keeping up with studying and lead to late night cramming before tests? Do I deal well with stress? Are there any tall buildings nearby that I will need to avoid on my commute home? Stress is in constant supply when in nursing school; couple that with a job and you may have a recipe for disaster. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming if you plan ahead. You are the only one that can evaluate what you have going on in your life and where you can make adjustments. I wouldn't tell you not to work but I will say its not going to be easy. Make a budget. Ask yourself what you currently could do away with and what you absolutely need/want. If you must work, find a job that allows you to have some down time and may permit you to get a little reading done. Plan. Plan. Plan. Schedule your time; readings/studying, work (if you must), relaxing (hahahahahaha), studying, class time, studying, studying etc. You can make it work. Remember where there is a will there is a way. Good luck.

Citigyrl · Jul 22, 2009

Time management and stressors are very important factors. Your type of job is also an important factor. Having a job that requires alot of responsibility can add stress. Try working more on your non testing week or directly following a test. It is very possible but realize it will not be easy. I worked mainly on the weekends or days after testing.

husker_rn, RN · Jul 22, 2009

I worked in a small town hospital while in nursing school. Fri-Sat nocs and Sun eves. During spring break and part of the summer I put in 40 hrs/wk. Nice thing was if it got really slow my boss let me study and I had some really good mentors as well. It is doable but you gotta stay focused and manage your time well.

PrincessKat · Jul 22, 2009

If you could work as a Nursing Asst in a local hospital, it would give you great experience while in school and they usually offer shifts that work out with Nursing School (Nights/Weekends). It would also give you the opportunity to work in several areas of the hospital so you could see the inner workings (politics) of the floors...that's not something you get as a nursing student during your rotations. It's do-able!

SummerTimeCCRN · Jul 22, 2009

I worked part time as a NAII and it actually helped me survive nursing school. I had constant resources and co-workers to help me understand difficult concepts and that would share tips for remembering drugs, lab values, and other things that seemed impossible to grasp inside the classroom. Good luck to you, and consider working in the medical field part time while in school. It's a great opportunity to learn and well as a good networking opportunity! :up:

chicookie, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2009

It is completely doable. I managed just fine. It wasn't easy! i hardly saw anyone my last semester but I paid for school all on my own without anyones' help. With only a 1k debt when i was done. That last semester there were days when I would go to class 8 to 12. Work 1 to 7. Work on a care plan, go to bed at 3 am and then do a 12 hour clinical the next day. Whew.

With hard work and determination it can be done!