Working while doing accelerated nursing program

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Feb 28, 2015

I worked Friday and Saturday nights (7p-7a) while going through my ABSN program, which included a 15 credit summer session and a 12 credit summer session with a capstone placement 70 miles from home.

DISCLAIMER: I had 20 yrs in healthcare prior to nursing school, so my base knowledge going into nursing school may have made the juggling of school and work easier.

OnlinePersona, LPN · Feb 28, 2015

if theres a will, theres a way sister!

I work 5 days a weeks and go to school full time ...

falconal · Feb 28, 2015

I currently work part-time and go to school full time so I finally have figured out to manage my time better! lol I also have a 14 month old so that kinda makes it a little tougher! I just needed the reinforcement of I do so it you can to : )

falconal · Feb 28, 2015

Awesome to hear! I have only worked in the healthcare field for about two years but hopefully with my human biology background it will help. Thank you for the reinforcement that it is possible : )

hazel30, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2015

Work 40 hours M-F at a hospital, and so far it's working. I was blessed with a cool manager.

publichealthgir · Mar 1, 2015

I have a two year old and was also wondering what my options are for earning an income to make ends meet. I currently have a well paying full time job. The ABSN program I'm applying to recommends that students do not work. I am thinking my only option is to survive off of student loans even though I've already racked up debt from my BS and MPH degrees. I'm also curious, do you have to work overnight clinical shifts as a student? My son goes to daycare from 7:30-5:30 and I would hate to keep him away from his parents any longer (my husband works 10 hour shifts most days during the week)?

TeeZee · Mar 1, 2015

WOW sounds like me! I am going accelerated starting in May, and was HIGHLY recommended to NOT work. I really don't have a CHOICE, we need some extra income (3 kids). I am able to pull back to one or two nights a week, and I can even pull back more if need be. My work is VERY flexible to (waitress) and I should make as much on 2 night shifts as I do on my normal 4 days. I'm very nervous about finances, but school is my #1 priority, so I guess it will be a lot of Ramen noodles and Kraft macaroni...lol...

I've heard it's possible, but not easy.

Bbett, MSN, NP · Mar 1, 2015

28 hours of school during the week and 36 hours of work on the weekend ðŸ˜ I'm so ready to graduate.

It's possible but you have to study every single free chance you get.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Mar 1, 2015

Before you start the program, look at ways to cut you expenses to the bare bones. every dollar that you can save each month is one less dollar that you need to make working or another dollar in debt.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Mar 1, 2015

I'm doing it now, but I'm in an LPN to RN accelerated bridge program and I had the majority of the supported ed completed prior to starting the program. Its definitely doable, you just need to make sure that you manage your time well so that you keep up with school

ChronicSG · Mar 1, 2015

I laughed when I saw accelerated and part-time in the same sentence.