Working & Nursing School- HELP!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I am currently working as a server/bartender while finishing up my nursing pre-req's and am unsure if I should continue serving while going to nursing school. I have not yet been accepted to a program, but am considering trying to take a CNA course over the summer and then work as a CNA during nursing school. My only fear is I would have to work more hours to make the same amount that I do now as a server (there's a lot flexibility with shifts in the restaurant industry and I work minimal hours while making good pay); which in turn would cut down on my study time for school. Also, I am having a hard time finding available CNA programs in my area (Tacoma area of WA). Classes at CC's fill up SUPER fast/have years long wait-lists and all the condensed private classes I have looked into, have bad reviews from actual students I have talked to.

I have to work, as my husband and I do not have the flexibility for one of us to not work. So I am not sure if I should keep my serving job through nursing school, or go train to be a CNA and do that while in school? Suggestions and personal experiences are welcomed. Thanks!

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I am currently working as a server/bartender while finishing up my nursing pre-req's and am unsure if I should continue serving while going to nursing school. I have not yet been accepted to a program, but am considering trying to take a CNA course over the summer and then work as a CNA during nursing school. My only fear is I would have to work more hours to make the same amount that I do now as a server (there's a lot flexibility with shifts in the restaurant industry and I work minimal hours while making good pay); which in turn would cut down on my study time for school. Also, I am having a hard time finding available CNA programs in my area (Tacoma area of WA). Classes at CC's fill up SUPER fast/have years long wait-lists and all the condensed private classes I have looked into, have bad reviews from actual students I have talked to.

I have to work, as my husband and I do not have the flexibility for one of us to not work. So I am not sure if I should keep my serving job through nursing school, or go train to be a CNA and do that while in school? Suggestions and personal experiences are welcomed. Thanks!

I'm starting nursing school this fall and I also work as a CNA. I'm currently full time while taking nursing-related and prerequisite classes, but this fall, I'm dropping down to only Friday, Saturday, and Sundays to give my attention to classes. I can't afford not to work totally either, so I understand, but thankfully my husband and I both agree part time is best for me right now. Being a CNA is really hard, physical work. You will be exhausted and I would not recommend working full time as a CNA during nursing school. The exception to this is maybe if you work in home health care or an assisted living facility (instead of a nursing home). Either one of these is a lot more laid back. But, girl, if you can make good money by working fewer hours serving...by all means do it. Of course, some people may want to have some background healthcare experience on their resumes. My suggestions would be to continue serving and also try to get a home healthcare job 8-15 hours per week. That way you can get experience and money at the same time.

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At my school, after one semester of their nursing program, they will let you take the CNA test. When I was first considering nursing, I was thinking about becoming a CNA first. But the CNA classes are anywhere from $900-$1,800 here, so I decided against taking the class and just keeping my (very flexible) retail job during prereqs. I just wanted to point this out as I thought it might save you some money if your school will also allow you to become a CNA this way. Then you could save up over the summer at your present job.

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