Many of you have stated that you've managed to attend school full-time, work and keep your families together. I'm just wondering what types of jobs you all have - hours, etc.?
I'm hoping to get into the Fall Nursing Program at my school as a full-time student. I'm currently the Director of a local Senior Center and as much as I "Love" my Seniors and my job - I'll have to leave the job to become a full-time student. Even if I'm not one of the lucky few that get admitted to the Program this Fall - I plan on taking a full course load - so either way, I can't continue with my current job.
We have 3 Sons - oldest is in College, so I definitely have to help out the family finances while going to school. My question is - what types of jobs do those of you who have families and are in school full-time have? My husband has been working the dreaded (4 in a row) 12 hour night shifts -Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday - at a local hospital for the last 18 years as a Peri-Natal Therapist. Let's just say - he's a little burned out!!! He's worked those awful hours all these years because of the night and weekend shift-differentials (pays much, much better than the day shifts).
Until I complete Nursing School - he'll have to keep those hours to help support our family. My problem is finding a very flexible part-time job to work around his crazy hours while going to school and still find time to take care of the kids, house, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I will let you know after next semester if it can be done (by me, that is)!! I have two kids (4 and 7), a husband who works 7pm to 7am (but has to leave by 6pm to get there), will be in school full time (nursing school) Mon-Thurs, and will be working in the ICU at the hospital as a Nurse Apprentice Fri. and Sat. from 6:30am to 7pm. I have a feeling my house will not be the cleanest on the block until summer rolls around!!! Spring cleaning? Bah!!!
I gave up my full time "professional" career so I could attend nursing school. I have a daughter who is in college and money is very tight! But it is do-able, thanks to my wonderful husband who understands the importance of my education. I am currently working two days a week as an STNA (CNA for those not in Ohio) mainly for the experience, but the money helps pay for my books and gas. I fall in that catch 22 where we make too much money for grants, so I am utilizing student loans. I look at it as an investment in the future, my future earning potential will more than double what I was making prior to school. I am trying to utilize my organizational skills by menu planning, as well as scheduling my study time. I believe if you have the desire and motivation you can accomplish anything! It also helps to have loved ones who encourage you along the way.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I have an internet business, and that takes up about 6 hours a week of my time. I also work at home as an editor, and I work about 2 hours a day on that. So I'm making pretty good money, it's all from home and extremely flexible. I feel very fortunate. I will continue doing this until second year when I hope to get an externship, at which time I'll quit my editing job (money's better with editing, but it's not what I *want* to be doing).
I started back to school in the summer taking 5 classes and working 32 hours a week on the third shift in an accounting office plus having to take care of my 4 year old I was lucky to have my parents to help me with her at night. I am now going into the spring semester taking 4 classes but luckily I only will be working 16 hours a week Saturday and Sunday so I can devote more time to studying and my daughter.
I only work 4 hours a week. I'm glad I don't have to work more than that right now. I know there are people who do it and some have to. But I tell people, if you have to work full-time, take the part-time nursing school program. That's just my advice. No sense getting worn down and getting overwhelmed, maybe sick and having to quit. It's hard enough as it is. I know some are able to do it somehow, though.
I have a two year old and I work part-time as a medical assistant in a peds clinic. My boss is a ANP and she is very accomodating to my school schedule. I occasionally teach CPR for extra cash. I let them know what days I am avialable ans they set up the classes for me. I am also an EMT so, when I have the chance, I run on our volunteer ambulance service (technically we are paid but at $8/hr, you do not do it for the money.)
I found out the key to keeping up with all of this is maintaining a good schedule. Every moment of my day is scheduled with time allowed for flexibility. Daughter goes to bed at 9, pick up/clean up until 10, study 10pm-1am. Sounds anal but it is what got me through last semester (I am a chronic procrastinator)
I am one of the lucky women who's husband works 1PM-12AM but comes home and does laundry dishes, cleans the house...whatever needs to be done. He woudl prefer that I did not work at all but I also fall into that catch 22 where I do not make enough to pay bills were I not to work but I make too much to qualify for grants.
Currently, I am working as a social worker in a hospital, full-time, and taking classes part-time. If all goes as I hope, I will start a full-time Accelerated BSN program in the summer. So, I would have to stop working, which is alright with my husband since it is only for a year. Unfortunately, I make too much money now to apply for aid, so I will have to go the loan route and hope that a hospital will take over my loans.
Hey y'all. I am a full time ADN student and I work 25 hours a week as a billing clerk for a trucking company. I go to school during the day and go to work from 4:30 -9:30 in the evenings with weekends off. This works out good for study time and fortunately I don't have any one to take care of except me and my three cats. Thank God! I don't know how you all with families do it!
I am an LPN and going to start the RN bridge program this month. I work full-time for 2 busy neurosurgeons. I am the only nurse in the office and have been in the office the longest so everyone tends to rely on me too much. I am taking my nursing class online. I will go to clinicals 3-11 on Monday and Tuesdays. Since I live about and hour and half from the hospital where I have to do clinicals I will have to leave my job at 1 on those days. Also I have 4 kids at home, one in college and a husband.
I am not sure what to do. I could quit and it would be tight financially but we would make it. I could go to the float pool at the hospital and work 3 day shifts but I really hate the floor. (also have a bad back). I would like to stay at my office but not sure if I could do it all. Also the office may not be able to work with my schedule. I just don't know.
I was hoping that someone else had the same situation that I do but I don't see it. Any advice??
I work 8am-5pm behind a desk all day. My nursing school schedule is two evenings a week and every other weekend. It's definitely HARD, however, with A LOT of 'time management' - it's doable.
It definitely takes an immense amount of motivation. My motivation stems from my desire to take on a job with MEANING & PURPOSE. Corporate America sucks!!
I am a self-employed medical transcriptionist. I have been doing it for 25+ years, so can make full-time money at less than "full-time" time (?). It is also VERY flexible. I can put in a few hours here and there during the day - just so I get it all finished. I had one course last semester, 2 this semester, and start my clinicals in the fall.
LilRedRN1973
1,062 Posts
I will let you know after next semester if it can be done (by me, that is)!! I have two kids (4 and 7), a husband who works 7pm to 7am (but has to leave by 6pm to get there), will be in school full time (nursing school) Mon-Thurs, and will be working in the ICU at the hospital as a Nurse Apprentice Fri. and Sat. from 6:30am to 7pm. I have a feeling my house will not be the cleanest on the block until summer rolls around!!! Spring cleaning? Bah!!!