Working and Attending School

Mewsin · Aug 22, 2013

If you are able to study while you're working I think you'll be ok.

I have 3 shifts left before I'm done working for the summer. I'm a night CCA and I don't have a lot of downtime so I know I will not be able to work while in school. That's what works for me but I know there are others who do have the downtime and are able to work and go to school.

JamieK34 · Aug 22, 2013

I am starting my first semester next week and work more than full time as a mortgage loan officer at a bank and have for a long time and I am hoping to be able to juggle it all as well! I get to work from home though and have schedule flexibility so that should help! Good Luck!

manatee17 · Aug 23, 2013

Thanks everyone. I'm sure if I manage my time wisely I'll be able to figure it out. Most of the people in my program don't work at all but I know it can be done!

Elizabeth Renee · Aug 23, 2013

I will be working 8 AM - 8 PM Saturdays and Sundays at my facility while I'm in the program starting next month (those hours have no downtime). I am nervous but I do need the money, plus they're giving me a raise for not quitting! I am married and decided that on those workdays I will not be cooking dinner. Last thing I want is to work 12 hours, come home, cook, eat and clean up (and no, he can't cook!). At that point it'll be way late. Hubby and I will fend for ourselves those days! At least I will have all of Mon-Fri off to study.

My advice (which I'll follow as well!) is to go ahead and attempt to work the schedule you honestly think you can handle and see how it goes. The moment your grades start to slip due to work, make changes ASAP to your work schedule. Do not wait too long or it could be too late to catch up or improve your grade for the class.

barcode120x, RN, NP · Aug 24, 2013

Naw, I think you'll be fine knowing the fact you can study at work. Some of my classmates are even more hardcore/intense (major respect for them!) cuz they work full time, have a family with kids, and they are in nursing school. I'm a lift tech for rehab services and they let me work once a week while in school and I have a TON of downtime too to study up some stuff haha. Yay for downtime

Georgia peach RN · Aug 24, 2013

While I was in LPN school many moons ago I worked in a group home for developmentally disabled adults we had 3 clients in our home it was the best job I've ever had loved every minute of it. Had no problems with study/school/work I had a 3.78 GPA in LPN school. congratulations and happy nursing school studying.

chicagoboy · Aug 24, 2013

I worked during our first semester in Nursing (Fundamentals). Been working for 32 hours per week which was still considered full time with benefits. I worked in a Medical Telemetry floor as a unit secretary/CNA. It's a busy unit and the only time i can actually opened my book was during my 30 minute dinner break.

Second semester started with Med/Surg and my grades was declining and could barely made it to clinicals with wide eyes opened. Made the decision of quitting. I realize it took me some time to get to this position and i was not about to lose this and be expelled Nursing program. Fortunate enough to be living at home with 0 bills to pay (credit cards, cars).

For me, working while in the program was hard and i was taking all Nursing classes only. It would be more difficult for someone who has to take non nursing classes (English, Psychology, A & P) while in the program.

My weekends were spent studying/reviewing past week lectures or finishing up Nursing Care Plain. I find this helpful retaining information well.

This is just a personal choice.

elimom13 · Aug 24, 2013

I am working on weekends and in my 1st month of nursing school. So far I am doing ok and I have a 17 month old and my husband works full time to compensate me working part time. It has been tough to study with a little one but I usually try to study while he is asleep. Good luck on your nursing courses.