Working during a BSN program...Yes no maybe???

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2012

I worked at least 24 hours per week for all four years of my BSN program. I maintained a GPA of above 3.8 and participated in numerous school activities.

It just depends on how you'll cope with it. If you're able manage your time well enough to work and study for school, then you'll be fine. If you're the type that gets overwhelmed really easily, needs to spend several hours per day studying, and doesn't function well without a lot of rest and relaxation, it's going to be more difficult for you.

My only concern for you would be fitting in your hours. My jobs in years 2-4 of the program were mostly late evening (3-11 shift as a CNA) or overnight (home health CNA) hours. If you have a lot of clincials and classed during the day, it might be hard to fit in restaurant hours. But if they are willing to be flexible with you, you should be able to make it work. Just say goodbye to your weekends. :-)

bmendi · Apr 30, 2012

I'm currently finishing up my first semester of an ADN program and work 40 hours (4 10s in the evening) weekly. I'm on the go 7 days a week between work and school and I'll admit it can be pretty exhausting but completely doable. There's no harm in trying out the school-work balance for a bit to see if it works-- I think that's the only true way to know if it's right for you. I just keep looking to the future and knowing that I can rest easy once I'm done in another year and a half keeps me going. Best of luck to you!

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2012

Yes, it's possible. I did. You're a 44 year old man. You need to be working and not just going to school. I can't give you any advice on how to do it. I don't manage my time. I don't schedule things. I don't make study time. I just do stuff. I go to work, I go to bed, I go to school, I have free time, and I do the other chores life requires. When I get a simple/short assignment I just do it. When I get a complex/long assignment I chip away at it until it's done. I listen while I'm in class and make use of that time to learn. I don't take the studying home with me. There's just simply not enough time for that, and I make good grades regardless. I've made 7 A's, 3 B's, and 1 C (OB/Peds), and I was fine with that C. I just want to pass. Thursday I'll be finish, and if I had it to do all over again I'd still work. It can be done. I think the hardest thing overall about nursing school is listening to the constant complaining about how hard it is, how there's no time to do anything, and how worried everyone is about passing. It's life. It's a chore. Get it done.

ddmad · Apr 30, 2012

Thanks for the input all...I've always been of the mind that I can certainly do school and work (I did stop being a manager and just went to waiting tables)...But all I seem to hear are horror stories about how it's impossible...During my interviews I was asked, more than once, if I planned to quit my job if accepted (I always answered no)...Guy everything you said I absolutly agree with and that's how I've gotten through school so far...And I'm sure that's how I'll continue to do it...

my2girlskk. · May 1, 2012

I work 20 hrs per week to maintain insurance for my family and attend a full time BSN program. My children are 2.5 and 4.5....oh and my husband works 3rd shift so when he's home, he's asleep! I've maintained a high GPA as well. It can be done if you choose to do it. Good luck!

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · May 1, 2012

Can you get nights at your restaurant? That's pretty great that they cover medical for you! I've never heard of that. If you have a 24 hour restaurant, I would do nights and study while you're not waiting tables, if not, bring books with you in case you get a break and work the slower shifts if you can. When I was a HHA and doing dual enrollment in high school, I would work nights when I could and study when my patient was asleep.

ddmad · May 1, 2012

I can work nights and that's the plan...Unfortunately there's no down time at my restaurant but I'm certainly going to try and make this work...

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · May 1, 2012

In my class, the majority of people worked and we all did fine. I worked because I like to make money, not because it was a necessity (my parents supported me). It was nice that I graduated with no debt and >10k in the bank. I feel that the long days and nights were worth it because now I can enjoy my life without worrying about my finances.

ddmad · May 1, 2012

Glad to hear it tokyo...I'm debt free right now (including my house) and I'd really like to stay that way...I've been offered $4000 in grants and scholarships for my first year so that'll certainly help with things...Thanks for the input...