Working and Clinicals

There are so many factors to consider (home life, commute, etc.), but generally speaking, it is possible to work part time while completing clinicals, but you need a flexible job. Additionally, you'll likely need not work more than 10 hours/week to do well in clinicals and still complete coursework.

At least, this is what worked for me.

Yeah too many factors to consider...my own experience was 1-2 days of in class, 1-2 days of clinical (12 hours each), and then I worked every Saturday and Sunday 12 hour shifts. It was extremely grueling...! I quit right before the last semester because I was doing 50-60 hours a week of clinical (school intended for it to be this way to have an intense period for 6 weeks, but at least no classes).

You’ll make things work when you need to, similar to others statements, it varies.

I maintained a full-time job, three 12-hr shifts and clinical/school. There were weeks where I legitimately did my 3 work shifts and 3 clinical shifts (six 12-hrs). I don’t have regrets, but it’s not a path I recommend.

Personally, I went to a brick and mortar school with in- person classes and a lot of clinical hours.I had to cut back to 2 sixteen hour shifts on weekends,which put me to 32 hrs ,but I could keep my benefits. It was hard but I made it.

I work part-time. It's absolutely grueling. There's no way I could do full-time (I have a family). I'm almost done. Like someone said, you can make it work, but it's been super hard --- and quite honestly the time I spent working would have been EXCELLENT time spent studying or picking up more clinical hours. Something to think about.

I have been an NP preceptor for 10 years and every one of my student NPs have worked at least part time.

It's gruelling but not impossible. I did 3 clinical days and 4 work days everyday for 1.5 years. But I do have great support at home. It was not easy, I worked every holiday one year and I did have a job that wasn't hectic at times so I could complete assignments during downtime.