working while in FNP school

carachel2 · Mar 31, 2011

Kids or no kids ? If you have kids, then you won't see them very much. I know people here have done it out of necessity and they made it through. But if you have kids and you have a choice I would recommend not working.

Classmates who had no kids always seem to manage to work and go to school. Busy and stressful and not much social life, but doable.

SVT05 · Mar 31, 2011

No kids. I know I can't make it through the entire program without working at least PRN here and there (maybe only 14 months or so).

I don't have much social life as it is so maybe I"ll be okay!! :)

carachel2 · Mar 31, 2011

No kids. I know I can't make it through the entire program without working at least PRN here and there (maybe only 14 months or so).
I don't have much social life as it is so maybe I"ll be okay!! :)

There you go! LOL! Are you going to go full or part time ? You need at least 4 days a week for class, clinicals and study time.

CRF250Xpert · Apr 1, 2011

I had freinds that worked part time and a couple worked full time (12s on weekends). The last semester is really the only time demanding one. They all have time requirements, but the last one is the one to take the leave of absence.

allnurses Guide · Apr 1, 2011

I worked about 14 hours a week during school. I went full time. I worked Friday evening from 5-11 and every other weekend 3-11.

SVT05 · Apr 1, 2011

Thanks for the advice! I know everyone's situation is different. I generally do very well in school, just want to be realistic.

Dixiecup · Apr 1, 2011

I worked forty hours a week and went to school part time ( 6 hrs a semester) It was not easy but I did it. I couldn't give up the income. When it was time for clinicals I worked every week-end to make my 40 hrs and used all the sick/vacation time I had. The last couple of months were a nightmare but it DOES finally end.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Apr 1, 2011

I worked 20/h week the first year, but after beginning clinic rotation just found I didn't have the time. I cut back further and further until i just gave it up. In my cohort, I think just about everyone that was working had either gone prn or quit by the end. my school required a residency that was FT for 16 weeks, and everyone that hadn't quit their job earlier had to for residency. Now I am in a DNP program, and I don't see how I could possibly work and do this FT. It is an enormous amount of work my MSN didn't come anywhere near in rigor or volume. After taking as many as 11 graduate credit hours while working 20h nights and raising a large family, I would have thought one 3 credit hour class would be a breeze. NOT. Point being, I think you have to stick a toe in the water yourself to gauge the temperature. I'd sign up for FT course work and see how it goes and cut back where it makes the most sense later if necessary. Good luck!

CRF250Xpert · Apr 1, 2011

I generally do very well in school, just want to be realistic.

Think of the last year as residency - no more school for the most part except for useless distracting busy work. Unfortunately, MD residents get way more time than you will, but that last semester especially should be laser focus on seeing patients. It's not about how good of a student you are. It's about seeing everything you can and letting go of John Doe RN and taking on that CC, S/O and A/P. You may have studied what to do, but you've never been the decision maker forming your Dx, labs, rads, meds and f/u - big difference. I personally love it!!

LorynRN · May 11, 2011

i am in a four semester fnp program, and just completed my second semester. the last two semesters i worked 36 or 32 hours/week, working every other weekend. we had class on two days, which meant most of my days were working or at school. i studied everywhere and on every day off!

in the fall, we begin clinicals requiring 24 hours/week. i will be then going to 24 hrs/week (again, every other weekend and one day during the week).

if you are dedicated and motivated, it can certainly be done! i have to work and make some income, as well as carry my husband and my insurance.

good luck!

canchaser, BSN, RN · May 11, 2011

Loryn, where did you find a four semester np program? Im possibly looking for a short np program.