Working full time AND school full time possible?

U.S.A. New York

Published

I am planning on going to nursing school for LPN next September. It will be the full time, 11 month course through Finger Lakes Boces. Problem is, we can't go without my income for that year to quit work and go to school. I have spoken to two different people, both who's opinions I trust. One says absolutely not, it can't be done. It's too much. The other says without a doubt, she's confidant I'd be fine. Both are nurses in supervisory positions and have seen many nurses going through school or continuing their education.

My day job is not quite full time. It's 6.25 hours per day, M-F. Schooling would be M-Th, 4 to 9:30 with some clinical work on some Saturdays. I have 2 kids but they are a little older and I have lots of help at home from a supportive husband. I'm 43, so not a spring chicken, but far from over-the-hill.

So, I'd like your opinions... is this something I can do? I'm not afraid of some hard work. I'd love any and all feedback you can give me. Thanks!

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Hi KarinV,

I want to let you know that it is very possible to work full time, pursue a Nursing degree full time and also work at home full (with kids & hubby :)). I know this because I did it (BSN-honors), thankfully with the grace of God. My kids were 2 and 3 years old when I started classes full time 3 nights a week with clinicals every Saturday and Sunday. This is in addition to working Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. I will be honest, it was not easy, but not as difficult as I thought it would be. I had support from my husband, my parents and siblings who helped with the kids while I was in school. You have to make sure you have a great support system which I believe you already have with your husband. So don't fret, you can do it :)

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Honestly? You're looking for a black and white answer for a situation that is so variable.

Maybe it will be possible, maybe it won't. People vary. Everyone is different in terms of how much they can handle, and many times you don't know how much you can handle until you're thrown into the situation. Me personally? I'm planning on working only on the weekends and I'm terrified of if I can even handle that or not, and I don't even have kids. I am a person that needs A LOT of time to study. But a friend of mine that will pursue the program? She "gets" things almost instantly as they are taught and hardly has to crack open her notes or a book to ace a test (lucky *****! Ha), and she has a son already and works. She can totally do it without blinking.

My point is, don't look for an answer. I mean, you already said you need the income, so the first thing I would do is just try it out with that schedule. My advice to you is as soon as you see the warning signs of your grades slipping, decide if nursing school is important enough for you to cut back your hours and if you decide that is so, then cut them.

We are all so different. If I asked my non-study wizard friend if I could do it and I followed her advice of "Oh yeah girl, it's totally possible!" then I would be sinking faster than the Titanic. I like to set realistic, achievable goals while still having time for the people that matter to me. Don't be so school/work crazed that you forget you indeed also have a life.

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Thank you both for the responses. Unfortunately, I don't have the type of job I can cut back on hours. I either work everyday or I don't. I'm stuck, however, making $11.50 an hour when I know I'm capable of so much more. When we can't take our kids on a simple vacation because of money, there's a problem. (Though I don't expect to become rich as a nurse! lol) I'm either stuck making minimal pay the rest of my life, or I go for it.

My family realizes I will be unavailable for those 11 months but I also think the rewards will outweigh that.

Now to get into an evening nursing school... that's a whole other story! It looks like I won't be able to start until NEXT September.

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Hi I'm having the same issue the program I'm looking into is on Friday Saturday and Sunday I'm able to cut down on hours but my family would need the money I have a son that's 10 months and I want to able to provide a better life for him what I'm making now is just not enough my dilemma is risking spending time with him now

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