working full time during clinicals

BostonRN13 · Nov 10, 2013

Don't do it . Especially if you have a significant other or children. I worked 30 hrs a week and I can't imagine doing more than that!

TammyG · Nov 10, 2013

I am working full time and am in my first semester of clinicals. It has been a real struggle. I am not sure if things get easier or harder after the first semester. And all my kids are grown. But there are times when I just wish I could have more of a regular life. All I do is study or work and I am feeling that I am too old for this.

mss6721 · Nov 11, 2013

I am over halfway through my clinicals. I had enough vacation time stored up that I have started taking one day of vacation every other week and this will get me through graduation. I have no choice but to work full-time as I carry the benefits for my family. It would be very difficult, but doable, to work full-time throughout the program. If it comes down to it, I can always work every Saturday and Sunday and one day during the week to allow for clinical time.

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 12, 2013

I work 3 nights a week (13 hour shifts as charge in a CVICU) doing Fri-Sun and then use a day off followed by 3 days of clinicals. Although it's a little tough at first, I got the routine down and balance it pretty well. In fact, my school lets us bank extra hours each semester toward the total hours required in the final semester, so I've actually done extra clinical hours to reduce my workload my final semester.

My nursing class is mixed with several people not working at all, several doing part time, and several like myself working fulltime. It always depend on personal situation, especially financials and family. There are always going to be people that tell you "don't do it", but the reality is most people can't afford to lose an income, especially if they have a family and a mortgage. It is a huge sacrifice in time doing both, but in the end to me it's worth it. A little pain now will pay dividends in the future in terms of reduced debt. Plus, in my area, NP's that went straight from undergrad to NP school have a harder time finding jobs because they lack connections and real RN experience that most places hiring want, despite the fact that they might be excellent NPs.