Working Full-time and going to school

gaajr1, RN · Feb 26, 2008

It is really good to hear that you worked full time and maintained a good GPA. I will be starting in Fall but during orientation, we were advised not to work while in the program. They encouraged us to save up as much as possible before we actually start, that way you set aside the tuition expenses. You may want to consider applying for scholorships and other financial aid to make it a bit easier.

I am told the program is intense plus you always here from all the students here and I will go by their word. So, to decrease the stress level, may be it will be a good idea to not work full time. or, may be, try part time and see how it goes, for each one is different in the way they handle things.

I am sure you will hear from many who are juggling work and studies and get some valuable advise. Good luck!

justrissy · Feb 26, 2008

I did it! Just completed the RN Program (passed my boards too on 2/14). I worked as a CNA every weekend 6pm-8am friday and sat. and got paid for 40! It was hard to work every week-end for nearly 2 years (hard on me, my family, and my extended family) but it was worth it. find somewhere that offers an every weeked deal! I now have a great job as an RN wed-fri and every other week-end 8am-4:30 pm I love it and its only 5 min from home!

kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 27, 2008

I work FT and I'm in my first semester. I'm fine so far, I've gotten all A's on my tests except an 80 on Pharmacology because there was a tornado runnin through town the night before the test. It's not as bad as they say it is, but everyone is different. I know people who study 5 hours a day and don't work and they still make C's.

shann106 · Feb 28, 2008

I am in my first semester and I am a single mother, trying to work full time and go to school full time. It is very very hard. Up until this semester I have maintained a 4.0 GPA but I doubt I will be able to do that this semester. The amount of reading required is more than I can possibly fit into my schedule. I have never been a student that had to spend hours studying before but that has changed now that I am in nursing school. I spend many many hours studying. I spend at least twice the amount of time studying as I do in class, usually three to four times more than the amount of class time. So if I have class 15 hours a week I can expect to spend at least 30 hours reading/studying that week. Maybe it depends on the program you are in, but I know that my classmates seem to be spending about the same amount studying/reading.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2008

Don't stress about the high GPA.......RN=C.

However, try to read and study, because the more point cushion you have at the end of the semester the better.

I work, and I get tired...but I know it'll all be worth it in the end.

shippoRN · Mar 4, 2008

I hate to sound negative, I currently work fulltime and I hate it. I made it through my first semester with A's and B's, however, i am learning the hard way that first semester was cake, i'm in my second semester and its a nightmare. It doesn't help that i have so much disgust for my job right now its not even funny. I am actually looking into living loans and praying to make it through my second with a decent grade so i can be considered for a full scholarship, so I can leave, I just can't do this anymore. Not to mention my health is taking a beating for it. I've had the flu 4 times since november, now i've just developed some more lovely ailments that i'll find out what they are on friday.

Like someone else said everyone is different, everyone's job is different as well, it all depends on what you can handle.

qaqueen · Mar 5, 2008

I start a full-time accelerated program in 2 weeks. My plan is to continue to work full time. I love my job and it will break my heart if I have to quit. For now I am going to hang in there. I know others who have accomplished full time work and full time school, so I am optimistic.

If you want it, go for it.

critical thinker · Mar 6, 2008

I am in my second semester, and working weekends also, just as someone has already said on this post if you can find a weekend job take it. I do think that not working would certainly be easier, but if you have to do it and grades do not suffer, it is possible. You have to make nursing your priority during the week, get your studying done before you do anything else.{i.e. laundry, housework, car washed, and even walking the dog}

Jules A, MSN · Mar 7, 2008

I've worked the whole time and while its been hard it is something that can be done. It always annoys me when the programs "recommend not working". Yeah right, I'm an adult and quitting my decent paying job to take several years off and run up bills isn't something I'm interested in doing. If I couldn't have worked I wouldn't be in school.

Just stay on top of the reading. It can be done. Best wishes and please let us know how you are doing.

julesradio · Mar 7, 2008

I'm doing pre-recs for the RN program and the CNA course this semester.... 17 credits, I work full-time and have a 5 year old little girl. (DH helps tremendously) I'm quite proud to say I'm currently maintaining my 4.0. I'm not sure how it's working but it's working. As another poster said, everyone's different. To be honest though, this is my toughest semester and I'm thankful that I won't have to load up so much next semester.

Also...2 words...

SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!! I sure need one.

Good luck on whatever you choose. :redpinkhe

queenjean · Mar 7, 2008

Anyone else out there work FT and do the nursing school at the same time?

Yes, I did it. A lot of nurses that I work with did it. It takes some scheduling, and some flexibility on your empolyers part, but it can be done.