Working full time while going to school full time

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Hello everyone,

I am getting ready to begin my very first semester of Nursing School at a local community college near my home in just two weeks. I am currently working full time as a CNA in a hospital where I have worked for 4 years now. I have a 5 year old son, and I also recently purchased my first house, so cutting my hours too much at work in order to focus more on school is out of the question :no: I am just curious to hear about any experiences or advice any of you might have in regards to going to school full time while also working a full time job. Thank you!

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Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

I worked full time as a LVN 3, 12 he shifts and went to RN school. It's doable. I didn't have kids at the time but knew a few girls that did and work fulltime and made it! Good luck! I am sure you can do it!!

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I have recommended this article a few times to students in the same situation as you: Juggling Act: How 1 Nurse Balances Work, School and Life | Scrubbed In: A Nurse.com Blog It's a great interview with a nursing student who is also a working mother. Here is another good article with a few tips for mothers in nursing school. I hope these help! You can do it!

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I have reduced my hours so that I can devote more time to my studies. Now I work 2 12s a week. For a total of 24 hrs per week. I have tried my best to reduce my living expenses. I live alone. If I want to pick up a an extra shift for the extras, I can. Apply for as many scholarships you can. Take out the student loans to get by. Get all you can from financial aid. Why? Your spot in your program can be taken away from you. Then what? Make the adjustments so you can be successful.

I don't understand people who buy houses, new cars and take on extra debt right before they start their program. Then they are forced to make decisions when it comes to finances. My car is 4 years old. Would I like a 2014? Sure would. But I don't think financially it would be a smart move until after graduation.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I worked full time, 5 days a week, while in school. It is stressful but you can do it. You need someone to back you up when the child is ill or needs transportation. You need to work out a study/work schedule and stick to it. Stay focused on what you are doing NOW and not worry about it while you are doing something else. That way your time is quality-spent. Ask for help when needed. Make sure family and friends know when you can be expected to talk on the phone or visit, etc. as you may need to study or will be in class. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

At this point in the game I wish I hadn't quit my full time job (I did so under the impression that the program would be impossible if I continued working -- which was absolutely FALSE). I have to pay for my own health insurance (because we have to carry it for compliance) and that has been expensive because I made too much money last year to have any real help from the Affordable Health Care Act (in fact, my rate doubled in April). So, I'm actually going back to my full time job for benefits and extra pay. You're a CNA so you already should have excellent time management skills. You will definitely be able to make it work. Congratulations and good luck! :yes:

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