working while doing full time nursing classes

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I am a second semester nursing student. This is actually my 2nd time taking med-surg. I was doing fine my 1st time thru the course, although towards the end my test grades were going down due to stress outside of school with a bf I had. I was working part time as well, I was doing about 20 hours a week. Work for me was more like relax time because I never felt that it interfered with my school, I wasnt stressed with my job. The final was my downfall so I didnt pass and I am now re-taking the course. However, I am wanting to work again b/c I have to pay my bills and I dont qualify for financial aid so that is my way of paying for school. Anyhow I dont know if working would be a good idea because I am paranoid this semester since this is a repeat and I dont want to screw this up :crying2:. Theyre asking me to work 10 hours mondays and fridays, tues thru thurs i have classes so that uses up my whole week. I feel like the weekend I can use for studying but its just not enough when you include clinicals assingments, nln practice exams, assignment, reading ahead, practicing skills. Im in a tough situation but I dont know what to do. Any suggestions?!

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Specializes in CNA.

Last year one of my classmates approached me in tears. I asked her what was wrong and she told me, "I failed our exam."

She explained she did not have time to study because she worked full time and she was frustrated by instructors and colleagues repeating telling her to cut her hours back.

I had to finally ask her why she kept asking people for help and support when she had been told repeatedly what her problem was.

The student found a way to cut her hours back and is still in my class. She no longer cries after exams.

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Specializes in Hope to be in the NICU.

Well, here is my take on the subject. If it is something that you have to do in order to pay the bills, then you will figure out how to get it all done.

I do the same thing. I work full time on 3rd shift and go to class from 8-2:30 after working all night and getting off at 6:30 in the morning. It SUCKS, but it's the only way that I can go back to school and not starve to death.

Hold your head up and tough it out- it will be worth it when you look back :)

Have you looked into an extern job or whether or not your state allows you to test to get your LPN?? Those jobs might be willing to work with a school schedule. Just a thought. HTH.

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Im really impressed with anyone who is able to work and go to school. If you have kids then Im in awe. Where do you find the time? I just applied for a full time day job and with before and after school care I will be paying over $100/wk. I still am not sure if it would be worth my while if I get offered the job. If the kids get picked up at 5:30 , that leaves the rest of the night for dinner, homework, and getting them ready for the next day. When could you ever study?

learning 2012, do you have children? Even without kids when do you do homework or study? You must have to sleep and do chores around the house.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

I'm only gotten a few hours of sleep (yay night shift!) so I could be reading this wrong.

You said the last time you took med surg, a bf was the main cause of stress? If the bf is gone, you should be fine. If he isn't gone, maybe you should deal with that situation first ;) Work doesn't seem to be the problem here.

It's possible to work full time and succeed in school. I do it, along with thousands of other people. I don't juggle everything because I want to be superwoman or the martyr. I manage because I like having a roof over my head and health insurance. You do what you have to do. When I get tired, I remind myself that it will only go on until I graduate.

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Agreed!!! It's done because it had to be done. I work full time, have two young children and I am in my first year of core nursing classes (all prereqs are done). My oldest just started first grade and soccer, this year is especially busy for us.

But like the others have said, you make it work if you need the health insurance and income. I have only had quizzes and skills check offs (and clinicals of course) but so far seems manageable. Though I am sweating that first exam on Monday.

I find that I fall behind a bit in the reading but I do make a point to study through the questions at the back of the chapters, study through the tests on the website related to the book (Fundamentals) and really don't push yourself past the point of no longer absorbing information in a study session. You know when your brain has had enough. We all learn differently and when you find how to work your time you'll do it. Mind over matter!!! or Fake it till you make it!!! :o) good luck

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Sounds like we've got a lot in common. I've got a full time job and three kids at home. We've also got soccer, swimming lessons, Sunday school, etc. And I teach the swimming lessons and Sunday school! I'm getting through so far (okay, only the first exam is finished thus far), it's going to be a challenge for sure, but do-able. This is a finite amount of time- May of 2012 will be here before I know it. I might be a little tired, but some day I'll catch up on sleep.

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I agree that May 2012 will be here in no time!!!

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Specializes in Hope to be in the NICU.

:)

Im really impressed with anyone who is able to work and go to school. If you have kids then Im in awe. Where do you find the time? I just applied for a full time day job and with before and after school care I will be paying over $100/wk. I still am not sure if it would be worth my while if I get offered the job. If the kids get picked up at 5:30 , that leaves the rest of the night for dinner, homework, and getting them ready for the next day. When could you ever study?

learning 2012, do you have children? Even without kids when do you do homework or study? You must have to sleep and do chores around the house.

I have 3 children. And it's HARD! But I have a fantastic husband who, now that I am in the program, does nearly ALL of the housework and that includes cooking dinner and laundry. Without a strong support system at home Im not sure how I could do it.

My breaks at work during the night are spent studying. That's the only way I can fit it all in. It's working so far

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Specializes in O.R., Circulating Nurse.

I changed my job from an inflexible 5-6 day/wk vet tech job to a 3 night/wk PCT/Nurse Extern job at a hospital = less stress & more $!!! Can't loose, but it took 6 months of applying to get the job. Good luck, it can be done!

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Specializes in CVICU/ER.

It's hard to do without support. My wife sacrificed a lot to get me through school. She took the majority of the load taking care of the house, paying the bills and watching our son, on top of working. I went to school full time, studied and graduated with my bachelors, and worked an average of 36 hours a week as a nurse extern. It can be done, you just have the support that you need.

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2012, you dont need to convince me! You are lucky to have a husband who is willing to pitch in. I havent gotten that far with my husband yet. If this week is any indication Im in big trouble. I cant pay the bills and have been looking for work, discussed the kids and daycare etc. Ive pretty much been told that the childcare is my responsiblility and I cant count on him to pick my kids up at daycare by 6 because he could get asked to work late even though this rarely happens. Now, I have to find out what to do if Im in Clinicals and need someone to get my kids by 6 plus how I am going to pay for it.

Has anyone used student loan money to pay for daycare?

Also, can anyone give me a breakdown of their day with school/work/kids? How do you delegate your duties over 24 hours. I got depressed today thinking about this.

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