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?!

I have to say that I am the mother of 4. One in college and a 13,12, and 11 year old. I also work FT and attend school FT. I work at home for an ins co so I am able to split my days. however, I am still required to give them 40 hours per week. I too questioned myself if I would be able to do Nursing school. Oh did I mention that my husband is constantly in and out of the hospital? With all of tthat being said I looked to GOD to help me through. Yes, I have a good support system(when hubby is wello he takes the kids where they need to go) but everyone understands what I am trying to do not just for me but for US. If I could get away with not working I would but unfortunately I can't. I had to ask myself seriously,"If I didn't have to work how much time would I spend studying?" Not sure and I don't think I want to find out. Nursing school does make you pull from within some things you never thought you had or could even imagine. But the reward at the end of the semester seeing those passing grades is enough to get you going and wanting to finish. Again look to whomever you pray to for strength within and if you have to work then work. SOme will understand and some will not. It all boils down to YOU knowing what you have to do to survive!!!! Best of Luck in all you do...Have a Happy New Year!!!*wine

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Specializes in interested in NICU!!.

if we have to work-then there are no questions to ask, it has to be work b'c we gotta work, but if we have the choice, then i would say, don't work!

i had a friend that works full time and works the grave yard shift and passed w b's. i think is time management and studying. it can definitely be done, many have done it.

( i'm not saying it won't be hard, i'm saying, it can be acomplished)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Totally agree with Chapis--If one must work, then thats what one must do. It would be awsome to be able to not have to work and focus on school...but its something that not everybody can do.

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Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.
if possible, dont work! its so hard to work and do nursing school. can you take loans?

Only if someone will loan me 40k a year. I have no husband for things like rent, car payment, utilities, etc. I have a teenager, too.

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Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.
I have to say that I am the mother of 4. One in college and a 13,12, and 11 year old. I also work FT and attend school FT. I work at home for an ins co so I am able to split my days. however, I am still required to give them 40 hours per week. I too questioned myself if I would be able to do Nursing school. Oh did I mention that my husband is constantly in and out of the hospital? With all of tthat being said I looked to GOD to help me through. Yes, I have a good support system(when hubby is wello he takes the kids where they need to go) but everyone understands what I am trying to do not just for me but for US. If I could get away with not working I would but unfortunately I can't. I had to ask myself seriously,"If I didn't have to work how much time would I spend studying?" Not sure and I don't think I want to find out. Nursing school does make you pull from within some things you never thought you had or could even imagine. But the reward at the end of the semester seeing those passing grades is enough to get you going and wanting to finish. Again look to whomever you pray to for strength within and if you have to work then work. SOme will understand and some will not. It all boils down to YOU knowing what you have to do to survive!!!! Best of Luck in all you do...Have a Happy New Year!!!*wine

Thanks. My employer is letting me work my schedule around my classes, so I think I have the flexibility I need to manage.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Only if someone will loan me 40k a year. I have no husband for things like rent, car payment, utilities, etc. I have a teenager, too.

DITTO!! when you find that loan let me know, I am in the same boat.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

I am in an RN program with lecture one day and clinical on another. I also work full time second shift in a hospital. I end up with work/school 7 days a week.

If you are focused and committed, it can be done. Just realize it won't last forever and it's necessary to survive. I have no other option or I'll be starving and homeless.

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