Working full-time and part-time student!!!! HELP

SugarNSass · Mar 14, 2011

I worked full-time while taking anatomy, microbiology and chemistry...and was still breastfeeding my then-infant. It can be done you just have to have the will and skill to do it. Time management is your best friend and multi-tasking is invaluable. Find ways to make "free" time study time. Listen to lectures on your way home from just about everywhere. Make flashcards and put them on a ring and pull them out when you are waiting around ANYWHERE (usually the grocery store line and the doctor's office waiting room for me) and don't be afraid to reach out to the people around you for some serious help.

thenameismac · Mar 14, 2011

I agree with the previous poster SugarNSass. Time management is indeed your best friend. I don't have a choice but to work and if want to get somewhere in my life I have to go to school. I work 40 hours a week no matter what. Right now I am taking 12 credits (full-time) and working 40 hours (full-time). My family hardly hears from me and I spend breaks from studying on the weekend with my boyfriend. We usually watch a movie and then I go back to studying one day on the weekend and we watch TV together before bed and during meals. The majority of the time I am studying. You will have to map out your time and be determined to not stray away from your reading schedule. It will become too much too quickly. Stay on top of the reading if you can't be ahead. Good Luck.

Molly0011 · Mar 14, 2011

Thanks you very much. These posts are really helpful!!!

stefanyjoy · Mar 14, 2011

Time management is key. I work full-time and go to school part-time (actually went FT last semester too and made all A's), and have a 5 year-old, and I still have time for myself on the weekends.

Lots of people work FT and go to school either PT or FT. You'll do fine as long as you don't procrastinate. Good luck!

Ellis02136 · Mar 15, 2011

you definitely have to have the motivation and will power. like the others say time management is your best friend. i do believe it depends on the individual though. some people by nature can manage muliple task at once and still succeed. i am not one of those. when i took my prereqs i took them in the summer and 1 class each session this was the easiest for me since i work 40hrs a week. once i start the program hopefully bhcc weekend program i will only have one class and clinicals a semester. i took all my prereqs to avoid having a full load. it can be done but like i said depends on the individual, not everyone can pull it off. good luck

flysbyemerald08 · Mar 15, 2011

I did a full-time job and two classes at one time and it was not "walk in the park." Really depends on your work schedule. If you're working nights and going to take day classes I'd cherish every nap and hours of sleep I can get! Make sure you eat well, stay healthy, and take advantage of any opportunity to catch some shut eye!

JKindRN · Mar 15, 2011

Hey there!

I'm currently working full-time and finishing up pre-reqs part-time. I'm hoping to apply in about a month to start core nursing classes in the fall.

Like others have said, time management is key.

I've been taking three classes a semester, but I have a few friends that are taking two.

A few things that have helped me are online classes, hybrid courses, an understanding boss that supports my decision in going back to school, getting some studying in on my lunch break, and the utmost support from my husband.

When I start to stress about everything I need to do, I usually take a breather, write out a priorities list, get the work I need to get done finished, and try to be content with knowing I'm doing the best I can and whatever grades I get, that's just going to have to be good enough for now. If it takes me two years, four years, or ten years, my goal is to help people by becoming an RN. I'll do whatever it takes. :)

If you're in a program that can work around your full-time schedule, go for it! :)

GamerGirL337 · Mar 15, 2011

hey!

Im taking 4 classes and working full time right now and have been for the past year.

I have to say that it depends on your home life, what your job is and how well you do with studying and school work in general. Not every body can do it, I have a few friends who have tried it and either failed out of school or gave up.

Yes it does have a lot to do with will power, but you really need to have help at home and a family (as well as friends) who respect your wishes to go back to school.

I don't have time to go out with friends any more, im gone from 8am to usually 9pm monday through saturday. Sunday is the only day i have off and that entire day i spend studying and doing homework. I still manage to have straight A's (save for that B in chemistry...the only class i can't stand and i'm just not good in)

I am married, no children and we live with my mother while i'm in school. It's not easy by any means, but I know that in the end its worth all of this.

Good luck with everything!

awb4130578 · Mar 16, 2011

It depends on what 3 classes you have left to take. If it's science classes then it won't be easy-but it can be done. If it's non-science classes it will be easier. I take online classes when they are offered and that makes getting a lot of my pre-reqs done a lot easier. I can do them when I want and don't have to worry about finding time to take out of my busy work schedule to go to school.

dedicatedone · Mar 17, 2011

I agree. Time management is EVERYTHING. I work full time, then go volunteer, have several courses, and fit in GRE studying somewhere in that. Though I would not be able to surive if I did not have a great support system. Wether is family or friends, you will need their help to get you through this one way or another. One of my big things is turning off or silencing my cell phone for several hours while I study and blocking time in my schedule for certain things. I put EVERYTHING into my phone's calendar so I never miss an assignment, meeting, or whatever I feel is important. I don't know what I would do sometimes without that notification that reminds me I have this due or that meeting to run to. Just try and find balance. Good luck to you!

Chrissybear · Mar 20, 2011

It really depends on the courses. I wouldnt suggest taking 2 or more science courses at once as they usually have a lab also. I wish i would of taken my time and not rushed through my courses. I feel that i would of retained the information more and recevied better grades as a result!! Good Luck!!!!