working full time while doing part time accelerated bsn program

RunBabyRN · Mar 30, 2014

I think you may find yourself REALLY burnt out if you do this. Never having a day off at all? Ouch!

Also, nursing school requires a TON of reading, so even if you're not at work, you'll likely be reading, or writing a paper, or working on a group project or something like that. There's more to it than class time, and the homework takes a lot of time. If you can possibly cut your hours to half time, you might be able to pull it off, but even during traditional BSN programs, most of us have a hard time working. Do you have a family? Married/in a serious relationship? Kids? Bills for which your income is required?

ambitiousBSN · Mar 30, 2014

I agree with the above comment- working full time while pursuing a nursing degree will catch up to you. I was working full time prior to entering my program and I know if I would have continued trying to work full time, it would have led to my demise. I'm under a contract with my hospital that allows me to work only 24 hours a week to pursue my nursing degree full time, and even then, 24 hours is a lot. I'm not able to not work, plus the benefits outweigh not working, but honestly, if I had a choice, I wouldn't work because nursing school requires a lot from you with reading, assignments, and clinical. You need time to yourself as well, so any extra time is precious and crucial for your sanity and success.

MiaLyse, APRN · Mar 30, 2014

With good time management it is possible. I am completing the RN-BSN program next month and I worked full time and picked up hours a the hospital. Didn't have any free time but it was doable. Best of luck to you :)

andreead · Mar 30, 2014

Did you do the accelerated bsn? Mine is Friday Saturday and Sunday program as a second degree I have a bachelors already. What is the most work in school? Essays? Reading and taking notes? Studying? I plan on taking notes starting now before I go to school. That should help I guess

MiaLyse, APRN · Mar 31, 2014

Yes, it was an accelerated bsn part time program. I had to be in class on Mondays. There was alot of reading, papers to write and presentations to give. However, it is doable. This was an RN-BSN program. hth's It could be stressful but I was able to complete this program and work full time.

andreead · Mar 31, 2014

How long was your program? Mine is 5 semesters. Meets Friday Saturday and Sunday. Do you think that taking notes starting now would help me a lot?

FutureNurseK · Mar 31, 2014

WELLLL I am doing my pre reqs part time (since 2011) because i have a 3 and 4 yr old (now) and i too work full time! Havent had a day off since 2011 and im not burnt out. Have a 3.64 GPA and very well thriving. its your mindset go with it!! Before you know it you will be walking across that stage :)

SleeepyRN · Mar 31, 2014

Honestly, nobody can answer this but you. Is working full time through nursing school crazy? Yes. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. I had classmates who worked full time in a full time program. Most of them had to repeat a semester, but they did graduate. Some students can't work at all. I myself had to limit myself to working 2 days a week. Everyone is different, and I don't think you should base your decision on other people's opinions. If I had listened to others, I wouldn't have worked at all, and I wouldn't have the connections I have today.

pixiestudent2 · Mar 31, 2014

How long was your program? Mine is 5 semesters. Meets Friday Saturday and Sunday. Do you think that taking notes starting now would help me a lot?

The poster that you asked completed a different type of program. He was already an RN continuing his education to the bachelors level. Most students work while completing those programs.

I don't think reading before hand will help you at all.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Apr 1, 2014

Honestly nobody can answer this but you. Is working full time through nursing school crazy? Yes. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. I had classmates who worked full time in a full time program. Most of them had to repeat a semester, but they did graduate. Some students can't work at all. I myself had to limit myself to working 2 days a week. Everyone is different, and I don't think you should base your decision on other people's opinions. If I had listened to others, I wouldn't have worked at all, and I wouldn't have the connections I have today.[/quote']
Working through nursing school isn't crazy and just because you work full time doesn't mean you will have to repeat a semester. I work 40+ hours a week and have maintained great grades throughout the program. For me, working actually helps me stay organized and more on top of my tasks and assignments. I know I have a very limited amount of time to get them done or they won't get done at all.

MedicalPartisan · Apr 1, 2014

I think you may find yourself REALLY burnt out if you do this. Never having a day off at all? Ouch!

As impossible as this sounds, some people can do it. I wouldn't survive a schedule like this but I work with this woman who works a non-clinical job in the ER, also works for DCF, AND goes to school full time. She has work/school obligations seven days a week and on many days has work and school the same day. What's even more crazy is that she is always kind and chipper as if she'd just come off her weekend refreshed and ready to go. I wouldn't survive, but some can.