Working Full-time and school

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Hello

I am just starting pre-recs in August. My class schedule is fine for now, I think, but thinking ahead at nursing school...Is it possible to work full-time and attend nursing school? I know there are a lot of clinicals and they take place during business hours.

I'm looking at a Fall 2009 start in NS...(provided I pass) Any advice on juggling it all? :uhoh3:

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

It will depend on your program. Some programs are at nights and offer clinicals and courses on the weekends for working people.

My program is not like that so it is not advisable to work full-time. In fact 100% of the people who failed first and second semester worked full-time. However, some of those who passed worked full-time too so there maybe hope. In any case, I think if you know your limits and the demands of your program you should be fine. My limits are such that I do not work full-time during the school year. I work part-time and do well.

As for advice on juggling work and studies, find a job that will allow you to study on the job and has flexible hours. This way you will have time to study and if you need to take off from work because of a lab, skills test, a study group session, to practice your skills, and/or prep for clinicals you can do so without much difficulty.

Last but not least, be sure to have a support group (family, friends, other nursing students) to help you with obligations outside of nursing school. A cheer-leading squad (people who are happy to see you go to nursing school but do not help you with your life as a nursing student) is not useful. You need real support! GL.

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I work full-time as well and I have an a 22 month old. I know someone who went through the same program I'll be going through while working full-time and is now a Nurse. I know a lot of people on this board have said it is possible, hard, but possible. My classes will take place at night. I work full-time through the day and I have to because I carry the insurance for my family and we need both mine and my husband's income to make it. If you are determined and study every moment you possibly can, I have no doubt that it is possible. I have come to far to stop now and I won't let anything stop me at this point!

Best of luck to you, but know, you are not the only one facing that dilemma!!!

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Specializes in ER, CCU.

I'm Wondering The Same Thing. I Work Two Jobs 56 Hrs A Wk And Take 2 Classes A Semester. For Right Now It's Ok, I Struggle But Manage To Get My Homework Done. Univ Of Tn Offers Satellite Classes In The Town I Work So I Take Them At My Old High School, But Not Sure How Long I Can Milk That. Then I Will Switch To Another School Who Offers Alot Of Online Classes To Finish My Basics. Then I Have To Switch Again For The Actual Nursing Program To Find One Closest To My House. Still Haven't Figured Out How I'm Going To Manage To Not Work Full Time, (will Lose Health Ins) And Take Classes During The Day (only Time Actual Nursing Classes Are Offered)and Pay Bills But I Have Wanted To Do This My Entire Life I'm 31 And Not Getting Any Younger. Just Figure If There's A Will There's A Way.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Yep, when there's a will there's a way. I had to work 32 to 40 hours a week. I worked every weekend in order to get clinical days off, but there were some times when school and study all day and work in the evening and it was exhausting.

If you get all co-reqs done ahead of time and take nothing but nursing classes, it's not too bad.

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I just got picked up by a local (kinda) hospital in one of their PCT (patient care tech) slots in the neuroprogressive unit. As I understand it, the Neuro unit is pretty scary to some, as the patients require a different kind of devotion to detail, which is why I requested it. It's a fullitime 3 on 4 off shift, but since I'm finishing my prereq's (AP2+L and statistics) I feel I should be alright. Before this I held a full-time sales job and a 5 course load per semester. I also have 3 kids, so...

Is anyone else going to SPC? or knows any profs teaching AP2? I was one of the few who really liked Nicotera, but I hear he's moved to teach in the actual nursing program, so I'm figuring who'll be the one I want to go with.

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Hello Everybody,

I work as a Security Guard ; sure, I get laughs from people, but the pay is geared towards a male's salary (sorry ladies, but there is still a stigma out there). I work 5 nights a week; I do get the occational 12hr. graves, but I take what I can. I am a student, mother of three, and wife. I Must work. Organization is the key. Good Luck to ALL:smilecoffeecup:!!!!!

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