Working full-time versus part-time as FNP student?

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Hi, I'm about to start my first semester of FNP program. It is going to be part-time and 100% online and will take a total of 3 years. I am currently full-time at my job doing night shift and three 12 hour shifts per week. I am anxious to start the program and thinking about cutting down to PT hours to allow me time to focus on school and be able to absorb as much information as I can while balancing work and life. I am just wondering what do you guys think I should do or what are you guys doing right now?

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

I've been managing full time NP school and working full time (three 12 hour shifts per week). I'm starting clinicals in the Fall and we'll see if I'm going to need to drop back to part time or per diem. I'm hoping I won't have to do it, but I will if need be.

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Specializes in ER, PEDS, CASE MANAGEMENT.

I went to weekend option at work. I'm an ER nurse and worked Friday and Saturday nights during NP school. Very do-able. You won't be able to work 12 hour shifts during the week once you start clinicals. Not enough time in the day!

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I am heading into my 2nd year of my AGNP program, I am working part time (one per diem job/one instructor position one day per week). I will be starting clinical in the fall.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

If you can financially afford to drop hours, it's not a bad idea.

I'm also in a 3-year program (it requires in-person attendance). First 3 semesters I worked 16-hours weekly on weekends (at per diem rate). Last semester I dropped to 8 hours (2 heavy courses that I wanted to read everything). In the upcoming year (final 2 semesters) I'll continue to work 8 hours weekly. I'll have 1 full day in class and 2-3 days at my clinical site. It's going to be pretty insane but I'm hoping to get as many hours as possible.

I'm lucky that my SO makes enough money and our mortgage is very cheap. I pick up more shifts in the summer.

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Specializes in Family.

I went part time, then worked per diem cause I was working nights and class during the day. Most of my cohort went per diem

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During the didactic portion, I worked full-time. Once my clinical rotations started, I dropped to part-time.

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Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Thanks for the OP as well as the repliers to this post. I start my online FNP program this fall and was thinking I would be OK working full time (night shift tele nurse, 3 nights a week) and full time NP school. I would love to do part time, but it's hard to get that position at my place so maybe I'll opt for the 3 year FNP program at my school.

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Barcode, if you feel that you can do it, then that is a good choice. What is the rush, really? For me, although I was in a three-year "part-time" program, the workload felt like full-time. I know people who have worked full-time and gone to school full-time. If you have some extra support at home, then kudos to you!

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