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Discussion

Working and going to nursing school?

Hey guys! I'm going to be a senior next year (woo hoo!). Keep in mind I am only 18.

In junior year, I only worked 4 hours a week while in school. I know this sounds weird, but my boss employs many students to work and gives them only a couple of hours. I pulled off a 4.0 in both semesters. I felt that I had a lot of time to just relax and do nothing. Despite junior year being challenging here and there, I found myself having a lot of free time.

My parents have stopped giving me money as of the end of this year. I was 17 when nursing school started so they still gave me money then. I need 400 for rent and 160 for food each month. I am taking out a loan for my tuition. In the beginning of both semesters, I need to buy books.

Therefore I need about 560+ each month every single month until I graduate.

I've gotten a job this summer and I plan to work 40 hours. Even though it is minimum wage, I think it is better than nothing. I plan to work 15 hours a week during the school year. Do you think I can do it?

I have clinicals twice a week 12 hour shifts so those 2 days are booked. I have weekends free. The other 3 days, I have two 2 hour classes on one day, one 3 hour class on one day, and two 2 hour classes on one day.

What do you guys think? Has anyone worked during school time and lmk how it went thanks!

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    • Featured Replies

    I do think you can do it, but I think it will be hard to adjust to, since your history till now has been different. Many people I went to nursing school with worked full-time and went to school full-time, while having a family with children. It can be done.

    Does your rent include all your utilities, as well? Also think about any gas money you'll need, cell phone bills, leisure money(for the small amount of free time you'll have). Is 15 hours a week enough to meet all that for you?

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    I worked full time through out nursing school, it's doable. Just be prepared to lose a lot of sleep!! Lol you get used to it after a while. But definitely doable. Depends on your stamina.

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    I'll tell you this: you will need more than $560 a month. When I moved out of my parents' house, I had this detailed budget made out, but I didn't plan for "life." What is life? It's your car breaking down on your way to work and having to lease a car because it was the cheapest option overall. It's your cat getting a laceration on its stomach and incurring a $180 vet bill. It's your gas bill unexpectedly going up $50 one month. You get the picture. Budget for needing at least a couple hundred more than you think you need.

    That being said, it's definitely possible to work and go to school. I did during my pre reqs. You'll get frustrated and mad. You probably won't have time for coffee with friends (outside of nursing school buddies who are studying with you). But it is definitely possible. Just plan ahead as much as you can. Like I said, budget some money for those unexpected "life" things, and do your assignments and projects ahead of time.

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    • Expert

    I worked 32 hours per week as an LVN while attending an LPN-to-ASN transition program full-time. It can be done if you manage your time well.

    If I were you, I'd get a job as a waiter/waitress at a high-end steakhouse or country club restaurant. Since the customers at these establishments tend to tip more than average, you could earn anywhere from $10 to $20 per hour in gratuity/tips. It's almost impossible to survive in the real world on minimum wage.

    Good luck to you.

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    You can do it! Working full time minimum wage will leave you with enough money for a couple months - save it! Have you considered being a patient care person on weekends? You make $20/hr and get hands on practice with patients, it's great!

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    It is doable. You will have a lot of adjusting to do and there will be some sacrifices, but you can do it. I worked full time while going to school full time as a single mom. You may find you need to work more than 15 hours per week though. You may realize you have to cut back on social time to work, but just remember, this is temporary and you will have more time free once you get through school.

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