Working 48 hours a week

k_girl153 · Jul 20, 2012

My classmate had that schedule during our first year. He was finishing up his emt while he was in nursing. If your experience is anything like his, its not the ideal schedule. He was consistently late in school and almost failed both semesters. He did manage to pull through by the skin of his teeth though.

Wishing u better luck!

MJeanRN · Jul 21, 2012

I'm not saying it's not possible, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it.

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2012

Hey guys and girls. Got a question about working while in school.
I just finished my general education requirements and will begin the ASN program this Fall. I am an EMT Basic. I worked 48 hours a week through my gen-eds taking 7 credit hours each semester. I'm at work twice a week - we work (2) 24 hour shifts.
Our program is 9 cr hours a semester. I'll be in class two days a week taking Pharm, Fundamentals, and two clinicals. Has anyone else worked a schedule similar to this while in nursing school? What was your experience?
Thanks!

I have a friend who is an EMT and she took on three classes along with a 24 hour shift last semester. She was able to manage BUT she was also able to study on her downtime from work.

Is this an option for you?

jhopper · Jul 21, 2012

Our call volume is moderate, so we tend to have downtime between calls. I frequently study at work. However, one problem I am facing is that my manager has scheduled me to work the day before clinicals, so I will be going in for clinicals fresh off a 24 hour shift.

fyre12v · Jul 21, 2012

Our call volume is moderate, so we tend to have downtime between calls. I frequently study at work. However, one problem I am facing is that my manager has scheduled me to work the day before clinicals, so I will be going in for clinicals fresh off a 24 hour shift.

I have the same problem,I'm starting this fall and I'm working 3/12's (fri-Sunday 6pm -630 am)...my clinicals are every Monday's & Tuesday's from 8am-430pm....how did you pull it off ?

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2012

Our call volume is moderate, so we tend to have downtime between calls. I frequently study at work. However, one problem I am facing is that my manager has scheduled me to work the day before clinicals, so I will be going in for clinicals fresh off a 24 hour shift.

I am not sure about your clinicals, but we have to go the day before and do pt research...

jhopper · Jul 21, 2012

frye12v: For the last 4 semesters I've worked a similar schedule. Going to school directly after work that is. My employer is very supportive and has always accomodated me. I have taken midterms and finals fresh off a 24 with no sleep.

Another issue is that my school has a policy against working 12 hours before clinicals. I will be breaking this policy. How much should I worry about this?

Annachu512, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2012

You probably should worry. Some schools have no tolerance for breaking rules such as that. I can understand that rule - I honestly would not want someone who just worked such a long time come in and take care of me. There are just too many mistakes that can be made rather quickly.

Could you move your work schedule since your employer is accommodating? If the school finds out, they might even kick you out of the program. Some schools are that strict..

sandyfeet · Jul 23, 2012

frye12v:
Another issue is that my school has a policy against working 12 hours before clinicals. I will be breaking this policy. How much should I worry about this?

I would also be worried about this. In your first semester they follow rules to a T and watch you like a hawk. Knowingly breaking a rule could be considered "poor judgement" and you don't want that stamped on your back right off the bat.

jhopper · Jul 23, 2012

I hope to change this schedule in October, but like I said I've been working this schedule for the last 4 semesters. I remember taking my A&P 1 final after a 24 hour shift with no sleep. Somehow I pulled of an 88% on that test. What kind of challenges might I face going to clinicals while fatigued?

Matt's Girl · Jul 23, 2012

1. You will be administering medication 2. You will be calculating dosaging 3. You may have Careplans, if that's the case you'll pick your patients and go home and spend the majority of your day writing a report that prepares you to care for them the following day. Take a moment and think about what you want to do. If you were taking care of my family member and I found out you'd been up for 30 hours I would report you to the state board of nursing.