Working while in LVN school

Jules A, MSN · Mar 27, 2008

I went to a community college but I worked at least 30 hours a week through LPN and now RN school Good luck.

chesara · Mar 27, 2008

My program is a year long and starts tomorrow. At orientation they really put the fear in us that we shouldn't work while in school. I don't think that is a realistic expectation for a lot of people. There are many people who don't have financial aid or the ability to go through school without an income. I'm married and we still need the extra income, although I'm not employed right now. I recently got my CNA and was hoping to do something with it while in school because I'm going to have to pay for my classes without financial aid. I sort of resented the instructors telling us not to work although I understand they are just letting us know how demanding the program is going to be. I think it depends on the person and their study habits. So I still plan to find a job but I too am wondering if it's doable to work at least part-time and still make good grades. I'm also guessing not all programs are the same so that probably has a lot to do with a person's success too.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 28, 2008

It also irritates me that they feel they have a right to tell people that they can't work and be successful. I could have quit work and lived off savings but sheesh I was almost 40 years old when I started LPN school no way was I going to lose a whole year of income.

I have seen some students without jobs struggle so I would imagine having a job wouldn't be feasible for them but for me it hasn't ever been a problem. In both my LPN and RN class the students that work get grades as good if not better than those that don't work.

I'd down play it until they know you are a good student thats what I did and I never heard a peep from them. I have found that if they think you are a sure thing when it comes to passing NCLEX the first time they don't hassle you too much. Good luck!

Fiona59 · Mar 28, 2008

Personally, I didn't. But that was a choice that I made with my husband and kids. I financed my education with student loans.

Having said that, many of my classmates worked. Most found that working Saturday and Sunday full day shifts was better than a couple of short shifts during the week. Most picked up their jobs during second semester when the LTC facilities we had done clinicals started asking us to work for them.

Browneyes98 · Mar 28, 2008

I am 3/4 of the way through my year long LPN program and I have worked part time with no problem. It all depends on how much time you put into your studies on your days off. Also it helps if you have a health care back ground. I have been a CNA for almost ten years so that has helped me to understand the material as we review each section, but if you have never worked in health care setting, then you might find it a bit more challenging. I recommend you see what kind of homework load and expectations you will have and then see if you can manage a work schedule in there. Good Luck with your program!! :up:

fascinoma · Mar 28, 2008

I'm actually really scared because I have ADHD and have struggled even to go to school part time while working part time. But, I don't have a choice in this case. Am just hoping I can have enough of a support system in place.

mrsraisinkain · Mar 28, 2008

At orientation my school told us that those who worked full time would have more of a struggle, but not that it would be impossible. I myself am also funding my education with private loans because with a husband and two kids I don't think I could handle a job.

newbie26 · Mar 28, 2008

It's pretty hard but it is possible. I started out full time in the fall but now only work 16 hours a week. My job isn't that flexible. If the agency your with is flexible I don't see a problem in working at least part time

AngelKisses · Mar 29, 2008

hi there,

i'm working and in an lpn program at a private school. i work 30 hours a week. and i'm not working as a cna or a tech, either, it's at a job i've had for a few years. good luck to you, it's hard to work while in school but it can definately be done!! :typing

MisMatch, LPN · Mar 31, 2008

I'm actually really scared because I have ADHD and have struggled even to go to school part time while working part time. But, I don't have a choice in this case. Am just hoping I can have enough of a support system in place.

I am also ADHD, almost finished my first semester in LPN clinicals at a community college, currently have an "A", and work 15 hours a week as a nursing assistant in an assisted living facility. Oh, and I'm 51 y/o!

My biggest challenges with ADHD are organization and time management, so have to work hard to overcome these challenges. Find support to help you in these areas (if they challenge you). There are many advantages to ADHD - we are very creative, empathetic and "out of the box thinkers" (ie:good critical thinkers).

Working as a nursing assistant helps me reinforce my skills & learning.

Best of luck to you!

amjowens · Apr 2, 2008

I'm a CNA, and thought I'd work on a contingent basis, but since I started my LPN program in Jan, I've not worked. I get financial aid, and choose to live frugally for a year. I'm seeing this time as a major investment in my future, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep school my priority.

I feel for the students in my class who work while attending school. Although in theory getting high grades is possible while doing both in the LPN program, in my program grades clearly reflect those who work and don't. As a matter of fact, there have been students who have already dropped out, and they are the ones who tried to work full-time.

I highly recommend financial aid and downsizing in any way possible. As I look at it, it's only a year.