Working while in LVN school

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Greetings folks,

Wondering if anyone has had a job while going to one of the one year private LVN programs?

I'm presently a home health aide for medically "higher maintenance" consumers, presently licensed as an EMT-Basic and phlebotomist though the latter lapsed and I've never worked in it. Planning to become CNA soon and renew my phlebotomy.

What I'm wondering about, is working as a CNA or tech while going to an LVN program.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
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.

I made school my priority also and but decided to work as well. In my LPN class I graduated second in my class and now in my RN class I'm in the top 5. Its not something everyone is able to do but if it is the way someone chooses to do it as in my case because I wasn't willing to ring up a bunch of debt or for those that can't afford to do it any other way I would encourage them to give it a try. More than 50% of both my classes have worked and there was no clear link between working and success rate.

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Specializes in LTC.

I just recently graduated from my pn program. During the first year of the program which wass 6pm-10pm m-th I worked about 30 hours a week. Then for the second half of the program, which was 8-2:30 m-f, I only worked 12 hours a week!! In the beginning I tried to work more hours, but I just couldn't do it. School was just WAY too much work. I definitley started to fall behind so I had to cut down on my hours.

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It sounds as though some programs allow for more abilility to work without affecting academic results. My program has a clear link between work hours and those who don't earn the grades to make it through. Maybe it would be best to have a discussion about this with instructors/advisors in your program. They are the best resource when it comes to particulars like your question, and at least in my program, they are very well aware of the general statistics of student outcomes, etc. Good luck!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
It sounds as though some programs allow for more abilility to work without affecting academic results. My program has a clear link between work hours and those who don't earn the grades to make it through. Maybe it would be best to have a discussion about this with instructors/advisors in your program. They are the best resource when it comes to particulars like your question, and at least in my program, they are very well aware of the general statistics of student outcomes, etc. Good luck!

Good point because all the programs are different but our instuctors were also very anti-work and to hear them tell it in the beginning it was all doom and gloom for those of us that disregarded their warnings, lol. Perhaps that was another reason we were so motivated to make it work.

One thing that I think really worked to my advantage is that since I had virtually no free time to fiddle around I did all my assignments as soon as I got them. I was also forced to stay on top of my readings because I knew I wouldn't ever have a whole day to catch up on my studies.

Whatever we have to do to make it through. :)

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Specializes in Dialysis, Long-term care, Med-Surg.

HI,

My program is 8-4 M-F and I only work two Saturdays a month as a tech in a dialysis center. I have a family, so I really have to juggle my time.

If you are single or have a great support system, maybe you can work a few more hours and still be able to put 30-40 hrs into studying a week.

Hope all ends up well for ya!

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I'm thinking of staying a caregiver/HHA while doing it, and possibly looking for a live-in evening position. Anyone do it this way?

I was thinking of doing CNA in a facility for the experience, but as a live-in caregiver/HHA my rent is covered and I actually get "downtime" for studying in some positions I've worked.

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Its all about what you can do you know yourself better than anyone....I am a single mother getting my LPN and I am a Army Reservist and I work full time and have a 3.67..it can be done, I am not saying I am not tired but I do what I have to in order to survive. Do whats best for you....You know what you can handle and adjust accoordingly.

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Specializes in PN Student.

I go to a full time day program

They suggested working no more then 20 hours a week

I work Saturdays & I would not want to have to work more then that

Good Luck

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Specializes in LTC, office.

When I went to school 16 years ago most of us did work very part time. I worked a couple four hours shifts a week. Looking back, I would have saved myself some stress by just not working. The bit of money I was making wasn't worth it.

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Specializes in Stepdown.

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to put in my:twocents: worth about working while in school. It really depends on the family and the situaion. In my case, I have to work full time. Keep in mind I have two 19yrs olds, 17yrs and a 15yr old. Plus a husband and 3 dogs. Talk about scarificing family.:cry: This benefits not just me but my family. I need to do this for us not just for me!!

Anyway, I can make my schedule flexible. Ofcourse I chose night school and the hours are from 530-10pm (m-th) for the first 9mths. Then, when the second 9mths start (which is clinicals + class room) 430-10pm m-fr. I already know it will be a struggle but if you are determined to be successful we will do what ever it takes. I will study on breaks, I will do my reading ahead and I certainly will be doing homework as soon as I get it. I haven't started yet I wont start unitl Sept. but once I figure out the work load I can plan my study/homework schedule accordingly. Working while in school is not for everyone but I've wanting this for a long time and the time is finally here. No need to be scared now. I will am without a doubt will be an LPN in 2010. :pntlft:We will all shead tears:scrying:, frustration :madface:and may want to quit at times.:banghead: But the prize at the end is what I strive for.:nurse:

:bowingpurGood luck to all of you my future LPNs!:bowingpur

:stdnrsrck:

:flwrhrts:Stephanie (soon 2 be LPN):wink2:

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I'm trying to find a way to work through my lvn program too. My employer won't allow me to work only one day a week, so I have to decide if I'm willing to work full weekends, in addition to being in the program full time. I could also do a 'double' shift once a weekend, but I did that for three months in the past, and it nearly killed me! I wish I could just work one day a week. It would solve all my problems, and I would be looking forward to school starting so much more! I hope something works out..

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I'll be working weekends while in LPN school. I think it just depends on how bad you want it and how hard you're willing to work. I know lots of people who have worked part time while in nursing school and they had A's too.

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