Working while in NP school

allnurses Guide · Jun 16, 2016

You are making a big investment in your future, both with time and money. It is in your best interest to devote as much time as possible to your education and learning your new role.

Most NP programs ramp up. Your first semester will often have less than 100-200 hours of clinical plus class the next semester 100-200+ hours then next semester 200-400+ the next 400-600+. If you need to work plan on front loading it so you can work less later on, but again, you are investing a lot, take advantage and work as little as possible.

gelli.25 · Jun 17, 2016

Working only once a week for 8 hours should definitely be feasible, but everything's relative of course. I've read lots of threads where people start off as part-time/prn, however, they end up quitting their jobs as the program progresses. Anyways, I wish I could have that once a week (8-hour) schedule :-). By any means, if you're financially adequate to do that, do it! I agree with the previous poster (PP), devote as much time as possible to your education and new role.

I'm starting as a full-time FNP student this upcoming fall as well. However, I will be working 3 days a week (10-hour shifts), which is considered full-time. So, I'll have 4 days off. I plan to keep this schedule throughout my program, but we shall see how things go. I am paying everything out of pocket and using my employer's tuition reimbursement, which is why I've decided to work max 30 hours. I don't plan on having any loans once I've completed my NP program in 2 years. I also don't have any kids, so that makes things a lot easier as far as study time and clinical. I also have a TON of PTO that I'll use on certain occasions when necessary.

Again, if you're financially able to work as less as possible, do it! Good Luck! :-)

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2016

Does your school start out with clinicals right away? Mine take two or three semesters before they start students in clinicals.

Lisa.fnp · Jun 18, 2016

I worked full time '36 hours 3/12s' as a travel nurse when I did my FNP program. I went to a brick & motar University. I worked t,f,s or a f,s,s night 7p 7a. So it's very doable. I worked for AMN nursing travel company in state and within 200 miles of home and the university. I loved my assignments and worked at great hospitals in their truama ICU Units. Choosing to work every weekend, they loved it and I loved it. I was given a consistent schedule with the highest pay and sign on bonuses. It opened up new clinicals sights and working weekends never interfered with clinicals or classes for you will not be successful trying to get clinical hours on the weekends so you might as well work. I was busy and between quarters going to school I timed it to have work off or at least the weekends to keep myself going. I needed the money, health insurance and I figured out real quick how to make it all work. Today I'm back in school in a DNP online program and a full-time working FNP.

You can do it.

Side note; I didn't do any clinical hours until my 3rd quarter through and including quarter 8... 6 quarters total of clinicals attaining 180 hours per.

csrn2011 · Jun 19, 2016

One 8 hour shift sounds practical. I work weekend option - 2 12 hour shifts. 1st semester I also worked 2 10 hour shifts. Last semester I had to cut back on my PRN position where I work 10 hour shifts. I think by my final semester I may have to quit my PRN position all together because I will have so many clinical hours to complete

bbcewalters, NP · Jun 20, 2016

This is absolutely doable. I am in my last year of full time FNP study. I have had clinicals every semester. I work full time Sat/Sun 12 hours and one 8 during the week. I also have two 12 hour clinical days during the week. I have 2 kiddos, and a hubby that works nights.....It is busy and difficult, but you can surely do it with just one 8 hour day......

This is a huge advantage when looking for clinical sites because you are completely flexible on your hours....

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jun 30, 2016

If it is financially feasible, I say go for it. As others have said you are making a big investment to your future career and in my opinion, school comes first.

I currently work full-time and I wanted to go part-time or PRN, especially once clinicals start in January but my job won't allow either :/