Working while in nursing program?

dopestethoscope · Dec 21, 2012

Thank you for all the replies! I am definitely proud of all of you! Now I know that if push comes to shove I could definitely work and do school. You all will be in my prayers, and I hope you become successful! Thank you again for the insight!

bpilko111 · Dec 21, 2012

I believe that it truly depends on the individual them self. I worked 35 hours a week serving tables while going through my LPN program. Now, I am in the LPN to RN bridge program (with only 1 semester left!) and I am working full time still (three 13 hour shifts/week). I do not have kids, but am engaged and have a home to keep together. My fiancé is Rey supportive and helps out wherever possible. My biggest issue was not grades, but getting to spend time with my future hubby. We have manipulated our schedules to the best of our abilities, but still don't get as muh time together as we would like (and we live together lol)...but hey, we realize that I'll be done soon, and it IS worth it. There are many people in my class that do not work or only work 10 or so hours a week because it is just too much for them. I think of it as a system of checks and balances, priorities, and time management :-)

strawberryluv, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2012

I don't work..I feel like I should but its just too much for me. My mom says I should stay home

and study because she would be upset if my grades started to slip because I wanted

some pocket money :/

I figure I will pay her back for housing me when I finish nursing school and land a job. ^^

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 21, 2012

you are the only one who knows what you are capable of doing. I worked full time, but did not have children or husband to consider.

going4theko, ADN, BSN · Dec 21, 2012

I just finished my first semester of nursing school (I'm in the ADN program at Westchester Community College). I also work full time as a front desk agent at a nearby hotel. It is difficult but not impossible and it defintely helps you learn good time-management skills (which is crucial for a nurse). I don't really have much of a social life but when I do have a little bit of free time I make sure to spend it with family and my boyfriend. My friends are very understanding and know that I'm not purposely ignoring them LOL. I need to work full time because I live on my own and rent needs to get paid :lol2: ! It's not an easy road but as long as you remain focused on your goal, you can do it!

AuS10 · Dec 22, 2012

Hey! Like you said, everyone is different. I unfortunatly am one of those people who has had to work part-time through out nursing school. I still do well in my BSN program, BUT I know that I would have done better if I had not been working. My schedule at work is set one month in advance. Depending on when I had clinicals and when tests were, sometimes I had to work the night before an exam. I work a 4 pm- 11 pm shift at a local hospital clinic. If you have to work, plan ahead. Look at when exams are. Give yourself enough study time. Don't over do it. If you start to not do well on tests or skills and you meet with the instructor, one of the first things they will ask is how much are you studying and how often do you work. It is very do-able, you just have to be smart about it. IF you plan ahead, stay on top of your school schedule with tests, assignments and clinicals- i'm sure you will manage just fine! Good Luck!

Denroc72, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APN · Dec 22, 2012

When I was in LPN school, I was a stay at home mother who attended class during the evenings and studied in the late hours. This worked really well for me at the time. By the time I started my RN program, I had just received a promotion at work as a manager. I remember a fellow peer asking me "Do you think it's wise to start nursing school when you are trying to learn your new job role?" Pure motivation for me. That was back in 2009, and just this week, I passed my boards while still holding the same job position (full-time), but with more responsibility.

The pros of working while attending nursing school would definitely be the income earned and the ability to gain experience (if you work in a healthcare field). The cons of working while in nursing school would be the sacrifice of free time, meeting assignment deadlines, having the energy to study and retain info, and having to incorporate clinical hours into your already busy schedule. In the end, you have to know your limitations. It is important to be able to multitask, tolerate stress, have a support system, minimize procrastination, and take occasional breaks. It all comes down to what you want and what is necessary.

Denroc72

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 2012

I just finished my first semester and did not work...my husband is supporting me and we moved back into my mom's house to save on bills. I finished with an A, but I did enjoy a social life along with school...something many classmates who worked did not enjoy. I was actually thinking about getting a PT job to help out because I know I could manage it, but I have been told the program only gets harder and I want to focus. Many people in my program work, and do just fine. It definitely is manageable.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Dec 24, 2012

I work in the OR as a scrub tech and I work 45 hours a week. I am in a part time nursing program so that probably makes a difference. We have class and clinicals at night and on the weekends. I don't have an option, I have to work and it is doable. I don't have much of a life but it's just for a few years. It's worth it to me.

NEOLUV · Dec 28, 2012

I work 40+ hours a week and i am starting my last semester in january. It is doable, but exhausting. I have no choice but to work fulltime and go to nursing school. So far my grades have been good, not stellar.. But good. If you have to work and attwnd nursing school, organization is key.

NEOLUV · Dec 28, 2012

I work 40+ hours a week and i am starting my last semester in january. It is doable but exhausting. I have no choice but to work fulltime and go to nursing school. So far my grades have been good, not stellar.. But good. If you have to work and attwnd nursing school, organization is key.[/quote']
Oh... And my fulltime job is night shift 11pm to 7 am in a hotel. I do get alot of study time at this job. That has helped tremendously.

idani, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 28, 2012

Has anyone ever worked while completing an accelerated BSN program?