Working while in Nursing Program

RunBabyRN · May 21, 2014

You'll have to figure that one out for yourself. You'll figure out what your workload is with school and how much work interferes and go from there. Some jobs are more flexible than others. I know about half of our class worked while in the program, but few of them had kids (not sure if you do or not). I tried, but my boss wasn't very understanding about my need to cut back my hours, so I had to quit. It's really just going to depend on your situation.

Angelica322 · May 21, 2014

Dezi919,

Do you have the pre-reqs done? I am in my 30's and I started last fall with my pre-reqs. In order to apply in my area I need to have Eng 101, Into to Psych, Intro to Stats and A & P 1. Last fall I started with one class (Eng 101) just to get used to it. I went twice a week at night. Then this past semester I took English 102 (fully online) and A&P 1 (Friday night from 530-1145pm). I recommend taking A & P alone if you work full time because I got a C+ and I really needed a B. This summer (as of next week) I will be taking Sociology online (its part of the pre reqs in general) and possibly Intro to stats at night. I am registered for A&P 2 this fall for friday nights and Intro to Psych. So...it can be done but once I get accepted into the program I can only take one nursing class at a time so that alone will take 2 years (1 class per semester, no summer allowed). Good luck! You can do it!

DeAnnaDanley · May 27, 2014

I think it would depend on what kind of job you have and how the nursing program is set up.

I am a paramedic, so I have some flexibility with my schedule. I work night shift from 6pm to 6am, 3 nights one week and 4 nights the next week. I have already looked at the schedules for the nursing classes I will be taking, starting in the fall. Class generally starts around 8a and clinicals begin at 7a. Fortunately, I have a wonderful husband who is very supportive and great with money, so we have arranged things over the past year to allow for me to drop from full-time work to part-time work while I am in school if needed.

So, it all depends on the schedule and your support system!

Dezi919 · May 27, 2014

I am done with prerequisites and am 19 at the time. I was wondering about working while in the program. My schools nursing program does 2-3 classes per semester but no summer. It is a tough program and I heard that it was one of the best in Illinois where I live. Thanks for the info! Good luck on getting your pre-reqs done and getting in the program!

navarrofutureRN · May 27, 2014

I'm in my third semester and have worked full time and passing with very good grades. For me I don't have a choice I'm an older non traditional student, meaning I'm a guy in the nursing program instead of the welding program. I have a mortgage , car payments , kids in high school and jr high. Once you start, figure out how much time this program will take and how much you have to study. I don't have to study a lot cause I have been in health care for many many years and it is stuff u have all heard before so it gives me more time to work. I only work week ends so it allows me sleep time and time for the family, but I'm committed to weekends and that's when all the good stuff is happening but you do what you have to so that you finish and graduate.. So feel out your first semester and make adjustments as you go concerning work and play. GOOD LUCK!!!

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · May 27, 2014

I'm in my third semester and have worked full time and passing with very good grades. For me I don't have a choice I'm an older non traditional student, meaning I'm a guy in the nursing program instead of the welding program. I have a mortgage , car payments , kids in high school and jr high. Once you start, figure out how much time this program will take and how much you have to study. I don't have to study a lot cause I have been in health care for many many years and it is stuff u have all heard before so it gives me more time to work. I only work week ends so it allows me sleep time and time for the family, but I'm committed to weekends and that's when all the good stuff is happening but you do what you have to so that you finish and graduate.. So feel out your first semester and make adjustments as you go concerning work and play. GOOD LUCK!!!

I had to work while in the program at my school as well. I was a single mom with four kids. It's great if you don't have to work, but completely doable if you do. It is also possible to get excellent grades while working and in school. Figure out your learning style early on and make the most of it. Good luck!