Working while in Nursing School

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Hi guys I need some help. I was in Nur 108 Fundamentals March of last year. I failed the class by 3 points. I worked 37 hours a week. I was just wondering what you guys think I should do about my work schedule while in school. My husband and I have bills and we just got an extra bill beacause my husband is in default with his students loans, so we are making payments for the next 10 months until he is out of default. I was just wondering do anybody think its impossible to do this 8 week class and work 37 hours. The class is 8 weeks long and I plan on taking a week off from work during this 8 week class. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

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Specializes in Mostly geri :).

I'd see if there were any loans or grants you can take out, ASAP! Don't buy anything you don't need in the meantime. If you need x amount of dollars a week and it requires working 37 hours a week............and your husband isn't willing to work any extra hours to help(they are his student loan bills, not to sound like a witch, but I would so not be having that).....then you must. If you have paid time off, take it. Are you taking this class independently of others, whereas before you were taking it with a bunch of other ones? THAT will sure make it easier. As will having had the material before. My advice if you must work full time: study as much as you're able to beforehand, that way you won't have to do as much when you're in class and working. Drink lots of coffee, friend. Good luck :smilecoffeeIlovecof

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Specializes in PACU.

I worked for while about 60 hours a week while in school . . .it was too much. Then I found another job and worked about 30. It is doable, but see if you can do an adjustment. If you have to work that much . . .then life becomes work and school, work and school, with a little sleep mixed in occasionally. I gave up my life while in school . . but it was worth it now when I look back.

Good Luck!

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I can't take out any loans right now. That is not an option. My husband is working extra hours he is working two full time jobs, he is paying his own student loans, but we both pay bills in the house so that is an unexpected bill that just came up. My husband is a full time teacher and he works at night. I am taking this class this time around by itself, the first time I took the class I had it with two other classes.

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Hi. There's no easy way to make this happen for you, but lets start with some fundamentals. The very last thing you want is an "F" on a transcript. It's difficult to transition while paying off debt and working, but not impossible, it just takes longer. Do not tackle too much, even if it takes longer. There are no good shortcuts. Get yourself into a better financial situation first, read and study ahead, then take classes, or if you're ABSOLUTELY certain, maybe an easy one. Just don't let the clock push you into taking on too much. Bad for your transcript, marriage and life. Make a plan with small achievable goals and celebrate each one as they're completed. You'll get there!

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It probably won't be fun, but definitely not impossible. Hopefully, the material won't be totally new to you..so that's a plus.

You're really gonna have to make the most of your time for those eight weeks. Review what you did in class every day--doesn't have to be really in depth, but just keep it fresh in your mind. Take notecards with you to work and look over them when you have free time. Walk things through in your head.. if you miss a step or can't remember something, make it a point to go over it more thoroughly when you can. Practice skills on your husband & make it fun because it will help you remember. Don't let yourself get behind and don't stress out too much.. just keep telling yourself, it's only 8 weeks. You can get through it and pass!

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Thanks, my husband is very supportive and is doing everything he can to help. I still have all my notes and everything from the first time I took fundamentals, I really didn't do that bad on the the test. I failed one test and that resulted in me failing the class. I have already started reading since I know how much work is involved I want to get a head start since I know what to expect from this class. I do have some paid time off so I am going to try and take two weeks off. If I have to I will take my sick time, whatever I have to do to be successful in this class.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

I worked for every semester of nursing school except for this past semester, which was supposed to be the hardest. I mean, I feel like if you feel like you can handle it without work taking a toll on your grades, then go for it! It is doable, especially if you don't really have an option. I would definitely try to keep it under like 25 hours though, just remember what your working towards..

37 hours imo is WAY TOO MUCH to work while a full time nursing student! I mean, realistically it just doesnt offer you the time to study, get homework done, the papers, projects that are required in your free time when you are out of class. I started to see this happening to me this last semester because it was too much things I had to do and not enough time, even though I was only working 20-30 hours a week. Grades will start to suffer, and in the long run, come the last semester when that exit exam creeps up it can catch up to you.

Not really sure what to say as of a solution, I know you have to work, and can't take out loans, so I would try to apply for as many grants and scholarships as possible.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Also, perhaps you could get a job in the healthcare setting. I have some classmates that are techs or sitters, and if you work in a slow unit, you can actually spend your shift reading and studying. That way you can be making money while making good grades! :)

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what are the requirements to be a tech?

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

In my area, I believe you have to be in good standing at your university and have completed 1 semester of nursing school. IDK if there are any gpa requirements, but check out some job postings nearby online and see what requirements are specific for that agency.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

It is definitely do-able. I work around 30 hours a week and have kept my grades up. I could probably do full time and do the same if needed. I feel for you and many other nursing students who have to work to pay bills. I am working because I can't stand not having a job, I'd be bored out of my mind just going to school. My advice for you is just to go the extra mile in your studying, even if you're tired. Take a little break and get back at it. I always say that I'll do anything for the grade which has gotten me to do all-nighters, just whatever it takes.

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