Working while in Nursing School

[ashleymel3]

Have any of you worked while in Nursing school and if so, do you have any tips on how you managed?

[Elizabeth777, BSN, RN]

I sure did. I had a CNA job 24 hours per week, as well as a part-time nanny position. I couldn't afford not to work, as I refused to take out any loans for my degree.

You just have to learn how to make the most of your studying time and become a master scheduler. I don't know how long you need to study, so I can't say if this would work for you. Everyone has to find what's right for them.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

plan, plan, plan. Did I say, plan? first get as much out of the way before actual nursing studies begin. if you have any issues learning, ie, neuro type things, get them addressed. Get yourself in good health, and keep those habits. good luck

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I worked 32 hours a week as an LVN at a nursing home while attending an LPN-to-ASN transition program full-time.

I always had Monday through Friday off from work because I worked the 16-hour weekend double schedule of 6:00am to 10:00pm every Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, my 32-hour work week was compressed into two weekend days.

Since I had Monday through Friday off, I could focus on school.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I worked as a CNA during nursing school. I changed from full time to per diem, and it worked out because I had the option to work evenings and weekends (had no trouble getting shifts). When school was busy, I scheduled fewer shifts to work. During breaks, I worked a lot to earn more money.

The combo of flexibile scheduling plus non standard working hours made it the ideal job. The only drawback was the low pay.