Working while in nursing School

HandsOffMySteth · Jan 16, 2020

Many people do, but I would be careful it does not interfere. You will be putting a lot of added stress on yourself, and it can cut into study time. Some nursing programs will not allow you to work ,so check with the them first.

If you decide to work, make sure that school comes first. They aren't going to let you go home early because you got to work. Sometimes it's better to work after you get into the program a bit because you may be able to pick up a nurse tech or LPN. Getting a part time job with those credentials will help with experience and will look good on a resume.

16BitSalt, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2020

I worked full time for my first year of nursing school, I'm in my last semester now. It's very doable, but it's extremely difficult and stressful. I was fortunate enough to have an employer that has a policy of "school schedule over work schedule" so I was able to arrange my hours accordingly. For my first semester I worked nights and then went to my evening classes, and for my second semester I did early mornings (6a-2:30p) and then class (4p-9p), did evening shifts on the weekend, and I scheduled my day off work when I had clinical. I only had one day off from both work and class every week, so studying was difficult unless my unit was quiet (inpatient psych) and I could get some studying done at work. If you need to work for financial reasons like many students, you can absolutely do it, but I won't lie, it's not fun.

BagelBomber, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2020

I've worked full-time throughout and will graduate in May. My schedule is as follows:

M-F: work 0800-1700

Tu and Th: class 1800-2100

Sat and Sun: clincal (times vary based on the class)

If you have children (single mom of a 12 year old boy, here), that makes it a bit more difficult to plan, study, and do well. But- it's doable. The most important things (imho) are to prioritize your time appropriately, stay organized (MY PLANNER IS MY BEST FRIEND), and remember the endgame is worth your effort. The most difficult thing (again...imho) is finding time to eat things that aren't terrible for my body. I love pretzels, an apple, or some celery with almond butter, and recently I've done a much better job at packing for a full day, but....every now and then, it's a Subway Club for dinner.

ML_RN, LVN, RN · Jul 8, 2020

@BagelBomber CONGRATS on your graduation!

I was wondering if you can tell me what program you attended to have evening and weekend flex hours? I too am looking for a program to attend while I work full time.

BagelBomber, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2020

1 hour ago, Tinamina said:
@BagelBomber CONGRATS on your graduation!
I was wondering if you can tell me what program you attended to have evening and weekend flex hours? I too am looking for a program to attend while I work full time.

Thank you! I went to the Community College of Baltimore County. The Essex campus offers an evening/weekend program, but they only do admissions every Fall (the day programs have both Spring and Fall starts).