Working during Nursing School?

colleennurse, ASN, RN · Dec 15, 2005

There are a lot of threads on this topic and there are many of us who work full time and go to school AND get good/decent grades. It sounds like you finished all of your pre-req's so how many credit hours are you going to be taking each semester? I finished my pre-req's before getting into the program and the nursing classes alone are 8 credit hours per semester. I have worked full time all the way through and I am going to be starting my last semester in January. If you have the drive it is doable. It also depends on what other responsibilities you have and if you have support persons. I know that I have sacraficed a few things along the way, such as seeing friends and cleaning my apartment:rotfl: but I get through and I earn pretty good grades. Each person requires a different amount of study time, the general rule is 2 hours of study for each class hour or credit hour. So for instance when I am registered 8 credit hours, I should be studying around 16 hours a week. That sounds insane, but actually if you do some everyday and maybe on your day off you do a few extra hours, you do it without really realizing it. Also some content is easier than others, so while you may not spend a lot of time on one topic, you may need to spend extra time on other topics. I think that the key thought is...how bad do you want it, if you have the determination, then anything is possible! And believe it or not, I still find some time to relax or go see a movie, you have to do those things too or you would lose your mind Good luck!

adamsmom · Dec 15, 2005

I work weekend option at a LTC facility. They also are paying for my school. I work 6:30-7A on Fridays and Saturdays so I have time to rest and study on Sundays.

hdorsey · Dec 15, 2005

Try to work on a contingent basis! I just had Psych & Ob this semester ending & I could not work hardly @ all...school 4 days/wk plus studying. good luck with your decision.

JR816, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2005

I work 4 nights a week at a local restaraunt. Most of the girls in my class don't work, but that it not an option for me. After next semester, I plan to work as a PCT. Some of the girls in my class do this. I can work 7-7; three days a week, and make the same amount of money. And it will be a learning experience. I look forward to making the job change.

IrishItalianRN · Dec 15, 2005

I still havnt heard anything about the jobs i applied for online... im still hoping though. Hearing people say they are working and making good grades still is helping my anxiety about this... thanks :uhoh21:

CRNAhopefulguy · Dec 16, 2005

working two jobs, actually worked a full time job pulling third shift, class full time during the day, and then a part time job on the weekend and lets just say, burnout and it doesn't pay to do it. ended up screwing myself with the grades and learned my lesson. now i still work both jobs, but only a total of 40 at most a week. do what most people do, do class during the week and maximize ur weekends doing 12 hr shifts or doubles. then u can study during the week and focus on that and then theweekend is kinda like work and thats all. sometimes ull just not want to do anything once the weekend is over, but ull get use to it tho.

stressgal, RN · Dec 16, 2005

I work on call, contingent, and tutor 16 hours a week. I chose the tutoring job since it is on campus and helps reinforce my studying, but I don't make as much money. A trade off I decided I could live with.

Many folks in my program MUST work, and manage. But it is not easy. It can be done, but as one of my instructors reminds us constantly, expect a grade lower for each outside commitment you have.

I would suggest trying it, work the least amount of hours needed. I know our program will allow leave of absences for a quarter if it's warranted, taking a quarter or two off is much easier once being accepted. Beats having to reapply to a program and get on a possible waiting list.

Good luck.

IrishItalianRN · Dec 16, 2005

im looking for a couple of on call type jobs, in fact i just got a call today for a job interview that is nights 5-930 and rotating Saturdays. This would work out well and then i could still work at the VA hospital if they called me to work in between. Cross your fingers. My interview is next week!

Future_Nurse_Natalie · Dec 16, 2005

I work in the skills lab at school so basically I am getting paid to get really good at my skills by tutoring them. I work about 10 hours a week, am currently taking 17 credit hours, and when I get home I crack open the books for a few hours. I get all A's and B's. It is possible to work but I would suggest not working any more than 10 hours a week.

IrishItalianRN · Dec 17, 2005

Thanks!

DEEJAECEE · Dec 20, 2005

I work about 16 hours a week and am pulling A's and B's.