Working and being in the OCC ADN Program

a_damsel · Mar 30, 2009

i couldn't imagine working during foundations with the massive workload we had, but many people worked then and continue to work to this day. i can't attest to what degree they passed (A vs. B-), but they passed. now that things have calmed down, 4 cr. classes (aka. i've learned the ropes, so to speak), i could see myself working 20h max. per week if i really had to.

my suggestion to you is to keep your hours as it is, and test the waters. determine how well you can juggle the workload. if things start to overwhelm you the slightest bit, lower your hrs immediately. there are enough points in foundation that if you see yourself slipping, you can bring your grades back up with hard work. good luck.

dwern31 · Mar 31, 2009

I agree with a damsel. Try it out and see how it goes. I am currently in Foundations and I work, have 3 kids and I currently have an A in the class. I can say I have no social life, don't see my family much, and don't get a lot of sleep but I am managing and still doing well in school. Unfortunately, I have to work to help pay the bills. I also have a very supportive husband who makes the kids school lunches, helps them with their homework, and even does the laundry. That definitely helps. I do limit my work schedule to 1-2 days during the week (8 hour shifts) and every other weekend. I work in an assisted living facility so besides needing the income I don't want to give up the valuable experience I am getting as well. I am also the type of person who manages my time better when I have a lot going on and I excel under pressure. So it also depends on the type of person you are as well as your other obligations and support system.

I wish you luck! Even with the stress I love the nursing program at OCC so far.

akarn2011 · Apr 2, 2009

Hello, I am a newbie and have a question about taking the pharm class over the summer. Do you suggest taking the 7 week or the 15 week? I know the 15 week would overlap with the Fundamentals.......Thanks for the help.

a_damsel · Apr 2, 2009

take it in the summer [7 weeks], it will lighten your workload in the fall, which you will be grateful for when the time comes.

akarn2011 · Apr 2, 2009

Thanks, one more question I just saw they offer the same class in 15 weeks this summer. It will cost me in daycare but is it worth it? 7-8 or 15? Thanks again.

a_damsel · Apr 3, 2009

the 7 week class is very doable. plus, once you are done you'll have the rest of the summer to yourself [which you will be thankful for when school starts]. there's no reason to drag out the class for 15 weeks and have to pay for daycare also. save yourself time and money. just buckle down for those 7 weeks and you should do well.

akarn2011 · Apr 3, 2009

I can not tell you how nice it is to have advice from someone who has "been there done that". Thank you again. I am so excited to get started with all of this. At 35 and 3 kids later I'm going to really get a degree and hopefully be a nurse! You may hear from me again, just never know what I'll worry about next. Have a great and blessed day!