working part time while attending school

Shorty11, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2012

At my university, we are expected to be avaliable for clinical spots from 6am to 6pm two weekdays, every week...besides lecture times in the mornings and early afternoons on the other weekdays. So I'm not sure that you would be able to work in the afternoon (at least not a Monday through Friday, every afternoon, type office job) Although every school is different, I would check into the program that you are entering into and see what kind of time requirements you are expected to commit to. I work part time at a retail store on weekends and nights and that is definitely doable, but in my program most weekday mornings and afternoons are filled by lecture or clinical times. Best of luck!

tyvin, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2012

I worked nights in a 4 star restaurant. Waiting on tables is what made nursing so easy for me. After handling some of those snobs at the restaurant the patients were nothing. People don't realize how hard waiting on tables is. Also, only having to pull 4 to 5 hours shifts...and the tips.

How are you going to work days? In my program I was in school from the morning until late afternoon every week day. It will depend on the nursing program's schedule.

Bojamashell · Jun 12, 2012

I'm going through the RN evening program at my school. It's not a university. But I have a family to provide for, so I work fulltime days and will attend class in the evenings and do clinicals on weekends. No university offers non-traditional class times so I have to do it this way. After finishing my A.A.S of Nursing (and my A.A. liberal studies for transfer issues), I will enroll in an RN-BSN program at the university I want to attend, which is only 9 months and is flexible. So I can work as an RN, still providing for my family (as an RN instead of the job I have now) and complete my BSN coursework.

I've heard it's difficult, but not impossible. Although many people react to this as if I'm out of my mind. Maybe I am, but I am called to be a nurse and I still need to take care of my family in the process, so I'll make it possible for me. :)

MyMystudentRN · Jun 12, 2012

im going through the exact samething right now weighing my options. i start school next semester and im thinking of either working as an lvn in a ltc part-time (ive done this before while in lvn school) or take it easy and work in a restaurant while waitressing like tyvin did (ive done waitressing before and i didnt think it was that stressful) so if im going for the money (i still have to pay bills) ill go for the ltc but if im going for less time working but still making decent wages ill go for the waitressing job. im still confused and dont know what to do. keep us updated on what you decide! good luck

♑ Capricorn ♑ · Jun 12, 2012

My opinion, no. I personally wouldn't do it. Something would have to give. Not saying, you couldn't do it or can, because its possible. If its something you must do, then there are no choices. If you do have choices, try something else maybe.

Heaven0214 · Jun 12, 2012

I have between in the nursing program one year now... I began working two 12 hour shifts on weekends and having 8 hour school days monday thru thursday... with a family at home it was too much. I cut back a day and have been doing a twelve every saturday and it's still rough. I said I wouldn't quit my job unless my grades suffered and I had to. I took out loans to replace my income. I get almost the same amount I was making full time before I began so we haven't had trouble with money. School is stressful enough and there is no time to worry about money. I said I'd do whatever it took just to get thru school. I'm in a diploma program and they are pretty intense. I took out a total of 23000 for my two years, which ends up being like buying a car... That is always an option... Just remember. Do what you have to to get thru school. It's only a couple years then you're done and working as a nurse!

2bNurseCai · Jun 13, 2012

I totally understand what you're up against. I've spent the last two years in school full time doing pre reqs while working full time as well. Now I'm about to start nursing in the fall and I'm still going to work full time. Its not always a choice we have to make; bills pile up and you have to find a way to make thing work. I firmly believe that you will succeed in both areas as long as you manage your time, stay organized, and know when to take a breather. Good luck!