Working and Pre-Reqs

I didn't work throughout my Pre-req classes I had a lot of savings to make it through, however I'm in nursing school and working 20 hours a week now. Bummer, but you have to do what you have to. In my case it really has made me enforce time management which is critical in nursing

Good luck!!!

I work 40-60 hours/week and I take 1-2 classes per semester. For the past 4 weeks, I've been taking a summer class and the hours are killing me. The class is from 5:30pm to 10pm and we have things due almost daily. So basically, I get up around 7am, work from 8-8:30 to 5, drive to class, attend class, drive home, do homework for next day, then go to sleep. I only have 2 more weeks to go though.

Other than this summer session though, working and pre-reqs have been fairly easy to juggle.

I would not be able to work weekdays while going to school. I do the same thing and work as an access rep in the ED. I convinced my manager to only let me work weekends.

So with that I plan to utilize my time by knocking out my prerequisite for BSN and some science classes just in case I want to go for APN or med school. Working and nursing school is tough, I wouldn't be able to do 3 12 hour shifts. Of course everyone is different.

I've been completing my prereqs since last summer and have worked 40+ hours a week the entire time. I took one crazy 5-week class last summer (A&P I), two classes in the Fall (A&P II and Chem I), two classes in the Spring (Nutrition & Chem II), and am now in the middle of an 8-week Micro class. It's not easy, but I'm able to push through just because I know what my ultimate goal is (I start Nursing school in September). Right now my life consists of working from 8-5, going to class from 5:30-8:05, and then going to the gym. I usually don't get home till about 10. It might be crazy to throw the gym in there with everything else, but I honestly think I'd be more exhausted if I WASN'T going to the gym. I'm trying to get in better shape before I start the Nursing courses in a few months, and I figure if I can manage to get myself in a routine now, then maybe it'll be easier to keep that routine in September. My Micro final is on July 16th, so I'll have a little break from school once that's over. My last day of work is on August 3rd and I can't wait to finally be able to focus on school full-time again! Of course, I have no idea how my bills are going to get paid, but that's another topic, lol.

I work full-time and will continue to do so as long as I can. I am lucky that I have a very understanding boss who allows me to switch my schedule around to accommodate my classes. It's hard but definitely doable!

I work two days a week and take 12 hours. Also, I have two small kids and my husband is in the military - which makes things a little harder. If you dot have kids and your single, I think you can do it. Just stay disciplined and study when you can. Also, read the texts BEFORE the class. I have a serious problem with never reading the book. It barely got out last semester with A's!

Good luck to you!! If you have a hard time, may you can just cut down to 2 days. M

I have three children, 8, 4, and 1. I work the 3 to 11 shift as a unit clerk in the hospital, and I will take my last pre req class in Aug. It is very hard being a mother, wife, student, and an employee, however, I just keep saying to myself that all of this hard work is going to payoff, I just have to focus, and use my time wisely. I do have to admit there have been a few times I went into my bathroom and just cried, due to being overwhelmed, and I have not even made it to nursing school yet....lol. But, I do know I am going to stay positive and do my best to get where I want to be.

I work Monday-Friday 9-5 as a paralegal and have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. I started my pre-reqs last fall and I am taking my last right now - Microbiology. It's been ok so far. I wish I had more time to study because I know my grades could be a little better but I am doing the best I can. I am more nervous about starting the nursing program in the fall. I know it will be much more stressful than anything I have done so far. I could not be more excited though!

Glad to hear others are making it through as well. Good luck to everyone, espeically once NS starts!

I worked full time during my prereqs but there was no way I would have been able to work FT once NS started so I went to only 12 hrs/week my first semester. My 2nd semester I cut back to PRN/Registry and plan to stay that way until I graduate.

With our program, it's tough to work FT especially since there's set times for clinicals and lecture.

I am working FT too while doing pre requisites. One at a time! Im saving like mad to get enough put away to pay cash for NS. I have 2 small children and that also makes it tough. I feel like I never get a break but I know it will be worth it!

I worked through my pre-reqs. Tried to get as many summer classes as possible since they are a shorter duration. Online classes ROCK!