Working and Pre-Reqs

ejm123 · Jun 24, 2012

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!!!

leenak · Jun 24, 2012

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.

ImKosher · Jun 24, 2012

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.

jocy_anne · Jun 24, 2012

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.

NellieOlsen · Jun 24, 2012

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!

Jennie.K · Jun 24, 2012

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

lucretia37 · Jun 25, 2012

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.

TTCherise · Jun 25, 2012

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!

smoup · Jun 25, 2012

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

k_girl153 · Jun 25, 2012

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.

sunbaby0811 · Jun 25, 2012

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!