Working and school full time??

RNperdiem, RN · Jul 11, 2014

I do know a couple of people who did work full-time and go to school. My sister was one. She made it work because she was single without kids or family responsibility. Her job was on weekends with a couple of nights a week. It meant living in scrubs 7 days a week and taking big sacrifices in her social life.

A lot more of us worked part-time while in school. I found a per diem CNA job let me get some weekend and afternoon shifts in to pay for school and other living expenses while leaving time off to study. The right part-time job is important. School is not flexible in its schedule, but the job has to be the one to flex.

seaofclouds21, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

I worked full time while going to school full time when I was in nursing school (and am doing the same now while in NP school). There are a few things that come into play with doing this. First, the flexibility of your job. I was fortunate to have a job that worked around my school schedule by working evenings and weekends. Second, you have to be willing to make sacrifices, such as to your social life. I was a single mom when I went to nursing school, so my life was pretty much my son, school, and work. I knew it was temporary though, so I stuck it out. I went out with friends very rarely and usually during school breaks.

Tvel97 · Jul 11, 2014

Thanks for the info :)

I'm married with 2 teenagers, 17 and 16. My job might not be flexible on the hours once I go to nursing school because I will be in a doctors office. I'm going to do as many pre-reqs online so I get those out of the way. If it comes down to it I will just have to quit my job once I get into the nursing program.

seaofclouds21, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

If you can afford to quit, then definitely go for it. Nursing school can be very busy, so any extra time you have would be beneficial.

RunBabyRN · Jul 11, 2014

I worked and went to school like that for a long time. We do what we must.

Just be aware that MA experience is not RN experience. I have extensive healthcare experience, much of which I can liken to nursing, and it's not helping much as a new grad. I can't seem to get past the application phase to land an interview. Once I interview with places, I'm generally offered a position, but I have to get there. Not having RN experience sucks, honestly. Hopefully, by the time you graduate nursing school, the market will have changed.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

Working while doing prereqs can be doable. Once you start nursing classes though, it could be very difficult since you'll have lectures AND clinicals (entire shifts on the floor, basically) to contend with. It would be very difficult working 40 hours a week PLUS a shift in the hospital PLUS class time PLUS study time...especially with having two teenagers at home. Take it one step at a time. If it's working for you now, great. When you get to a point where you need to cut back on something, go part time if you can, or quit. Do what you can afford and what works best for your schooling.

LilRedRN1973 · Jul 11, 2014

I worked two 12-hour night shifts while in nursing school full time in addition to having a 3 year old and a 6 year old. Plus, my husband worked 3-4 twelve hour night shifts AND was in school 3/4 time. We also had a serious illness in the family when my father in law was hospitalized for two months from leukemia and my instructors were very understanding. It was an insane 2 years and I would never do it again (I don't think...lol) but it can be done. I graduated with a solid 3.5 GPA and passed my boards just fine. Nursing school was kind of a blur but it's doable.