working while in school (HFCC)

gemberly · Jan 24, 2009

Your child doesn't get special health care services?

I can't help you with your question, I was just curious. My daughter had cancer and the state made sure we were covered in every way. (She never hit remission though, sorry for asking, I am honestly just curious.)

washilla · Jan 24, 2009

no problem asking, i have no problem talking about it at all. i havent needed special services yet. i'm an autoworker right now and have been fortunate enough to have VERY good insurance. my son has alot of doctors he sees to deal with all the issues that come AFTER cancer. i just dont want his insurance to lapse while i am in school. the money is not nearly as much of an issue as insurance is.

phluteloop · Jan 24, 2009

Hi there,

I'm in my second semester at HFCC and work part-time/single no kids/living on own.

Your school schedule is chosen from four options based on a lottery.

Below is my first two semesters. This is one of the four options.

First semester

Tuesday: Lab 8-1or3pm --- or ---Clinical 7-2:30pm

Wednesday: Lab 8-1or3pm ----or ---Clinical 7-2:30pm

Thursday: Lecture 9-2pm

Friday: Lecture 9-11am

Currently (second semester):

Monday: Supplemental to NRSG155 (optional) 4-5:30pm

Tuesday: Clinical 7am-2:30pm

Wednesday: Clinical 7am-2:30pm

Thursday: Lecture 9-12pm

Friday: Lecture 9-12pm

With some variations (i.e. I think we have a test on Monday at some point).

This is just one schedule, there are others, including clinical and lecture on the same day, PM clincals, etc.

People have gotten through the program working full-time, not impossible, but I feel it would tough. Your first semester includes a skills lab on Tue/Wed. You then have to come in on your own time to practice these skills for a eventual evaluation. We started clinicals our 8th week in. When you start clinicals you'll then have weekly paperwork to turn in (assessments, care plans, drug sheets).

I've been working about 24 hours a week on a midnight shift (that's the least I can work and still get my health benefits) and usually end up trying to get some study time in on my breaks. For me, I really should be working full-time for financial reasons, but I think my school work would suffer. So, I'm in survival mode. lol

I think if you really want it, you can make it go right somehow. You mentioned insurance is more a concern then money, but I would still suggest looking into grants/loans/scholarships (FAFSA). Can't hurt. I'm getting through school with financial aid (thank you goverment). I hope this helps!

Take care,

Chandra

tonyal · Jan 24, 2009

I think it all depends on when you get in the program also. They have a new program they are trying out( I got into it.) where you start in the winter semester have the summers off. So it is winter, fall,winter, fall.

my schedule is

Mon class 5-8

friday class 5-8

sat. class 8-2 or clinicals 7-2

sunday class 8-2 or clinicals 7-2

(we do have different hours each weekend,sometimes we start at 9 sometimes we end at 3:30 but this seems to be the majority of it)

with this schedule I can work and keep up on my studying. And also have time with my family and not be so stressed.plus I don't have to worry, if my kids are sick I won't have to miss school.

oguesswhat · Jan 24, 2009

Ok...1st 2 semesters I had class Monday- Thursday. 2 days were class 9-12 (sometimes later if they felt like it) and then I had pm clinicals which were...3pm-9pm or 10pm (sorry I forget for sure) Then so far 2nd year I have had Tuesdays and Wednessdays: clinicals 7am - 1:00pm or 2:30pm (depending on the class) And class from 5pm-8pm. (So basically this semester I am gone from 7am-8pm) Some times we have had tests on Mondays. I am hoping my schedule stays the same for the next 13 or 14 weeks but it may change because you don't get total choice with your schedule. I work Friday and Saturday nights...for about 20 hours a week. Some people do work full time though...I just don't.

Just_An_Illusion · Jan 25, 2009

Hi-

I'm in my final semester at HFCC and plan on graduating in May. Because I'm a single parent with a mortgage and bills, I had to work 30+ hours a week while in the program. But luckily my manager allowed me to take a more flexible schedule and was allowed to work from home half the week. The secret to it all is to prioritize, priotritize, prioritize!!!! You will have to be prepared to sacrifice all previous free time and accept that YOU WILL NOT HAVE A LIFE!!!! To be successful in this program and work at the same time requires a great deal of discipline and dedication. You will have to stay on top of reading, paperwork, studying at all times.

Every semester offers different clinicals. You spend more time in the lab in your first year. I had the same schedule as oguesswhat, however I stayed with morning classes (9-12) and clinicals Tues. and Weds. For 221 and 222 we had to test in the FORFA on schduled Mondays. For Peds and OB, there are a.m., p.m., weekend and one day 12 hour clinicals.

It is difficult but doable and I'm living proof. I had to have my hours reduced by 7 hours/week in order to accomodate school and my 4 year old. If your job isn't going to be flexible, try to find employment in a hospital. If they know you are going to nursing school, they should give you a very flexible schedule.

Good luck to you!

washilla · Jan 25, 2009

in response to TONYAL

"Mon class 5-8

friday class 5-8

sat. class 8-2 or clinicals 7-2

sunday class 8-2 or clinicals 7-2"

thats AM i assume. that program would be perfect for me.

tonyal · Jan 26, 2009

m,f is nights

sat. sun is mornings. I really like this schedule and my teachers everyone has been great so far.

MySimplePlan · Jan 26, 2009

I think it all depends on when you get in the program also. They have a new program they are trying out( I got into it.) where you start in the winter semester have the summers off. So it is winter, fall,winter, fall.
my schedule is
Mon class 5-8
friday class 5-8
sat. class 8-2 or clinicals 7-2
sunday class 8-2 or clinicals 7-2
What an awesome schedule for both working people and parents trying to transition into another career. This is the 'weekend nursing program' HFCC just rolled out. Just an awesome move on their part.
In addition, it took 30 more people off the waitlist! Yay for a shorter waitlist!