Working while in school

RN_Student14 · Mar 31, 2012

I plan on working part time. I live with my parents, but I also have a one year old daughter. Not working has really been a problem for me because I am unable to do what I want. But let me not ramble :) What about you?

rubato, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2012

I'm fortunate enough to not have to work. Hubby has supported us for the 12 years I've been a stay at home mom, so what's 2 more years? But, I do have to take care of my son, volunteer at his school and take my extra honors classes, so it's not like NS is all I've got going on.

UVA Grad Nursing · Mar 31, 2012

I'd encourage you to check with the programs where you are applying -- and better yet to talk with current students in the programs. The answer will vary greatly from program to program.

With the program at my University, we do not want anyone to work in the first 6 months of the 2 year MSN program. Those who have worked more than 15 hours per week in this initial period have all failed out. Our program is intensive (students report they spend about 60 hours a week on the program). Ours is a direct entry MSN program, and a B- is a failing grade.

Mama_Cashew, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2012

I will be working the equivalent of a full-timer at my job, but thankfully I will be able to do it all online. I will have to spend maybe 4-5 hours a week on work and the rest of my time on my studies.

nguyency77, CNA · Apr 1, 2012

I'm trying to work PRN as a CNA but it really is a hassle. I really don't know how you moms work full time and go to school!

Still, it's great to have extra money saved up for nursing school! :) How about you?

Mama_Cashew, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

I really don't know how you moms work full time and go to school!

I have a very supportive husband. I couldn't even begin to imagine doing all this without his support!

ginaw623 · Apr 1, 2012

Thanks for the responses everyone. I do plan on working part-time because of the tuition benefits! It would help A LOT!

nguyency77, CNA · Apr 1, 2012

I have a very supportive husband. I couldn't even begin to imagine doing all this without his support!

That's great! :) My fiance is very supportive, as are my parents and workplace. My fiance drives across town and back every day to take me to work and school. I still live with my parents, and what other company would let me take the weekend off just to study for midterms?

ryanalice · Apr 1, 2012

I am a single mom of two kids - and there are a lot of living expenses for myself and the kids - so not working is not an option for me, unfortunately. I wish it was! I do plan to cut down from full time to part time. And hopefully I'll get a decent amount of financial aid to cover some of our expenses - but I'll definitely need to still work too.

soxgirl2008 · Apr 2, 2012

I will be working part time. I don't pay rent, but I do pay for everything else and have since I was 16 because my parents have been tight on money, so not working isn't an option. I plan on working a lot this summer though, and saving up some PTO so I can take a few days off before big exams :up:

NellieOlsen · Apr 2, 2012

I will be working though will probably cut my hours down to 32 hours a week. Quitting my job isn't an option since I hold the health insurance. But I'm lucky in that I work from home and can easily adjust my schedule as needed for clinicals and classes.

I've worked all through my pre-reqs, taking a full-time course load, and maintained excellent grades while still being mom to a few kids and keeping the house running. I know nursing school will be brutal compared to pre-reqs, but when you go into it knowing that you have no other choice but to make it work, you do what ya gotta do! I know that I want this bad enough that I will make it work.