Working while in school?

[Bb0322]

Hi everyone I am very interested in pursuing ADN degree however the only thing that concerns me is not being able to work while I'm in school. Has anyone defied this "rule" and successfully worked while in nursing school? If so any helpful advice would be appreciated. Should I consider a more flexible field?

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I had to work through my LPN education and am in the process of obtaining my RN. I will still have to work. I have a family to feed and don't have a choice. Many colleges discourage working, but for many of us who are independent it isn't a possibility. I slept in my car here and there during my LPN education and will do that again if I have to. You do what you have to, when you need to survive.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

There was only one student that did not work when I was in school. That student was also the only one in the class that was a young, recent high school grad living at home with her parents. The rest of us had families to help support, in many cases the nursing student was the only means of family support so not working wasn't an option.

Of course if you are financially able to not work while in school that would be ideal, but reality is most adult students need to have some income.

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

I worked full time as an LPN during my pre-reqs for my bridge program. I gave birth to our third baby a week before pharm finals as well and have maintained a 4.0 the whole time. I do work PRN now as clinicals are about to rev up and with the three kids it's just easier (and less costlier) for me to work PRN. If I did not have children, I think you could defintely work full time through the program and do fine. You just have to be efficient with time management and make no excuses on study time AKA you won't have a life.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Most of my classmates in my LPN and now RN bridge program worked, many FT, while going to school. It's not easy and you have to know how to manage your time but it's definitely doable. I will add that many didn't have much of a life outside of work and school but its not forever. I have many family members and friends who have 4 year degrees and the end situation was the same. College isn't easy but most people need to work in order to survive so they do what they have to to reach their goals. Good luck to you

[OnlinePersona, LPN]

I have 2 full time jobs and I go to school full time...I graduate in 5 months.

[Nursetk4]

On my first day of starting the RN program, my class was asked how many of us were working. More than half the class raised their hands. Our instructor told us we would have to quit. Well I did not have a bill fairy. I worked 2 jobs. One full time, one part time and went to school full time and clinicals. It was hard but totally worth it. I recently completed my PNP while working 2 jobs, going to school full time with 4 kids. It was extremely difficult. Just remember short term pain for the long term gain. You can do anything you set your mind to.

[Karamia0x]

I think it depends on what else is going on in your life --- only you know what you can handle. You can always try it for awhile and then quit if it becomes too much, depending on what the job is. I plan on working part time during my ABSN program, doing a midnight shift so it doesn't get in the way of clinicals. It's really up to you, but I think if you have the confidence and you think you can do it, you should go for it!

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I've never heard this "rule." I got married, had a baby, and worked during my ADN program. I guess someone forgot to tell me I couldn't. :)

[Nursetk4]

I've never heard this "rule." I got married, had a baby, and worked during my ADN program. I guess someone forgot to tell me I couldn't. :)

You my friend are AMAZING.