Working while in school

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2015

I worked full-time while in nursing school. However, I didn't attend an accelerated program. My school hours were from 1:00 to 5:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays with one 8-hour clinical shift every Wednesday.

These hours enabled me to have Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. I worked two 16-hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday as an LVN at a nursing home. The 32 hours of work per week allowed me to pay my mortgage and other bills comfortably while attending school.

Students in accelerated nursing programs might not be able to work since so many credits are being crammed into each semester.

Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2015

I am currently in an ADN program and I work weekend night shifts as a medical scribe in the ER. It's taken a toll on me for sure. Sometimes I don't have the time to sleep in between work and school so I'll show up to lecture exhausted. Definitely works for some people, but make sure you know what you're getting into.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Nov 29, 2015

I worked full time days (M-F) and went to class at night and on the weekends. Clinicals were also at night/weekends.

bjames09 · Nov 29, 2015

For the program I'm looking at, there's 28 hours first semester, 24 second and 12 the third. It's a 12 month program so very intense. They advise you not to work but I know I can't be the only one who doesn't have a choice but to work at least a little. I'd rather not get into debt up to my eyeballs.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Nov 29, 2015

Is this LPN or some sort of second degree bridge to RN type thing? It it's the former, you will fine to work. I was single/no kids when I attended LPN school and worked as an STNA, worked out great. If its the second degree thing---I would say very difficult. I am in some classes in my bridge program with students doing that particular program -- none of them work. But I realize that isn't a option for everyone. Everything is always doable to an extent but you don't want to kill yourself in that year either.

bjames09 · Nov 29, 2015

It's an accelerated BSN program for people who already have a bachelors degree and all the prereqs. It's 12 months. From what I've read most people don't work, but I will have to otherwise I'll have to just take out loans to live off of, which I really don't want to do.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Nov 29, 2015

It's an accelerated BSN program for people who already have a bachelors degree and all the prereqs. It's 12 months. From what I've read most people don't work, but I will have to otherwise I'll have to just take out loans to live off of, which I really don't want to do.

From what these students are saying, it's nearly impossible to keep up with the school work without a job, let alone with one. Can you perhaps move back in with your parents for the 12 months? I actually took a peek at the schedule for my school's accelerated BSN program ... it's rough looking. And it's competitive so not only do you have to pass, you have to be at the top of your calss...

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Nov 29, 2015

I also think whether or not you have exposure to the health care world before this. Most of the students I have encountered in this program are from degrees such as teaching accounting, far removed from the health care world. I really cant imagine going from a teaching degree and then jumping right into doing clinicals, course work, learning the world of nursing diagnoses, pharmacology, how to interact with patients, etc and still being able to work even a shift a week.

bjames09 · Nov 29, 2015

Yes I actually am living with my parents now. I have a B.S. In biology and a Masters of Public Health, so I am familiar with the healthcare world. I just graduated with my MPH but haven't had any luck finding a job even though I've applied all over the US. So I'm considering the accelerated nursing program but there isn't one close to home so no matter what I'd have to get an apartment or live on campus

cec1183 · Nov 29, 2015

Yes, it is feasible to work. Several of my friends are working as techs while completing a 15 month ABSN program. Some full time, some part time. They are very good at managing their schedules and sometimes have to make sacrifices to make everything work. If you are unsure of your ability to juggle both school and work, you could start out part time and increase your work hours as you become more comfortable with the demands of the ABSN program.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Nov 30, 2015

As an experienced student your odds of being able to juggle school and work will be much better than a student who has never had to deal with the demands on your time that school makes. That being said my advice is to look for a part time job, or better yet an on call/casual job that will allow super flexible scheduling until you get a handle on the demands of the program.