Working while in school

[hvymtlnursetobe]

Hello everyone, heres my background -I am single, 26 years & no children. Currently im working a retail job, 20-25 hr/week.

I am going to enroll In an 18mo LPN program at my community college that will start in August 2016. I have no medical experience.

I have been told & have heard that this program is intense both study and clinicals wise.

**Heres my dilemma & I could really use some opinions/advice/experiences. Should i quit my job and take out a small loan to cover my bills while in this program? (Financial aid is maxed out) Bills average out to 500/month so i would only need a loan of about $6000 per year & am thinking a federal loan for low interest and grace period while continuing school.

If i do work it will be 7 days a week for the next 18 months which includes working 20hrs on the weekends. I personally dont think i can go to school 5 days/week & work on the weekends & still have time to study. I have really bad anxiety & am finding ways to cope, i am an average student & have some trouble with science classes but have passed the pre reqs nonetheless..I can only take 2 classes at the most while working my part time job without pulling my hair out but i know i could do better if i didn't work.

I hate thinking that i will be paying back a loan after the program but for me to not flunk the program and to finally get my life going it might not be so bad. Ive been working non stop since i was 16 so not working is scary for me, im stuck and just need some guidance.

Thank you everyone!

[Divatologist, ADN]

I would probably look into finding a part time job at a local hospital or in an office under a major health organization. You can work as a unit clerk, work in the storeroom, deliver meds for the pharmacy, etc. There are a number of entry level positions. I suggest that because a lot of those organizations will help with tuition. Always ask in the interview if they help with tuition and if they're willing to work with your school schedule. Most places will be flexible with your schedule because they want you to stay there and work when you finish. It's cheaper to hire and train from within than it is to train someone totally new. My hospital does tuition reimbursement. You will also already have your foot in the door at a place where you can work after school. The great thing about that is you will already know your way around. You will know the folks that work there. I have been working at my hospital for 11 years. I can't think of a better place to start my nursing career. I'm lucky too. My hospital is no longer hiring LPNs or RNs with an associate degree. They are giving me a position as long as I start my bachelor's program. I hope to start that in the fall. I live in MD. There are a lot of schools in this tristate area. I have friends that came out in May and still haven't found a job. So that's something to think about.

I worked full time all through school. I just finished the RN program last week. Woo Hoo! LOL! It was hard. I didn't have much of a choice though. It's just me. I have no other income other than the occasional help from my parents. My school required us to have health insurance. So, working helped me out there. It's possible to work and go to school. It's very hard though. I would not recommend it. However, sometimes you just don't have a choice.

[hvymtlnursetobe]

Hi thanks for your advice. I have a trust fund my grandmother left me specifically for school that will cover my tuition expenses its just living expenses i need to cover.