Working and school

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 28, 2017

This is a topic that comes up fairly frequently, and there is just no one right answer. It's going to depend on your ability to handle multiple obligations, what you're willing to put on a back burner, and where you can find a workable compromise. But if you head over to the various student forums, you'll be able to locate plenty of threads that have ideas, suggestions, and advice for those trying to balance work and school.

Quick list of threads that pop up when searching "work while in school": https://allnurses.com/gsearch.php?cx=partner-pub-9350112648257122%3Avaz70l-mgo9&q=work+while+in+school

cleback · Jun 28, 2017

During the school year, I worked 24 hours/week for the first two years (plus volunteer work) and 8-16 hours a week for the last two years.

It was tough, particularly the first two, since there was the added pressure of applying to nursing school. I remember being exhausted, lots of tears... The last two were less stressful as I was already in the program, but more challenging as I had to try to schedule work with an ever-changing-at-a-moments-notice clinical schedule.

Other students I knew worked full time nights... honestly they were pretty amazing. I would not have been anyone pleasant or sane to be around if I had attempted that. But you do what you have to do. Good luck.

caliotter3 · Jun 28, 2017

I worked full time and one or two part time jobs while going to school. When I got sick, or the car broke down, or my teenager got out of control, or a parent died, etc., etc., it affected school. You do what you have to do and you accept the consequences. It is that, or work and save up all the money you will need for school, then quit your job while in school. Not many people can do that.

caliotter3 · Jun 28, 2017

I have posted before about a supervisor who got canned from RN school and the admins blamed the fact that she was working. Well, this is what she did. She waited out the time necessary, then returned to school, with a new work schedule. She gave them lip service about quitting her job. They never knew that she lied to them about her job. They never caught her doing anything related to a job. She was able to graduate from RN school by telling the school administration what they wanted to hear. In other words, don't breathe a word about any job at school. As I found out and others I have spoken to also found out, a job is ammunition for the school to put relentless pressure on you. Don't tell them about a job, a family, a child, a spouse, your dog or your cat. When you are at school, talk school and school only. You will do a lot better for that wise practice.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2017

For many, NOT working isn't an option. I just worked 24 hrs/week, but I also had a newborn. Not a small baby -- a newborn; I was back in lectures and taking exams when she was two weeks old.

I know lots of students are advised not to work, but the school won't pay your bills. To the contrary, actually. :uhoh3:

Lipoma, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2017

I will be attending an accelerated 12 months BSN program this fall and I will be working either 1 12 hour shift OR 1 9 hour shift during the week. Although I will be taking out school loans I NEED to have a steady flow of incoming cash to offset bills.

How I see it is....if I work 1 shift per week that comes out to be roughly ~10,000 in income. If not, i'll be 10K poorer.