Working while in school

ConkyTonker · Jun 15, 2005

I did. For the duration of my schooling, I worked 40 hrs/week in a non-healthcare job. It was difficult and demanding, but I did it. In fact, many people in my graduating class worked throughout school. We all did it, and you can too! A good support system also helps. My husband, in particular, deserves a gold medal for all of his help with child care, household stuff, etc.

Good luck to you!

Live, laugh, love,

Jenny

renerian, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2005

I did 40 hours while in the ADN program and my BS and MS.

renerian

skijunkie · Jun 15, 2005

Thanks to both of you for proving it's possible!

rogramjet · Jun 15, 2005

I worked as a housekeeper/security at the hospital on night shift 32 hours a week. I would not work the night before clinicals, but other than that I was either at work or at school. While I was dong my preceptorship, it felt like I never left the hospital. But ut's over and I have no regrets. It was worth it.

Vans · Jun 15, 2005

Hi Jenny - I like your spirit of "Doing it". But, I was told by a college counsellor that RN programs throughtout the US are full-time programs (which actually put me off). Can you tell me more please?

Thank you.

Vans

ConkyTonker · Jun 16, 2005

Hi Jenny - I like your spirit of "Doing it". But, I was told by a college counsellor that RN programs throughtout the US are full-time programs (which actually put me off). Can you tell me more please?
Thank you.
Vans

While it is true that RN programs are full-time, it is possible to work full-time and attend The Program. I am an ADN graduate who chose my particular school not for its stellar reputation, but for its offering of evening classes. Specifically, lecture was usually 5-9pm two to three nights per week, followed by a pre-clinical assignment after work one day, culminating in a 9-hour clinical on Friday night (2-11pm).

Grueling, yes, but possible with the right day job and right support system to back you up. Honestly, I only had three nights' worth of lecture during Foundations. The remainder of my program was 2 nights lecture, one preclinical, then the clinical itself. I was fortunate in that my day job allowed me to start the day early, work through lunch, and leave for school in time for 5pm lecture. My day job (non-healthcare, mind you) also let its employees off at 12:00 on Friday, so getting to a 2pm clinical assignment was no problem. I realize that such a day job is rare, but there are other options. For example, many of my school colleagues worked as "techs" in various facilities on 12-hour shifts and coordinated their shifts with school hours. Others were current employees of said facilities, and the facilities made schedule adjustments with the assumption that the student would complete two years of employment as an RN after graduation.

I think my point is that options are out there. It takes creativity, a good support system (at work and home), and perseverance. I was in your situation, with bills, a mortgage, a child, food to buy, the whole nine yards. The grueling schedule kicked my butt at times, but I'm still here, aren't I? I entered my program with a 4.0 in the prerequisites (yes, including Pharmacology) and graduated with a 3.5 GPA. I passed The Boards the first time out with 75 questions and am currently seeking employment (that's a story for another campfire). I'm living proof that it can be done. So are my 60-something brothers and sisters who I had the privilege of attending school with.

If you need to work while attending school, you can do it! What helped me when the going got tough, and it was often, was to keep my eyes on the prize and to look around me at school, where I saw the faces of all of the other ultra-hard-working men and women who were rowing their boats right next to mine. Work hard, believe, don't be ashamed to ask for help, and shine on.

Live, laugh, love,

Jenny

P.S. Feel free to PM me if you would like more info.

ConkyTonker · Jun 16, 2005

skijunkie,

I just realized that you are in New Jersey. I am completely unfamiliar with RN programs in your area, as I live in what some people consider the Deep South. Check evening/weekend program availability. I think you need a program that offers that, if you can find one.

Cheers,

Jenny

skijunkie · Jun 16, 2005

Hey there, ConkyTonker,

I can't tell you how your posts have uplifted me! This time yesterday, I was honestly questioning whether or not I could make this happen. Now I know I can. I really appreciate your insight. Talk about an attitude adjustment!

I'm attending the local community college (5 minutes from home) and taking the required sciences at night. Nursing's offered at night, too, and I've already applied for spring 2006. Unfortunately, I'm not certain I'll get the kind of support I'd like from work (flexibility with hours and whatnot), but I'll figure it out somehow.

The school, of course, suggests not working more than 10 hours per week, and those I know who just finished Nursing 1 suggested it'd be hard doing any more than that. That concerned me, but I've come to realize people get through it with a lot heavier burden than I have. I can do this!

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

ConkyTonker · Jun 17, 2005

I can't tell you how your posts have uplifted me! This time yesterday, I was honestly questioning whether or not I could make this happen. Now I know I can. I really appreciate your insight. Talk about an attitude adjustment!

And you, in turn, with your kind words, have bolstered my spirits, my friend. I have worn your hat (to use the Redneck Zen I was raised with). Specifically, I attended ADN orientation on a muggy Southern evening, and we were all told as a group what was expected in terms of schedules, time, etc., and I had a major crisis of self-faith. I was soooo scared that I couldn't hack it. At that moment, a good friend of mine came by to chat, right there on the school's steps. I don't remember her exact words, but what I do remember is that she became my "angel" at that time. What happened next was, I told myself, "OK, I'll just TRY it for one semester and see how it works out. " And you know what? At the end of that first semester, my faith in myself and my potential was restored. Once I got past the first part, the rest wasn't easy, but I knew I could do it. Also, no matter how crappy I felt walking in to clinical on Friday afternoon at 2pm, I walked out of there at 11-something and felt so spiritually uplifted by working with my patients and seeing through the deal I made with myself. And I graduated. With Honors.

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

You are welcome! Believe in yourself, prioritize, do the work, and get plenty of sleep whenever you can. I cannot emphasize enough the presence of a good support system. Count me as your first member!

Live, laugh, love,

Jenny